How to Convert Fluorescent Tubes to LEDs in Your Home

There are many reasons why you might be in the market for an LED upgrade from your fluorescent tubes. However, you might be bogged down by the amount of LED lighting options out there and struggling to find the right light equivalency. In this article, we break down the different ways you can convert fluorescent lights into LEDs and which option may be the best for you. There are two main ways you can upgrade outdated fluorescents: retrofitting and replacing.

Retrofitting is the process of replacing outdated lights by installing LEDs into the existing fixture. In other words, a retrofit can be as easy as replacing old bulbs with new ones. This is a cost-effective way to upgrade your lighting since, in most cases, you only need to purchase new bulbs or tubes. This is a popular option for homeowners, as you don’t need to replace the entire lighting fixture. Retrofit LED tubes and strips provide all the benefits of using LED technology including high energy efficiency, low maintenance costs over time, and an extended lifetime.

While retrofitting your home lighting, there are several things to consider; you may need to bypass the existing ballast or rewire the driver for your new LEDs. Fluorescent tubes require ballasts to provide an initial high voltage and regulate the electrical current. However, LEDs do not need a ballast to control the current, as LEDs utilize more advanced technology. Instead, LEDs use drivers, which last considerably longer and are more reliable. Even if it is not required, it is recommended to bypass or remove the ballast during any LED retrofit upgrade to avoid potential future ballast failure. In addition to bypassing the ballast, you may also need to wire in the LED driver. If any changes are made to the ballast, you must install any warning labels that come with your light to notify future electricians that the lighting is retrofitted.

Since LEDs consume less power, the wattage of your LEDs will be lower than that of your current lighting. Therefore, look at the “equivalent wattage”. Equivalent wattage compares the wattage needed for an LED light to emit the same lumens as an incandescent or metal-halide bulb.

LED tube lights are the cheapest option for converting outdated fluorescents. To find the right tube light for you, determine what bulb type, length, and ballast compatibility you need. 

• Type A LED Tube: The easiest solution to converting a fluorescent fixture to LEDs is by using a Type A LED tube. These tubes are also known as “ballast-compatible LED tubes” and plug directly into the existing fixture. However, this requires the use of the original ballast, which is prone to failure. If choosing Type A tubes, make sure your ballast is functioning properly, or you may quickly run into problems down the line.
• Type B LED Tube: Type B LED tubes, or direct-wire LED tubes, require bypassing the ballast and rewiring sockets (tombstones) in the fixture. Although this may seem complicated, this is the most efficient option, due to the likelihood of an eventual ballast failure. When compared to Type A tubes, Type B tubes use less energy to operate since they do not require the use of the ballast. There are two types of Type B tubes: Single-End and Dual-End.
• Type A/B Hybrid LED Tube: These tubes function in the same way as a Dual-End Type A and a Single-End Type B. Using a Type A/B Hybrid tube is advantageous if you don’t want to bypass your ballast now but would consider doing so in the future.
• 3-in-1 Universal LED Tube: This is the most universal fluorescent tube conversion solution. 3-in-1 Universal tubes can be installed into the existing ballast like Type A, or installed in the same way as Single-End or Dual-End Type B.

Read more about ballast compatibility here. In addition to figuring out the ballast compatibility, you should determine what type of tube light you need. There are three main types of LED tubes: T8, T12, and T5. 

• T8s are the most common linear type bulb. They have a 1-inch diameter and a G13 medium bi-pin base.
• T12s have a 12/8 inch (or 1.5 inch) diameter and often have the same G13 medium bi-pin base typically found in T8s, making them interchangeable.
• T5s are a smaller type tube, with a 5/8 inch diameter and a G5 bi-pin base. 

Each of these tube types is available in 2ft, 4ft, and 8ft lengths.

Magnetic LED strip kits are the fastest and most efficient way to upgrade troffer lights and drop ceilings in your house. Complete retrofit kits simplify the decision-making process and eliminate any guesswork in choosing the right bulbs. These lights snap onto your existing steel fixtures, allowing you to install updated lighting regardless of the fixture tombstone or socket configuration. This option also offers the greatest amount of customization, as it is easier to add an additional strip to an existing housing than add additional sockets for a new tube. When installing magnetic strips, you will need to bypass the ballast and wire in your new LED driver. Find the right length and number of strips for your lighting setup using the equivalency comparison below.

Unlike retrofitting, which leaves the existing housing in place, you can replace the entire fluorescent light and housing by choosing a complete LED replacement. There are several reasons why you would choose to replace a fluorescent light fixture with an LED fixture. Given the design of the space you are updating the lighting in, replacement LED troffers and panels may be a smarter choice for converting lights in T-grid drop ceilings. Additionally, removing the existing fluorescent lighting and wiring means that you can remove the ballast altogether to stop any future potential ballast failure. 

Switching to LED troffers and panels will also eliminate the need to find compatible tubes and sockets, as you only need to worry about finding a fixture that fits your size and brightness requirements. While replacing fluorescent fixtures with LEDs may have a higher initial cost, this option is expected to bring the best efficiency and performance, as the components and design of the fixture are designed to deliver the best possible lighting output.

LED troffers are a direct replacement for fluorescent troffers. These fixtures install perfectly into drop ceilings and provide a modern, clean appearance. Choose an LED troffer that has the desired size, brightness, wattage, and color temperature that you need. Many troffers feature selectable wattage and color temperature (CCT), so if you change your mind down the line on the brightness and temperature of your lights, you can easily adjust your lighting.

A second option for replacing the entire fluorescent fixture in your house is by installing LED panels. These fixtures offer a modern, clean look to your home. There are two different types of flat panel fixtures to choose from: edge-lit or back-lit. Edge-lit panels use LEDs positioned around the perimeter of the frame to cast light sideways across a panel, which then evenly distributes the light without creating hotspots. The profile of an edge-lit panel can often be less than half an inch thick, ensuring a sleek appearance. However, they are slightly heavier than back-lit panels. Back-lit panels use LED chips mounted to the back of the frame that shine through a diffuser to eliminate glare and hotspots. Although the housing is deeper than edge-lit panels, back-lit LED panels are still lightweight and easy to install.

LED panels can be installed into drop ceilings or suspended ceilings. Most LED flat panels have the junction box built onto the frame, making these a great low-profile lighting replacement. Choose the desired wattage, CCT, and whether you want a dimmable panel or not. Similar to LED troffer lights, many LED panels are equipped with selectable wattage and CCT to help you find the right replacement light for your home.

As you decide which option might be best for you, it is important to keep in mind how comfortable you are with making changes to your lighting system. If you are looking for the easiest option, choosing a plug-and-play option such as Type A retrofit LED tubes, Type A/B Hybrid tubes, or 3-in-1 Universal tubes would be the best choice. If you are semi-comfortable with wiring, our retrofit magnetic strip kits, retrofit Type B ballast bypass tubes, or replacement LED troffer would be a good fit. For those knowledgeable about lighting wiring, any of the retrofitting or full replacement options would work.

It is also important to think about the cost of your lighting when converting fluorescent to LEDs. If you want a lower initial cost, retrofitted LEDs are the best option. But if you value higher efficiency and don’t mind paying a higher up-front price, we recommend either of the replacement options.