Fluorescent Light to LED Conversion in Minutes

Present day technological advancements in lighting have led to the introduction of LED bulbs. Compared to conventional light sources like fluorescent tubes and incandescent bulbs, LEDs have many advantages. LEDs, short for light-emitting diode, are not only more resilient but also last longer and consume much less energy than conventional light bulbs.

LEDs can illuminate a room for 30,000–50,000 hours, which is 30%–80% longer than traditional light bulbs. Like CFLs, LEDs only need a fraction of the power to produce the same amount of light, and they waste almost none of that energy as heat.

For both its low energy consumption and low cost, LED lighting is quickly becoming the lighting technology of choice. As a result of their longevity, LED lights reduce waste while saving money for their users. In addition, the low amount of energy that LED bulbs require means lower utility costs. LED lighting's popularity is skyrocketing thanks to these advantages.

Concerns have surfaced as the popularity of LED lighting continues to soar above that of fluorescent bulbs. This FAQ addresses some of the most frequent issues with the transition from fluorescent to LED lighting experienced by our clients.

If I already have fluorescent light fixtures, can I use LED bulbs in them?

Usually The vast majority of existing light fittings are suitable for use with LED bulbs. LED bulbs labeled as "ballast compatible" can be used in fluorescent light fixtures, guaranteeing that they will function properly with the ballasts already in place. A retrofit kit like the Magnilumen kit allows for a ballast bypass conversion to be performed in as little as 15 minutes.

LED lights are the superior option to incandescent bulbs, halogen bulbs, and fluorescent bulbs. LED lights are not only more efficient, but they also produce more light. The table below compares LED lighting to more conventional options.

Luminaires T8 Fluorescent versus Lighting With T8 LEDs

When discussing fluorescent light fixtures, the letter "T" indicates tubular, and the number that follows it indicates the diameter of the lamp in tenths of an inch. T8, which refers to a fluorescent tube that is one inch in diameter, is by far the most common size of fluorescent light tube. T5 and T12 fluorescent tubes are also common in older light fixtures and are of a different size.

T8 LEDs have the same tube diameter as T8 fluorescent lights, but they do not emit UV or infrared light. Because of their similar dimensions, LED T8 lights can be housed in light fixtures meant for T8 fluorescent bulbs. There is only a difference in the amount of light emitted. LED T8 bulbs have a higher efficiency in converting electricity into visible light, making them a more cost- and energy-efficient alternative to T8 fluorescent bulbs.

Lighting Retrofits: Changing from Fluorescent to LED

Though making the switch from fluorescent to LED lighting can be complicated, it is well worth the effort. The use of a Magnilumen Magnetic Retrofit Kit makes the transition from fluorescent to LED lighting a breeze.

Replace the Entire Light Bulb

When making the transition from fluorescent to LED lighting, it is possible to replace individual bulbs or the entire fixture. Nearly all modern light fixtures can accommodate an LED bulb, and those that can't can be upgraded to take advantage of the benefits of LED bulbs. However, it can get expensive to replace an entire lighting fixture. While the cost of a new troffer isn't too high, having it professionally installed can add up, especially if you need to replace all of the lighting in a large building.

Consider installing a retrofit kit in your existing light fixture if it is in good enough condition to avoid replacement for the foreseeable future.

You Should Adjust Your Current Lamps

It is more cost-effective to retrofit an existing light fixture with LED bulbs than to purchase and install new fixtures. Converting fluorescent lights to LEDs can be done in a number of ways. However, a retrofit kit is the quickest and easiest option. These adapter sets allow LED bulbs to be used in standard light sockets. These LED retrofit kits are widely available, with ZLEDLighting's Magnilumen Retrofit Kit being a top pick for its ability to convert a fluorescent light bulb into an LED bulb in just 15 minutes.

Problems Occur Due to Diverse Plugs

LED bulbs require non-shunted sockets, while fluorescent light fixtures typically have either non-shunted or shunted sockets; this presents a common challenge for those looking to retrofit their existing lighting with LED bulbs.

When a plug is inserted into a switched socket, voltage is transmitted to both contacts via a single set of wires. However, non-shunted sockets have their own source of power. T8 and T5 fixtures use shunted sockets (except for dimming ballasts and rapid start fixtures), while older T12 fixtures typically use non-shunted sockets.

Converting a fluorescent fixture with a shunted socket can be difficult and may necessitate purchasing a new light fixture altogether. Magnilumen retrofit kits, however, eliminate this problem, so you can keep using your existing light. Any existing light fixture can be retrofitted with ease using a Magnilumen kit, which features a magnetic connection and quick installation process.

Changing to Bypass Ballast

Rewiring the light fixture to avoid the ballast is what is meant by "ballast bypass conversion." One major benefit is that the ballast can stay in place while the light is being converted from fluorescent to LED. This is especially helpful for extensive commercial lighting renovations and remodels, as the use of Magnilumen products shortens the amount of time it takes to modify an existing lighting fixture while saving customers money.

One-end vs Ballast Bypass Tubes with Two Ends

The one-end vs. two-end problem is a common difficulty when performing a ballast bypass conversion, but the process is otherwise straightforward. two-ended tubes The sockets on one end of the fixture will receive the live and neutral wiring, while the sockets on the other end will be left unwired if a single-end bulb is used.

All of the neutral wires should be connected to one end of the tube, while all of the live wires should be connected to the other end. It usually doesn't take too much time to rewire a pair of double-ended tubes.

Magnetic Retrofit Kits from Magnilumen

Magnilumen Magnetic Retrofit Kits are an excellent option for upgrading an existing light fixture due to their low cost, simple installation, and numerous advantages. Magnilumen's magnetic products can be attached to any overhead light in seconds. Magnilumen goods are 50% more energy efficient than conventional lighting and can last up to 100,000 hours. Retrofit kits made of magnilium can be set up in about 15 minutes. See an example of one of ZLED's recent projects, below, where a Magnilumen system was installed to enable the use of LED lighting in a fluorescent light fixture.

The Substitution of Magnilumen for Fluorescent Lights

Magnilumen products make it simple to switch out fluorescent light bulbs. There are many advantages to using Magnilumen products.

• Input voltage between 120 and 305 volts
• Easy installation with magnets and snap-in connections
• Light with a lifespan of up to 100,000 hours and an efficacy of 150 lumens/watts
• Fixtures don't require rewiring.
• Guaranteed for 5 Years
• Saving more power than LED lights and CFLs combined

There is a wide range of options for retrofit products available from Mangilumen, including:

• Tube Lights
• Message Boards
• Dry Fit Pants
• In Case of Emergency
• Promotional Material
• The Importance of Proper Task Lighting
• High Bays
• Attachment Method: Surface-to-Board
• Lightning in a Channel
• LED Recessed Lighting
• Synonyms: Direct and Indirect Illumination
• The Ultimate Anti-Tampering Measure

How to Retrofit LEDs to Replace Fluorescents

There are a wide variety of LED retrofit kits on the market that can be used to convert incandescent light bulbs into more energy-efficient fluorescent ones. The location of the fluorescent light being replaced will determine the type of retrofit kit required.

Conversion Kits for Use with LED Bulbs

The market is flooded with fluorescent-to-LED conversion kits. To accommodate LED bulbs, a wide variety of conversion kits are available. After adding in the price of hiring an electrician, these conversion kits can be quite pricey.

The hourly rate of an electrician typically ranges from $50 to $100. A high total cost of between $160 and $506 may result from including the cost of an electrician in addition to the cost of the LED conversion kit and LED bulb. The low cost of a Mangliumen Retrofit Kit comes from the fact that it requires little effort to set up.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Over to LED Bulbs from 4ft Fluorescents

Many different retrofit kit sizes and styles mean that almost any fluorescent light fixture can be converted to an LED one, with the 4ft fluorescent light bulb being the most common size. Using a Magnilumen retrofit kit, converting a 4ft Fluorescent light can be done in just 7 simple steps:

1. Using the breaker box, turn off the electricity going to the fixture or fixtures.
2. Take out the old light bulbs and the cover from the ballast.
3. Cut the power to the current ballast. The ballast can stay in the light fixture. Refer to the applicable national electrical code.
4. Using the quick disconnect that came with the harness, link the live (typically black) and neutral (typically white) wires from the power source.
5. Remove the cover from the ballast and route the wires to the light.
6. Carefully insert the magnetic LED boards into the light fixture, ensuring that they are evenly spaced.
7. Join the magnetic tapes to the center of the harness.
8. Power up the light to see how the retrofit works.

Invest in LED Light Bulbs Today

The switch from fluorescent to LED lighting is more convenient and cheaper than ever. Please visit this page to read more about our retrofit kits for fluorescent tubes. They can be used with two, three, or five foot fixtures. Under the Products tab, you'll find that we also sell retrofit kits for a variety of other light sources.

If you want to start saving money and energy by replacing your fluorescent lights with LED ones, then contact your local ZLED Lighting representative right away.