What Satco LED Tube is right for me?
Before you run out and buy your T12 or T8 fluorescent tube replacement, you should consider these two things:
- What Color Temperature (CCT) do you currently have? Better yet, what CCT would you like to have?
- The 4 most common CCT for LED tubes are 3500K, 4000-4100K, 5000K, and 6000K.
- The lower the temperature, the softer the light output is.
- The most common CCT you see in an office is between 3500K-4100K.
- 5000K-6000K is more often found in warehouses, garages, and body shops.
- To learn more about Color Temperature (CCT), Visit our Color Temperature Guide
- LED tubes come in 3 different configurations. What are the differences between ballast compatible, ballast bypass (aka direct wire), and hybrid LED Tubes?
- Ballast Compatible LED Tubes (Type A) - These LED tubes are designed to work with the current ballast within your fluorescent fixture. They will not work without a ballast.
- Pro: These are easy to install
- Con: Ballasts are responsible for an additional 12% of energy consumption. They need to be replaced every 18-24 months. These tubes will always need a ballast to operate.
Ballast Bypass LED Tubes (Type B) - These tubes will only work without a ballast. You must remove the current ballast from your fixture before installing these LED tubes.- Pro: No more replacing the ballast! Maximze your energy consumption savings
- Con: A certified electrician is needed to retrofit current fluorescent fixture wiring configurations.
Hybrid LED Tubes (Type C) - These tubes are the best of both worlds and will work with or without a ballast.- Pro: Best solution of both worlds
- Con: A little bit more expensive