LED Tube Lights Fluorescent Replacement Installation

If I have Type A bulbs that are designed for use with a ballast system, will they still function correctly in a non-ballast environment? Can they be connected as if they are Type B, or will the lack of ballast create problems?

Is there an easy way to tell if the lamp is single-ended? Should I assume they are all double-ended unless otherwise marked?

We are certainly in agreement that removing the fluorescent ballast is an excellent idea, especially given the compatibility and potential safety concerns that you experienced.

By definition, UL Type A lamps will require a fluorescent ballast to operate, so once the fluorescent ballast have been removed, you will not be able to use the UL Type A lamps in those fixtures anymore.

That being said, some products, such as Waveform Lighting's T8 LED tubes, can be used in both ballast and non-ballast fixtures. In terms of the UL Type nomenclature, they are considered UL Type A+B.

If you've been able to confirm that your lamps are UL Type B (ballast-bypass), you will need to confirm with the manufacturer or product marking to see whether those lamps are designed for single-ended or double-ended installation. All single-ended installations will use non-shunted lampholders, while double-ended installations may be shunted or non-shunted.

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T8 LED tube lightsLED tube lights (LED T8 bulbs & lamps)Fluorescent replacementsGarage lighting

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