How to install and convert an LED fluorescent tube correctly

Switching from conventional fluorescent tubes to LED tubes has numerous advantages. One of the most obvious is energy efficiency: LED tubes consume up to 50% less electricity than their conventional counterparts. This results in significant savings on electricity bills, especially in commercial or industrial environments where many fluorescent tubes are in use.

Another advantage is the longer service life. While conventional fluorescent tubes often only achieve 10,000 to 15,000 operating hours, high-quality LED tubes can last up to 50,000 hours or more. This not only reduces replacement costs, but also maintenance costs.

In addition, traditional fluorescent tubes contain toxic substances such as mercury, while LEDs are a more environmentally friendly alternative. They are free of harmful substances and can be recycled more easily. The quality of light is also often better with LEDs: they do not flicker, have a higher color fidelity and offer full brightness immediately after switching on.

The most important differences between conventional and LED tubes

Conventional fluorescent tubes work with gas discharge and require a ballast and a starter element in order to function. These components tend to lose efficiency over time and can lead to malfunctions or increased energy consumption.

LED tubes, on the other hand, work using modern semiconductor technology. They either do not require a ballast at all or can be operated with special LED-compatible ballasts. This eliminates the characteristic flickering and buzzing that many people are familiar with from conventional tubes.

Another difference lies in the light emission. While classic fluorescent tubes emit their light in all directions, LED tubes only emit their light downwards, which ensures more efficient use of light. This means that a weaker light source is often sufficient to achieve the same brightness.

Safety first: what you should consider before installation

Before you start retrofitting, you should take a few important safety precautions. First, make sure that the circuit is switched off. This means that you should switch off the corresponding circuit breaker in the fuse box to avoid any electric shocks.

It is also advisable to familiarize yourself with the technical specifications of the new LED tube. Not all LED tubes are compatible with existing ballasts. In many cases, the ballast must be removed or bypassed for the new lighting to work properly.

The quality of the LED tube also plays a role. There are many cheap models on the market, but they do not offer the promised service life or brightness. It is better to invest in a high-quality LED tube from a renowned manufacturer in order to benefit from the advantages in the long term.

Step-by-step guide: How to convert your fluorescent tube

After you have switched off the circuit, first carefully remove the old fluorescent tube from the socket. In most cases, you will need to turn it 90 degrees to release it from the holder.

If your new LED tube does not require a conventional ballast, you should now remove or bypass it. To do this, remove the wiring to the ballast and connect the sockets directly to the power source.

Now you can insert the LED tube into the socket. Make sure that it is installed in the correct direction, as some models have a one-sided power supply.

Once the tube has been securely inserted, you can switch the power back on and check whether the installation was successful. If the tube does not light up, check the wiring and make sure all connections are correct.

With or without ballast? Choose the right wiring

Whether you need to keep or remove the ballast depends on the type of LED tube. There are three common types: those that are compatible with conventional ballasts (KVG/VVG), those that work with electronic ballasts (EVG) and those that are connected directly to 230V.

If you are using an LED tube that is compatible with a CCG, you simply need to replace the old starter with the LED starter supplied. If you have an ECG-compatible LED tube, check beforehand whether your ballast is on the manufacturer's compatibility list.

However, the most efficient solution is direct wiring to 230V. This involves removing the ballast completely, which eliminates potential sources of error. However, this modification should only be carried out by people who have sufficient electrical engineering knowledge.

Common mistakes during installation and how to avoid them

One of the most common mistakes is forgetting to switch off the circuit before installation, which can lead to dangerous electric shocks. Equally problematic is incorrect wiring, especially if the ballast is removed.

Another misunderstanding concerns the one-sided power supply of many LED tubes. Some models may only be supplied with power on one side; if the wiring is incorrect, the tube will not work.

Using unsuitable LED tubes can also lead to problems. Some tubes are not suitable for use with certain ballasts, so they will either not work or will be damaged.

Longevity and efficiency: How to get the best out of your LED tube

To ensure that your LED fluorescent tube lasts as long as possible, you should regularly remove dust and dirt from it. Dirty tubes lose luminosity and cannot dissipate heat optimally, which shortens their service life.

The ambient temperature also plays a role. LED tubes work most efficiently at moderate temperatures. Extreme heat or cold can have a negative impact on service life.

You should also look out for high-quality drivers and components. Cheap LED tubes often use inferior components that fail more quickly or cause uneven light distribution.

Converting from conventional fluorescent tubes to LED tubes offers numerous advantages, from energy savings and a longer service life to better light quality. To ensure that the installation runs smoothly, it is important to find out about the various cabling options and avoid common mistakes.

With the right care and selection of high-quality LED tubes, you can ensure that your new lighting works efficiently and reliably for years to come. Switching to LEDs is therefore not only a sustainable decision, but also a worthwhile investment in a modern, long-lasting lighting solution.