Replace fluorescent tubes with LED tubes

Is my fluorescent fixture suitable for an LED fluorescent tube?

To determine if a fluorescent fixture is suitable for an LED fluorescent tube, you need to check if the fixture is designed for the use of LED tubes. When replacing halogen with LED, there are a few things to consider. Old fluorescent tubes use a ballast (the power generator) and a starter (which turns the lamp on) in the fixture. With LED tubes and fixtures, neither the ballast nor the starter is needed anymore. LED tubes can therefore be connected directly to the mains (220V). Besides LED tubes being more energy-efficient, the fixtures are as well. This is because LED fixtures no longer use a ballast and a starter; these two components also consume power in addition to the light sources.

If you want to use the old fixtures from your current fluorescent tube (non-LED), there are two possibilities:
1.You keep the current fixture intact and replace the old starter with an LED starter. The LED starter acts as a dummy and is often supplied with a new LED fluorescent tube.
2. You remove the starter and the ballast and then connect the LED fluorescent tube. This allows you to save extra energy by removing these two components.

When keeping the current fixtures, there are two options: using an LED starter or removing the starter and the ballast. Both options are explained in more detail below.

Replacing fluorescent tubes using an LED Starter

A halogen fluorescent fixture with a starter can be recognized in several ways. The fluorescent tube flickers for a moment when you switch it on, and it is also often recognizable from the outside of the fixture.When you want to place an LED tube in your current fixture, you must replace the starter with an LED dummy starter. This dummy is often included with LED tubes; this is always indicated with the product. Before you start, it is always important to switch off the power, so you can work safely. To replace it, you can follow the steps below.

1. Switch off the power/electricity.
2. Turn the halogen fluorescent tube a quarter turn to remove it from the fixture.
3. Turn the starter a quarter turn to remove it from the fixture.
4. Place the new LED Dummy where the old starter was located.
5. Place the LED tube where the old tube was located.
6. Switch the power/electricity back on.

LED dummy starter

The method above is the easiest and fastest way to replace fluorescent tubes. An optional step is to remove or disable the ballast. This allows you to save extra energy and also ensures a longer lifespan for the fluorescent tube. The image shows the old and new situations.

Removing the starter and ballast

With this method, both the starter and the ballast are removed. This way, you connect the LED fluorescent tubes directly to the mains power (220V). This makes the old fixtures work in the same way as new LED fixtures. Removing the ballast and starter results in a 30% power saving, so it is definitely worthwhile to convert your entire fixture.

For this reason, many people choose this option instead of just replacing the starter. To replace it, you can follow these steps:

1. Switch off the power/electricity.
2. Turn the halogen fluorescent tube a quarter turn to remove it from the fixture.
3. Open the fluorescent fixture and look for a small block labeled VSA or ballast.
4. Cut the wires leading to the ballast and connect them to the base of the LED fluorescent tube.
5. Next, remove the starter. This works the same way as removing the ballast. Cut the wires and connect the wire to the base of the fluorescent tube. Please note: LED fluorescent tubes are powered on one side. Therefore, connect both wires to one side of the fixture.
6. Place the new LED fluorescent tube in the fixture.Please note that the power supply side of the tube must be placed on the power supply side of the fixture.

The method above is the most energy-efficient way to replace fluorescent tubes. The image shows the old and new situations. It also indicates which cables you need to cut.

Replacing a double fluorescent fixture with LED

In addition to single fixtures, there are also double fixtures, which contain two or more fluorescent tubes. Converting these fixtures is slightly more complicated than converting single fixtures. A double fixture contains the following components:

• Two fluorescent tubes
• Two starters
• One ballast

Just as with single fixtures, you can choose to only replace the starters with LED starters.Most people choose to remove both the starters and the ballast, which saves the most energy. To convert double fixtures, you can follow these steps:

1. Switch off the power/electricity.
2. Turn the halogen fluorescent tubes a quarter turn to remove them from the fixture.
3. Open the fluorescent fixture and look for a small block labeled VSA or ballast.
4. Cut the wires leading to the ballast and connect them to the sockets for the LED fluorescent tube.
5. Next, remove the starters. This works the same way as removing the ballast. Cut the wires and connect them to the sockets of the fluorescent tubes. Please note: LED fluorescent tubes are powered on one side. Therefore, connect both wires to one side of the fixture.
6. Place the new LED fluorescent tubes in the fixture.Please note that the power supply side of the tubes must be placed on the power supply side of the fixture.

The image shows the old and new situation. It also indicates which cables you need to cut and how to connect them.

Order LED fluorescent tubes online at LedLoket

You can buy LED fluorescent tubes affordably and safely online in our webshop. LedLoket supplies high-quality LED fluorescent tubes at a competitive price. The LED tubes have a warranty period of up to 5 years and a lifespan of 25,000+ burning hours. This assures you of high quality. If you still have questions about purchasing LED fluorescent tubes or converting your current fixtures, do not hesitate to contact us. Our experts are always ready to assist you.

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