How To Replace Fluorescent With LED Bulbs

There is no doubt that lights have been on a long journey of transforming and evolving for years. Do you know that now you can replace fluorescent tubes with LEDs? These lights consume less energy, stay longer, produce consistent light, and come at an affordable price. 

This guide, Vorlane, will tell how to replace fluorescent tubes with LED bulbs. Let’s dive in.

How To Replace Fluorescent With LED Bulbs?

1. The first step in transitioning to LED lighting is to evaluate your existing fluorescent fixtures. Note the type and size of the fluorescent tubes currently in use. This information is vital as it will determine the kind of LED replacement you’ll need.
2. LEDs have different types, and each type offers unique features. Hence, choose the LED that is easy to install and suits your area perfectly.
3. Once you’ve selected the appropriate LED solution, the next step is preparation. For a safe installation, start by turning off the power at the circuit breaker. Gather the necessary tools and equipment, including a ladder, wire connectors, and safety gear like gloves and protective eyewear.
4. Always be extra careful while removing the fluorescent tube light. Because it consists of glass and mercury, that’s why make sure to gently remove it by twisting the rod. And pull it down.
5. For Plug-in LEDs, simply insert the LED tube into the existing fixture because they work with the existing ballast. For Ballast-Bypass LEDs, additional steps are required. This involves bypassing or removing the existing ballast and directly wiring the fixture to the power source. Hybrid tubes offer flexibility, working with or without a ballast.
6. After installation, restore power and test your new LED lights. You should notice an immediate difference in lighting quality and brightness.

More Ways to Replace Fluorescent With LED Bulbs

Method 1:

1. Buying 4ft LED tubes is less expensive than replacing a whole fixture.
2. They use 40% less energy than fluorescent tubes.
3. A 50,000-hour average lamp life vs a 30,000-hour fluorescent lamp life means you save on maintenance costs, too.
4. 4ft LED tube lights often qualify for money-saving financial incentives and rebates offered by utility companies, as well as business tax breaks.
5. Ballast bypass/type B tubes will need minor rewiring of the fixture, redirecting power from the ballast to the tombstone sockets—but since the ballast accounts for as much as 10% of your fixture’s energy draw, your fixture will be even more energy efficient when you’re done. (Ballast compatible/type A tubes, on the other hand, work only with certain types of ballasts.)
6. Choose between a low-cost like-for-like LED fluorescent replacement tube to get the same light output at a lower energy cost or an ultra-high-lumen LED fluorescent replacement tube for additional brightness at even more efficient operation—or find your sweet spot somewhere in the middle.

Method 2

1. Less expensive than replacing the whole fixture
2. Uses 40% less energy
3. Less rewiring involved than with tubes—instead of wiring the mains to each tombstone socket, you wire the mains to one LED driver
4. Magnetic LED light strips and driver easily adhere to metal fixtures, freeing up both hands for an easier installation
5. It’s a ballast bypass solution, so you don’t have to pay for the energy used by the fixture’s fluorescent ballast
6. The external LED driver allows for better airflow and heat dissipation than LED tubes’ internal drivers, which translates to longer life & increased reliability
7. Most LED retrofit strip kits are eligible for money-saving rebates and incentives offered by utilities, as well as business tax incentives
8. With longer lifespans and easier installs, the labor cost to replace fluorescent light fixtures with LED strips is lower.

Method 3

1. Works with any ballast-bypass (type B) or dual mode (type A/B) LED tube without rewiring—just pop the tubes in and go
2. Easy install—remove the old fixture and wire, and mount this one in its place
3. Clean, new fixtures update the overall look of your workplace
4. Lumens, watts, and lamp life depend on the tubes you purchase for it
5. Rebate eligibility is based on the tubes you purchase for the fixture

Method 4

1. Maintain the troffer size while updating to a modern, elegant style.
2. Perfect for swapping out fixtures in ceilings with suspended grids; certain types may also be surface-mounted on flat ceilings
3. providing uniform illumination without the noticeable dark areas that can occasionally appear with both LED and fluorescent bulbs.
4. 50,000-hour average operating life
5. Panels and troffers available for energy rebate eligibility either with or without Digital labeling

Fluorescent With LED fixture

1. An all-in-one design enables a lighter, more attractive, and more compact profile. 
2. Sometimes all-in-one fixtures aren’t much bigger than a fluorescent tube, such as our Combined Tube Lights. 
3. It can be hung from cables or be surface mounted.
4. Often provides more light output than fixtures with tubes. 
5. Long lamp life soothes worries about needing to substitute the fixture when its life is coming to an end.
6. Also, the integrated design enhances the protection against dust and water.
7. Several of our straight LED fixtures are eligible for utility rebates, thanks to their DLC listing.

Why is it beneficial to replace Fluorescent Tubes With LED Bulbs?

1. LED bulb lights consume very little energy as compared to traditional fluorescent tubes. Due to less energy consumption, the electricity bill also decreases and helps you save money.
2. The average life longevity of LEDs is about 25k-50k hrs. Meanwhile, fluorescent tube lights only last for 10k-25k hours. Hence, the high durability of LEDs ultimately decreases the need to replace lights frequently. This saves you money and the labor of maintenance. 
3. LEDs produce a consistent beam of light, whereas fluorescent tubes flicker and take time to produce fully bright light. The uniform light allows you to do your work effectively and without any strain.
4. Fluorescent tube lights contain mercury, which has an impact on the environment. But LEDs do not contain any mercury which makes them a safe lighting option for the environment. 
5. LED bulbs are also the best lighting solution because they fit easily in any place. The unique and small size design of bulbs allows them to enhance the look and style of the place.
6. Fluorescent tube lights emit greater heat, while LEDs do not. Therefore, the less heat production feature makes them a perfect companion in a place where people have heat concerns.

FAQs

Can LED bulbs be used in existing fluorescent fixtures?

Yes, many LED bulbs are designed for easy retrofitting into fluorescent fixtures. Some LEDs are plug-and-play with existing ballasts, while others may require bypassing the ballast. A quick check of the fixture type and LED compatibility is all it takes.

Is an electrician necessary for converting to LED?

For simple bulb replacements, you might not need one. However, modifications like ballast removal or wiring adjustments for certain LED installations definitely call for professional expertise to ensure safety and compliance with electrical standards.

How significant are the savings with LED lighting?

Transitioning to LED can dramatically reduce your energy consumption—by as much as 80%—and significantly lower your electricity bills. The longevity of LED bulbs also means fewer replacements, further contributing to cost savings over time.

Will the quality of light improve with LEDs?

Definitely. LEDs offer superior light quality, including better color accuracy and consistency. They’re available in a range of color temperatures, allowing you to customize the ambiance of your space from warm to cool light according to your preference.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, replacing fluorescent tubes with LED bulbs is a smart, sustainable choice that offers both immediate and long-term benefits. With this guide, you’re now equipped to make this transition smoothly and effectively, brightening your space with efficient, eco-friendly lighting.