T8 Retrofitting Made Easy
The LED tube light retrofitting process involves installing an energy-saving, long-lasting fluorescing by replacing your old T8 fluorescent lamps.
Why should You Bypass the ballast?
Many people are not aware that the ballast supplies a fluorescent lamp with an initial spike of high voltage. Once on, the ballast acts as both current regulator and driver for LED lights–it can convert AC to DC, but it doesn’t have enough power alone! That’s why most T8 LED tubes do need one too though; if you want this type installed in your home or office space then just make sure there isn’t already another source nearby before buying any bypasses/compatible accessories because installing anything else might be problematic depending how far away they’re located from other electronics (elevate!).
There are three types of T8 LED tubes:
Type A: These are also known as ‘Plug and Play ‘tube lights. They work with linear fluorescent ballasts, so if you’re considering a Type-A T8 LED Tube light for your home or office space, then be sure to check out compatibility sheets first!
Type B: Installing a type B LED tube is relatively easy, and they typically require less installation time than other types. The only requirement for installing these tubes is that you will have to remove your current fluorescent ballast from the fixture before putting in new ones with them – but this isn’t always an issue if two circuits are going into one switch box already!
Type A+B: Also known as ‘Hybrid’ T8 LED tubes, these produce a beautiful and even light without the need for an expensive ballast.
To Shunt Or Not To Shunt!
Since most T8 LED tubes need non-shunted tombstones, you’ll have to swap them out for ones with the same socket. If your current ballast is working fine but has a shaded or ungrounded fixture (meaning it doesn’t offer continuity), proceed as usual; otherwise – if there are different sockets available within reach or on hand at home–you can simply bypass this component by using resistors instead!
The easiest way to give your old ballast a new lease of life is by removing it and waving goodbye. Then fix the T8 fluorescent tube light, which you’ll be able to do with ease thanks to our detailed instructions!
Albeit, not knowing (and following) the basics of electrical connections may lead you into a ‘shocking situation’!
Here is an easy guide that will help you understand the wiring system. Once confident with sockets and light fixtures, here’s how to bypass ballasts:
- Turn Off the Mains Power
When you turn off the Mains Power supply, it will ensure that your home remains safe from any electrical shocks. To locate the circuit breaker switch to stop powering what needs bypassing and shut everything down!
- Locate The Ballast On The fluorescent Light Fixture
Now, locate the ballast on your fluorescent fixture. Most T8 tubes will have a hidden ballast covered with casing and resting behind the Tube light – remove this protective case to access it!
- Cut The Hot And Neutral wires
Once you remove the tube and expose the ballast, cut both wires that supply power to your home. They should be black for hot or red, while white means neutral. Make sure there are only 2 inches left at a minimum after making this close cut!
- Cut Socket Wires
After cutting the wires providing input to your ballast, be sure to cut out both a neutral wire and hot ones that will eventually come outside from under their socket. It’s important for safety reasons so you don’t have power going through these when they shouldn’t because there could be an electric shock! Ballasts can either use electronic components or magnetic starters depending on what type of light fixture it is – if this last option applies, then locate starter before moving onto next step.”
- Remove The Ballast
You’ll need to remove the ballast after you’ve unscrewed it.
- Reconnect The Wires
Now, strip out the colored insulation covering of your remaining wires. Ensure to remove about 1 inch from each wire before connecting them with push-in connectors or wire nuts for a secure connection that won’t let anything leak into its interior! LED T8 tubes need only one end connected–you’ll find this side marked as + and – on both sides (as shown in the figure).
Now, install the T8 LED tube onto your fixture. Turn on the power supply and make sure it works!