Do I need to use a ballast with T8 LED tube lamps?
It varies. TLEDs come in two varieties: Access Fixtures T8 LED Tube bulbs feature an inbuilt driver and operate on 120v to 277v line power, whereas Philips InstatFit LED T8 bulbs need a ballast. Before installing, confirm the type of TLED you are using.

Which is better, the InstaFit type of TLED that requires a T8 ballast or TLED with an internal power supply/driver?
Numerous things also influence this. The claims made by producers of the two varieties are very different. Although the initial installation of the InstaFit type TLED is simpler, if an existing ballast is used, the ballast may fail long before the TLED does. It will be more challenging to identify the site of failure when the TLED stops working. Additionally, any TLED that needs a ballast is far more costly since in order to keep the lights on, you must either buy a new ballast or ultimately replace the old one. Before a TLED with an internal driver can function, the previous ballast must be removed and some cabling done. Although this requires more work, the savings and ease of use that arise are worthwhile.
What will happen if someone installs a T8 or T12 fluorescent light in a fixture that has been converted for TLEDs with an internal driver?
Nothing at all. The fluorescent lightbulb won't blow up or catch fire. It also won't light up. Both ends of a linear fluorescent bulb need to be powered and ballasted. Light is produced by a chemical process that occurs when electricity passes through the emitters. Without a ballast, this procedure is not possible. Safety labels that read, "Only Use T8 LED Tube Lamps With Integrated Drivers," are attached to many TLEDs with integrated drivers.
Can I use the tombstones that are on my T8 or T12 fixture?
The bulb holders that secure the lamp in position and provide power are called tombstones. Even if the current tombstones could be usable, they might need to be replaced.
Since the sockets are push-in, all of them ought to be swapped out for non-shunted, turn-type sockets. The additional weight of the TLED bulbs may be too much for push-in types to handle.
Non-shunted lamp holders are necessary for TLEDs with internal drivers. Since each copper component needs its own power lead, non-shunted lamp holders feature copper parts on both sides that are not linked to one another. Even if the tombstones are the right kind, some rebate programs need that new ones be installed together with light holders. This is to guarantee that the tombstones are as fresh as possible.
Note: When adapting fluorescent fixtures to run TLED bulbs, there are particular factors to take into account. Care must be taken to carefully follow the lamp manufacturer's recommendations because every TLED product and application will have different needs. Those who are interested in installing TLED items should hire a competent electrician because most of them involve rewiring fixtures.
Our address
3rd Floor, 5th Building, Hebei Industrial Park, Hualian Community, Longhua District, Shenzhen, China
Phone Number
+8618878216759
bwzm6@ledbenweilighting.com

