Keystone Technologies LED Tubes
Can I use LED Tube Lights in a fluorescent fixture?
Yes, you can normally use LED tube lights in most lighting fixtures. However, check that LED bulbs are “ballast compatible” so they can work with ballasts that are already in the current lighting. Many fluorescent tubes use a ballast for operation which can complicate the replacement process. Ballast compatible LEDs can avoid the added costs of removing or bypassing the ballast.
You can also use a ballast bypass conversion to retrofit the LED bulb. Ballast Bypass LED tubes use internal drivers to operate the light. Hybrid tubes can operate with or without a ballast, adding more flexibility to the installation.
Additionally, LED tube lights can also use external drivers (Type-C tubes). Type-C tubes connect to an external driver for power.
Check the manufacturer sheet for ballast compatibility and tube installation type before operating the bulb.
Do LED Tube Lights need ballasts?
No, most LED tube lights do not require ballasts. However, Plug-And-Play tube lights do require ballasts to work. Even though LEDs do not require a ballast, certain types can still operate with one. Two types of tubes can operate in a ballast system. Plug-And-Play (Type-A) and Hybrid (Type-C).
Plug-And-Play (Type-A) Tube Lights allow you to install an LED tube light where a fluorescent bulb once was. Plug and Play tubes work with the existing ballast which means you do not need to remove the ballast. Using the existing ballast allows for an easy installation with minimal effort.
Hybrid Tube Lights are a combination of Type A and Type B tube lights. Hybrid tube lights can be used with or without ballasts. Hybrid tubes are perfect for customers that need more flexibility.