In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of LED tubes, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and examine the main issues and concerns associated with different LED tubes — it’s important to know the options and which one will work best for you.
Type A Tube: Easiest Installation
Description: This Type A tube, is called by several names including “Ballast-compatible” or “plug-and-play” LED tube lamp, which is designed with an internal driver that allows the tube to operate directly from the existing linear fluorescent ballast.
Advantages: Type A offers the simplest installation process— retrofitting involves a simple swap of the existing fluorescent lamp with a Type A LED tube.
Disadvantages: However, with these benefits come some limitations. The ballast consumes extra power even in the event the ballast-compatible Type A tube lamps are dead or not installed, consequently total cost of ownership for this approach is high despite very low initial cost. While fluorescent ballasts vary substantially in type and complexity. The ballast-compatible LED tubes work only with selected types of ballasts. This will bring inconvenience if the existing ballast is not compatible with the Type A tubes at hand. Furthermore, Type A tube inherited the arcing problem that is induced by ballast initial voltage, 600 ~ 1000V above, which may trigger serious burn hazard.
Type B Tube: Simplest System
Description: This Type B tube lamp, is also called “Ballast Bypass” or “Direct Wire” LED tube lamp, which is operates with an internal driver and is powered directly from the main voltage, requiring to remove the original fluorescent ballast.
Advantages: Type B tube offers the simplest total system— retrofitting involves wiring directly to main voltage, bypassing the ballast which removes any compatibility issues. Type B tube is more efficient than Type A, with no power loss as a result of removing the existing LFL ballast, but similarly lacks control capabilities.
Disadvantages: Installation of a Type B tube involves electrical modification to the existing fixture in order to connect the tube to the utility power. The existing fluorescent lamps and its corresponding ballast must be removed, and shunted sockets may needed be replaced. It is important to note that the fixture’s incoming power wires are connected directly to the sockets, meaning installers are potentially exposed to the main’s voltage during installation (shock hazard). Notwithstanding the latest double-end Type B tube with built-in leakage current detection circuit claimed to avoid such issue and complied UL1993, it is hard to say Type B tube is safe. Several fire accidents have been reported are all related to such kind product (Fifth fire at Columbus City Schools could cost up to $300,000 to clean up)
Type C Tube: Best Performance
Description: A Type C tube, operates with a remote driver that powers the LED linear tube, rather than the fluorescent ballast or internal driver. Like Type B tube, the Type C tube involves electrical modification to the existing fixture.
Advantages: Installation for Type C tubes involves removing existing tubes and ballasts. Similar as fluorescent ballast, a Type C driver can power several LED tubes throughout the fixture. The Type C tube offers excellent system efficacy, best system compatibility, and greatest overall performance. It can be integrated with robust dimming and control functionality, helping to offset moderate labor and installation costs with heightened efficiency well into the future.
As a more controllable technology than fluorescent lamp, Type C LED tube can be successfully integrated into facilities energy-efficiency planning and the installation work can be done without as much hassle. Type C tubes can provide efficient and safe LED lighting anywhere fluorescent tubes currently exist, include troffer, high bays, wall packs, recessed troffers, vapor tight fixtures, area lighting, strip fixtures, explosion proof, hazardous location, and wrap around fixtures etc.
Type A+B Tube: Hybrid Lamp
Besides above 3 basic types of LED tubes, there is also a type of hybrid LED tubes which are developed as Type A and Type B, also known as Type A+B. Products in this category have the ability to operate with the existing fluorescent ballast or can operate without the ballast. This is an excellent choice for those installations that want to use the fast installation method using the ballasts but have a backup plan if the ballast is not compatible.
Note that hybrid LED tube combines the benfits of Type A and Type B tubes, and also inherits the drawbacks of theirs, especially double cost and double hazard.
Which LED Tube Option is The Best One?
As you can see, Type A without Ballast replacement offers an easy plug & play solution with the lowest initial cost. Type B is the simplest total system, eliminating compatibility issues, but also has the highest installation cost and while inherit potential safety issue. Type C has a higher upfront cost, but is the best future-proofing solution as it offers the ability to work with controls that are currently in place, or that are installed at a later time.
To determine the best solution one must consider the initial installation cost, long term maintenance implications, intended application, and overall which benefits are most desired. So, which LED Tube option is the most cost effective and the best solution for your application? Review the table below to compare each solution.
- Calculations are for example only and are meant to be directionally accurate in comparing options, but are not absolute
- Labor rates will vary, but less skill is required to simply replace lamps. Costs based on certified electrician estimated hourly charges and minimum wage for Type A without ballast replacement
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