Shunted Tube Lights vs. Non-Shunted Tube Lights

When transitioning to LED tube lights, it is essential to know the type of socket or “tombstone” connection your existing lights have to find the right LED replacement tube. There are two categories of tube lights: shunted and non-shunted. 

Electricity travels through multiple paths in non-shunted lights, also known as tombstones, whereas in shunted tombstones, it flows through a single path. Non-shunted lights are utilized in rapid start, programmed start, and dimming ballasts to supply power to the lamp's cathodes before it is turned on.

Shunted tombstones on an LED tube light mean the electricity flows from one point to two pins. Non-shunted tombstones flow from two points into two pins. Differentiating between shunted and non-shunted joints is easy once you understand how each type works.

Using the incorrect sockets for tube lights can cause an electrical short, leading to significant problems later. Hence, it is essential to know what type of socket your existing lamps use and to match the equivalent LED tube to the existing fixture. 

Shunted sockets have connected electrical contacts inside. This creates a single path for the electrical current. The current goes from the ballast through the tombstone or socket to the lamp's pins. A simple way to remember this is to think about the electrical contacts being “joined” or “connected” when referring to shunted sockets.

Non-shunted sockets have two separate contacts for wires, allowing electricity to flow through two tracks. In non-shunted sockets, the contacts remain unjoined and unconnected.

Different connection types, dual-end, and single-end, have different requirements for the original socket style compatibility. Certain bulbs types are compatible with each type of socket and ballast compatibility. See the charts below for more information. 

Single-Ended

Electrical connections from one end of the tube light with one pin connecting to the line and one to a neutral spot. This type requires non-shunted sockets and rewriting.

Dual-Ended

These bulbs are electrically connected on each end of the tube. One end connects to the electrical line, and the other to the neutral line. Dual-ended connections can use both shunted and non-shunted sockets. These LED tube lights replace existing fluorescent bulbs; one end connects to the live circuit while the other connects to the neutral side.

LED tube lights save energy and money, lower maintenance costs, and offer adjustable color and brightness. HID and incandescent bulbs produce more heat, need more frequent replacement than LEDs, and lack financial or tax benefits.

Transitioning to energy-efficient LED tube lights proves to be a wise investment for both residential and commercial environments. The advantages are evident: lower energy costs, an extended lifespan, customizable lighting options, and a diminished environmental footprint.

The popularity of LED tube lights has grown dramatically in recent years and with good reason. Here are some advantages associated with the use of LED tube lights:

• Energy Efficiency: LED tube lights use 60% less energy than traditional fluorescent tube lights, making them highly energy efficient. This translates to lower electricity bills and a reduced carbon footprint.
• Longer Lifespan: LED tube lights boast a longer lifespan than traditional fluorescent lights, lasting up to 50,000 hours. This results in less frequent replacements and lower maintenance costs.
• LED tube lights made with PC are more durable than traditional fluorescent lights. Therefore, they are less likely to be damaged by vibration and impact.
• Enhanced Color Rendering: LED tube lights offer superior color rendering to traditional fluorescent lamps, delivering a more natural and vibrant lighting experience.
• Instant On: Unlike traditional fluorescent lamps, LED tube lights turn on instantly and reach full brightness without any warm-up time.
• Environmentally Friendly: LED tube lights are environmentally friendly, containing no toxic materials like mercury, commonly found in traditional fluorescent lamps. This makes them a sustainable lighting choice.

If you’re interested in learning more about retrofitting your tube lights at home, check out our blog “How to Convert Fluorescent Tubes to LEDs in Your Home.”