How To Convert 4ft Fluorescent Light To LED?
Fluorescent lights are ubiquitous around the world. You will not find anyone saying that they have not seen this light bulb in their whole life.
Whether you are working in an office, taking a class in a university/school or even relaxing at your home, your room is lightened by the fluorescent light.
People have been using this for lots of years. They used to go to the store and buy CFL bulbs according to their room requirement. As time goes by, people are shifting towards LED lights, and the shifting phase is increasing daily.
Why LED Lights?
LED lights are cheaper than fluorescent lights and have a good lifespan. The best quality about this light is that the lightings are very powerful so your place will be more lightened up than the previous lights that you were using.
Converting 4ft Fluorescent Light To LED
You will be happy to hear that there are ways that you can convert fluorescent lights to LED. Though the conversion is not as easy as it sounds, it is possible if you follow the process provided below in this article.
1. LED Color And Its Characteristics
Before the conversion process, gather information about the color needed for your room because the LED color is different for different temperatures. For low temperature, the color is orange.
You can use it if you want some amount of decent lighting in your room while sleeping or just not to make your room dark. For high temperature, the color is white. The color is perfect for the library, classes or any workplaces.
2. Choose The Right Size
As you are using 4ft fluorescent light, you will need an LED light with the same height. Use a measurement scale to measure the height again to avoid any error.
You can also find the diameter of your existing light bulb by checking it on the bulb label. With these measurements, you will find it easy to buy your new LED light.
3. Reduce Your Installation Time
The fastest way you can do the conversion is to buy a new LED tube that will directly fit with the current installation. Go to the store and grab a UL Type A LED tube. This tube will save your installation time and will provide sufficient energy to lighten up your room more than before.
Just grab this new light tube and connect it with the current installation and turn on the switch. You need to spend some amount of money while going for this tube but keep in mind that your installation cost will be saved because of this.
As a result, the value in both ways will be neutralized for your benefit. The installation can be done on the existing ballast. Just replace it if you have used it for more than 6 years.
Source: zled-lighting
4. Upgrade to UL Type B
UL Type B tube lights are also known as ballast bypass. These are direct wires that do not require you to replace old ballasts. The direct wires will bypass the ballast. Because of this, you will save money for not buying new ballasts.
Before buying it, consult with an electrician or a light tube supplier about your plan for bypass conversion. UL Type B comes with some instructions.
Make sure you understand the instructions precisely and if you don't, take help from the electrician or the supplier. The most important part of this conversion is the wiring installation as you need the right amount of voltage for the LED tube to work.
5. Type C LED Tube – External Driver
Compared with traditional tube, Type C LED Tube has many advantages. For one thing, it is more energy-efficient, so you can save a lot of money in the long run. What's more, it doesn't contain mercury and other harmful materials, so it's safer to use. If you're looking for a more environmentally friendly option, then Type C LED Tube is definitely worth considering.
Type C LED tube comes with an external driver, which provides more flexible installation. However, product cost is much higher.
LED Tube Types Comparison
Feature | Type A (Plug and Play) | Type B (Single Power) | Type B (Double Power) | Type C (External Driver) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Product Price | Mid Range | Low price | Mid Range | High Range |
Installation Difficulty | Low | High | Middle | High |
Maintain Cost | High | Low | Low | Low |
6. Which Sockets Should You Use?
There are two types of sockets, non-shunted and shunted sockets. The former one is used by LED tubes, and the later one is used by the fluorescent tubes.
If you are using a T12 socket, the LED installation will be smooth for you. The installation will not take place if you are using T8 or T5 sockets.
The thing that you can do is, convert the T8/T5 sockets to T12 and then install the LED tubes. Here, the advantage of using T12 socket is that it is cheaper and efficient to use. If your budget is low, buy a T12 socket.
7. Pick LED Tubes That Are Compatible In All Cases
These are recently launched, and it is getting famous daily as the connections are more natural and the time consumption for the connections is very less. You can visit your nearby store and ask the supplier about the new launched LED tubes, and they will let you know all the specifications and the advantages that come with it.
The conversion process is easier in comparison to the other light conversions. The one drawback is that it will cost you more than the other translations that are already mentioned in the article.
You can install it in your current installation whether it is a T12 or T8 installation. It works perfectly in all facilities. It is built in such a way that it will adjust with the magnetic or electronic ballasts easily.
Just remove your already existed fluorescent lights and connect the new tube that will fit universally.
Reasons to Convert to LED
These are some of the most common reasons why people are moving to LEDs nowadays;
Conclusion
By going through the article, you should have a clear understanding of the conversion process and the reasons and benefits for conversion.
For the wiring installation, hire an electrician for your safety. While buying the new one, check the manual and warranty. It is better to take cautions beforehand.
Enjoy the beauty provided by the LED lights.