Fluorescent tube to LED

[Yellowtail]

I need to replace a bunch of fluorescent tubes with LEDs. 

 

These are old 4', single-tube fixtures with starters. 

 

As I remember, all I have to do is remember, all I have to do is remove the starter, is that correct? I read something about needing a dummy starter, but I do not think I had to do that on the last ones I changed. 

 

Thanks! 

[Yellowtail]

Nobody? 

[Muhendis]

If my memory serves me well, which seem a bit doubtful these days, you have to bypass the ballast as well as remove the starter.

Take a look at this............

 

[gamb00ler]

11 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

Nobody? 

Here's what nobody says:

 

 

AI Overview

 

To upgrade fluorescent tubes to LED, you can either replace the entire fixture with an LED fixture, or retrofit your existing fixture to accommodate LED tubes. Retrofitting involves replacing the fluorescent tubes and potentially the ballast with LED-compatible components. 

1. Replacing the Entire Fixture:

This is the most straightforward option, especially if your existing fixtures are old or damaged.

You can purchase new LED fixtures designed to replace fluorescent fixtures.

Installation involves removing the old fixture and wiring the new LED fixture. 

2. Retrofitting the Existing Fixture:

Determine the type of LED tubes: Type A (ballast compatible) tubes are designed to work with existing ballasts, while Type B (ballast bypass) tubes require the ballast to be removed and the fixture rewired. 

Choose the appropriate LED tubes: Consider factors like lumen output, color temperature, and compatibility with your existing fixture. 

Prepare the fixture: Turn off the power to the circuit and remove the existing fluorescent tubes and starters. 

If using Type A tubes: Simply replace the fluorescent tubes with the new LED tubes. 

If using Type B tubes: You'll need to remove the ballast and rewire the fixture to connect the LED tubes directly to the power source. This may involve cutting wires and using wire connectors. 

Test the installation: Turn the power back on and test the new LED tubes. 

[Yellowtail]

Yeah, I got that, thanks

[Yellowtail]

12 hours ago, Muhendis said:

If my memory serves me well, which seem a bit doubtful these days, you have to bypass the ballast as well as remove the starter.

Take a look at this............

 

Thanks. I watched the video, but this is for the newer, self-starting ballasts/fixtures/tubes. I have the old-style fixtures with ballasts and starters. 

 

I would rather not get into the cans if I do not have to. I guess I'll just try pulling the starter and trying it. I think if the tube comes on and stays on for 24 hours, I'm good and I'll do the rest. 

 

I have a bunch of circle light fluorescents I'm changing over as well, and for those I have to pull the old ballast and stater, as they do not plug in. 

[Muhendis]

3 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

I think if the tube comes on and stays on for 24 hours, I'm good and I'll do the rest. 

That's a reasonable enough strategy. 

The ballast, which may be nothing more than a big iron cored coil will cause a voltage drop which is in direct proportion to the current drawn by the LED "tube" so the LED light may appear less bright or may not work atall. More modern fluorescent fittings may have an electronic ballast which could throw a spanner in the works. 

Here is a more detailed explanation of what you may find. Hope it helps.

 

[Andycoops]

I just chuck out the old ones when they fail and replace with LED complete units.

In fact I only have 1 remaining old tube lighting up in my garage, I doubt it will last much longer.

[VocalNeal]

5 minutes ago, Andycoops said:

I just chuck out the old ones when they fail and replace with LED complete units.

 

Which includes all or most of the existing ballast/starter wiring. 

[johng]

On 7/25/2025 at 6:09 PM, Yellowtail said:

As I remember, all I have to do is remember, all I have to do is remove the starter, is that correct? I read something about needing a dummy starter,

I think it depends upon the LED bulb   some come with a  "dummy" starter and need it installed  some work as is..

What I do is remove the old starter  put new LED bulb in  see if it works

if not replace the starter with the "dummy" one that came with the bulb

if still not working then replace the whole fixture including bulb ( there is then no ballast or starter)

[Yellowtail]

Well, it looks like all I have to do is remove the starter. I will not actually have a chance to check them for a few weeks now...

 

[emptypockets]

4 hours ago, johng said:

I think it depends upon the LED bulb   some come with a  "dummy" starter and need it installed  some work as is..

What I do is remove the old starter  put new LED bulb in  see if it works

if not replace the starter with the "dummy" one that came with the bulb

if still not working then replace the whole fixture including bulb ( there is then no ballast or starter)

The dummy starter is actually a fuse.

Direct replacement of tube and old starter works fine. New led tubes usually come with the replacement 'starter'. Change both and good to go.

Not so straightforward with the electronic starter fittings though.

The whole fitting will have to be changed.

[Geoff914]

On 7/29/2025 at 2:08 AM, Yellowtail said:

Thanks. I watched the video, but this is for the newer, self-starting ballasts/fixtures/tubes. I have the old-style fixtures with ballasts and starters. 

 

I would rather not get into the cans if I do not have to. I guess I'll just try pulling the starter and trying it. I think if the tube comes on and stays on for 24 hours, I'm good and I'll do the rest. 

 

I have a bunch of circle light fluorescents I'm changing over as well, and for those I have to pull the old ballast and stater, as they do not plug in. 

I was looking into this as I have one of those magnifying inspection lamps. Damned expensive to replace and the neon tubes as not available. Couldn't find a circular LED tube to fit. The unit already has an electronic ballast. My understanding you just wire the new LED tube to the on off switch. That is if I could find the right tube. If only the company made conversion kits.

 

 

[Yellowtail]

8 hours ago, Geoff914 said:

I was looking into this as I have one of those magnifying inspection lamps. Damned expensive to replace and the neon tubes as not available. Couldn't find a circular LED tube to fit. The unit already has an electronic ballast. My understanding you just wire the new LED tube to the on off switch. That is if I could find the right tube. If only the company made conversion kits.

 

 

I used to have one of those. 

 

If you can't find the right circle-tube, I'd try the LED strip lights. 

 

 

[Gsxrnz]

8 hours ago, Geoff914 said:

I was looking into this as I have one of those magnifying inspection lamps. Damned expensive to replace and the neon tubes as not available. Couldn't find a circular LED tube to fit. The unit already has an electronic ballast. My understanding you just wire the new LED tube to the on off switch. That is if I could find the right tube. If only the company made conversion kits.

 

 

 

Go to Lazada and search for something like "LED light fitting round". There are a host of fittings designed to fit into a ceiling fan with a light. They come in several sizes and cheap as chips, as in 70B. And you get a remote control and multi coloured options, a timer etc.

 

They can be fitted magnetically or just use double sided tape.  Wire it straight to the 220V switched wires in your existing flouro housing.

[snowgard]

You'll also need to unplug the transformer. The new LED neons are 220 V.

It's best to replace the old tube sets completely. The new ones are much nicer and cheaper, too.

https://s.lazada.co.th/s.Bhnin?cc

 

You need to check where the cable goes in. There are different models with the cable in the middle or at one end. You can replace it, but it's easier to buy the right one right away.