How to Install an LED Tube Light Replacement

Upgrading to LED tube replacements is a simple and cost-effective way to improve energy efficiency in both residential and commercial spaces. LED tubes offer significant benefits, including reduced energy consumption, longer lifespans, and lower maintenance costs compared to traditional fluorescent tubes. They are also safer than fluorescent tube lights since they do not contain harmful substances like Mercury.

Installation of LED fluorescent replacements can be done by a licensed professional or, in some cases, the average homeowner. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of installing both plug-and-play LED tubes and ballast bypass LED tubes.

Ways to Replace Fluorescent Tubes With LEDs

Tube Types

There are 2 main options when it comes to replacing your fluorescent tubes with LED tubes. The first option is to use an LED tube that is ballast-compatible. These are called Type A tubes, or plug-and-play tubes. If your Type A LED tube is compatible with the ballast in the light fixture, you can simply insert the LED tubes in and they will work. 

The second option is to use a Type B tube and remove or bypass the ballast. To do this, run the line voltage to the tombstones in the fixture. There are a few reasons why ballast bypass LED tubes are the best option. First, when a T8 LED tube is being used in a Type A application, it will require more electricity to operate than a Type B tube since the ballast is being used. Second, ballasts typically fail over time, so by removing the ballast, you remove a common point of failure of the fixture. 

There are two types of Type B tubes: Single-End and Dual-End. Single-End Type B tubes require bypassing the original ballast and rewiring sockets (tombstones) in the fixture, whereas Dual-End Type B tubes require bypassing the existing ballast and installing the tube with polarity matching the wiring.

Some tubes are universal, meaning they can be both Type A and Type B. Type A/B Hybrid tubes function in the same way as Dual-End Type A and Single-End Type B. We also offer 3-in-1 Universal tubes which are the most universal fluorescent tube conversion solution and can be installed like Type A or Single-End and Dual-End Type B. For more information on the types of LED tube replacements, click here.

Tube Size and Length

Besides ballast compatibility, you must also consider the size of your existing tube and sockets. There are three main tube sizes: T8, T12, and T5. T8 tubes (the most popular) have a 1-inch diameter, T12 tubes have a 1.5-inch diameter, and T5 tubes have a 5/8-inch diameter. Most fluorescent tubes will have the size labeled, so choose an LED replacement with the same type.

*Tubes are also available in various lengths, including 2ft, 4ft (the most common), and 8ft. Choose replacement tubes to fit the size of your existing fixture. 

How to Install Plug-and-Play LED Fluorescent Tube Replacements

1. Before retrofitting your fluorescent tubes, turn off the power to the light fixture at the breaker. Always double-check that the power is off before you proceed.

2. Next, remove the lens covering the fixture. Some lenses unsnap, while others may unlock and pivot down. 

3. Rotate the fluorescent tube 90 degrees in either direction to release it from the socket. Carefully slide the tube out and set it aside. We recommend wearing protective eyewear, as glass fluorescent tubes sometimes break while being removed from the tombstones.

4. Install the LED tubes by connecting the pins in the tombstones and rotating them 90º in either direction. 

5. Attach the lens back onto the fixture. 

6. Restore the power and turn on your light. 

7. Properly dispose of the existing fluorescent tubes.

How to Install Ballast Bypass LED Fluorescent Tube Replacements

1. Turn off the power to the light fixture at the breaker. Always double-check that the power is off before you proceed.

2. Next, remove the lens covering the fixture. Some lenses unsnap, while others may unlock and pivot down.

3. Rotate the tube 90 degrees in either direction to release it from the socket. Carefully remove the fluorescent tube and set it aside. We recommend wearing protective eyewear, as glass fluorescent tubes sometimes break while being removed from the tombstones.

4. Remove the ballast cover to expose the wires. Cut the wires connected to the ballast. Be sure to leave enough length to strip and connect the wires afterward and remove the ballast.

5. You will have 2 sets of wires going to opposite sides of the fixture and connected to the tombstones. Using wire connectors, connect the input Line voltage wire to one set and your neutral wire to the other set.

6. Next, put the ballast cover back on and install the LED tubes by putting them in the tombstones and rotating them 90º in either direction.

7. Attach the lenses back to the fixture. 

8. Restore the power and turn on your light.

9. Properly dispose of the existing fluorescent tubes and ballast. 

How to Discard Fluorescent Tubes

After completing your lighting upgrade, it is essential that you properly dispose of the fluorescent tubes. Since fluorescent lights contain a small amount of mercury, they are considered hazardous. Instead of throwing them in the trash, the EPA mandates that fluorescent lights be disposed of at recycling centers, hazardous waste collection agencies, or qualified retailer recycling programs. For more information, click here.

Other LED Replacements For Fluorescent Lights

In addition to LED replacement tubes, there are several other options for replacing outdated fluorescent tube lights. Another retrofitting option is to opt for magnetic strip kits. These lights snap into the existing fluorescent fixture housing and eliminate any guesswork on what tubes you need. You can also choose to do a full fixture replacement and choose LED troffers or LED panels. These are great options for suspended or drop ceilings.