How to Retrofit LED Tube Lights?

 

Fitting an LED tube is an easy task. However, one must first know which ones to choose among the three types of LED tubes available on the market. There are four kinds of LED tubes: ballast compatible tubes, ballast bypass tubes, retrofit tubes, and hybrid tubes.

In the present scenario, many households and commercial facilities are still in the process of transitioning to the more modern and energy-efficient LED technology. Yet, it’s quite common to see existing fluorescent tube fixtures in many properties. Since, installing LED tube lights in brand new properties (offices, homes, etc.) is pretty much self-explanatory,  here we will focus on the retrofitting process.

The process for retrofitting an LED tube light into any existing fluorescent strip lighting fixture module differs slightly. The differences in the installation process depends on what type of fixture setup is in use. One of the major deciding factors is the age of the pre-existing fixture.

Older fluorescent tube versions are (often) still equipped with both: a conventional magnetic ballast and a starter. On the other hand, the slightly newer fluorescent lighting arrays might only include an electrical ballast. In fluorescent tubes, the job of the ballast was to regulate the current flowing through the lamp, for as long as it is not switched off, after the starter causes the inert gases inside the tube to arc and illuminate.

Know that, most modern LED tubes will not need  a ballast. It is because LED tubes don’t need the continuous power regulation. Therefore, one can bypass the starter component altogether.

Most retrofit LED tube installations will require the installer to perform this ballast bypass procedure themselves. It’s not complicated to do, and it’s generally a recommended step during a retrofit, as leaving ballasts in place can sometimes result in adverse performance effects such as buzzing or flickering of LEDs. Furthermore, bypassing the ballast completely will also ensure that your LED lights are running at optimal efficiency, by eliminating a potential source of wasted power draw from the circuit.

Performing a Retrofit

What You Will Need

You’ll need wire strippers, a screwdriver, some form of crimp or push-in wire-splices.

Having a portable work light will come in handy, as you will need one after shutting down the electricity mains,

reforming performing the retrofit.

Here are the steps to follow for retrofitting an LED tube:

NOTE: LED tube lights available as both 8ft led tubes and 4ft led tubes.

The Process

1. Pull down the main power switch of the facility (home, office, etc.) and make sure that the fixture that needs replacement does not receive any current.
2. Carefully, remove the old fluorescent tube.
3. Remove any panels that cover the wiring. Expose the wiring of the lighting fixture module.
4. If the fixture has an electronic ballast, remove it by cutting the wires attached to it. Make sure to cut the wires very close to the ballast body. Unscrew, unclip, and remove it.
5. If the fixture is an older version with a starter and a magnetic ballast, you’ll need to remove the starter. To remove the magnetic ballast isn’t mandatory. However it is advisory, as it will degrade later on. Also, it takes up space in the fitting.
6. If retrofitting into a fixture that previously used a fluorescent tube starter, one must fit a new LED starter, before installing the LED tube light.
7. Reconnect the loose wires. Make sure the electrical circuit is proper,  insulated, and secure.
8. Fit a new LED tube light of the appropriate size for the housing/socket.
9. Turn the mains on and supply power to the fixture and switch on to test

NOTE: Remember that one end of any electrical circuit is the live connection, while the other is the neutral connection. Your wiring through the fixture needs to match this configuration, otherwise, there will be a short circuit.