LED technology is soon replacing the traditional lighting system. And if you are planning to replace the fluorescent tube lights in your house or anywhere for that matter, here are tips on how to install LED tube lights. Keep reading.
LED (Light Emitting Diode) tube lights are soon advancing to become the forefront of traditional lighting, that consist of fluorescent tube lights and CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lamps). LED tube lights have a low luminous intensity, therefore they offer better distribution of light as compared to other sources of light and the intensity of glare too, is reduced to a greater extent. They are energy-efficient and more durable than other traditional sources of light, hence it makes sense to save in frugal electricity bills and replacement costs. LED lighting works on the lines of green technology, that is they create less carbon emissions and do not contain toxic mercury or any hazardous elements. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about getting the entire wiring system changed; a few simple modifications in the existing fixtures will serve the purpose. So, the next time you want to change your existing tube light, make sure you consider installing LED tube lights. Here are a few instructions on installing the LED tube lights.
Installing LED Tube Lights
- When you get started with installing LED tube lights in place of fluorescent tube lights, you will realize there are three main components; the ballast, the starter and the tube light that you have to get rid of. Now, the starter may not be a separate component in the entire circuit and is sometimes built-in the ballast itself.
- Remove the old bulbs from the fixtures and make sure the electricity or the mains to the whole fixture is turned off while doing so. You may need simple tools like screw drivers, wires, wire stripper and cutter, some nuts and bolts; keep them all handy.
- Once the old bulbs or tube lights are taken off you will have to remove the reflector that encloses the wiring and the ballast as well. Usually, it is simple to detach the reflector, you may use the screw driver to remove this, in case it is fixed using screws otherwise you can use a wire stripper to just pull out the reflector.
- Now, you have to get rid of the ballast and starter (if present). There are two types of ballast; one is the magnetic ballast that has a starter, while the other one is the electronic ballast that lacks a starter. Magnetic ballast (reactive) supports the functioning of LED tube lights, but electronic ballast can damage the LED tube light.
- In case of an electronic ballast, get rid of it. Ballast will have two screws holding it, just unscrew them using a screw driver and dispose it off. While doing so, the wiring attached to it would also be removed. Reconnect the wires in the fixture so as to complete the circuit.
- In case of a magnetic ballast, remove the starter from the light fixture. If convenient, remove the ballast as well. An LED tube light can connect electricity directly without the help of any starter or ballast.
- You are almost there! Fix the reflector back in its place covering the wiring work and insert the LED tube lights in the sockets. Now, while inserting the LED tube lights you ought to be sure of the top and bottom ends, and have to be fixed into the circuit likewise. If you are unable to identify the top and bottom refer to the instructions manual provided by the manufacturer.
- Once you are done with installing the LED tube light in the fixture, turn on the mains or electricity. If all the connections are proper and the fittings are done in the correct manner, you will have a better illumination. Your project does not end here, it is important that you dispose off the old fluorescent bulbs or tube lights properly according to the local regulations. Since, these bulbs contain small amounts of toxic mercury, that are highly hazardous.
- A few modifications to the existing fixture can make the installation of LED tube lights easy and more convenient than before. LED tube lights are sure to last longer and save much electricity as compared to the traditional lighting system. Plus they are environmental friendly and contain no toxic mercury or the use of ballast.
LED tube lights bring an array of lighting effects and can be readily installed without having you to change the existing tube light fixture, thus helping you modify the ambiance of any room the easier way. We will soon see them replace the existing compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) all over.