{"id":310,"date":"2022-06-10T06:56:05","date_gmt":"2022-06-10T06:56:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lightingsexpert.com\/blog\/?p=310"},"modified":"2023-03-20T04:41:33","modified_gmt":"2023-03-20T04:41:33","slug":"direct-wire-led-tubes-and-led-tubes-using-ballasts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lightingsexpert.com\/blog\/direct-wire-led-tubes-and-led-tubes-using-ballasts\/","title":{"rendered":"The Real Difference Between Direct Wire LED Tubes and LED Tubes Using Ballasts"},"content":{"rendered":"

LED tubes are one of the most popular ways to upgrade from fluorescent lamps. They’re just as bright but use a fraction of the energy. LED tubes are also versatile. There are two types: ballast<\/a> compatible LED tubes and direct wire LED tubes. Direct-wire LED tubes (T8<\/a> and T12) are connected to a tombstone connector on both ends (no integrated drivers), while ballast compatible tubes have a two-pin base at each end (integrated drivers). They’re often called “bypass” or “direct” wire LED bulbs. Why do you need to know this? You may find that some tubes are better suited to your circumstances than others. Let’s dive into some of their differences:<\/span><\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The Difference Between Integrated LED Tubes and Ballast Compatible LED Tubes<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are two types of LED tubes: direct wire and ballast compatible. Direct wire tubes are the most popular option because they’re easy to install, more efficient, and less expensive than ballast compatible tubes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ballast compatible LED tubes are designed to be used with magnetic ballasts, which can be found in traditional fluorescent lights or HID lighting systems like metal halide and high-pressure sodium. These fixtures require an external power source (the ballast) to work correctly, so installing an LED tube using a magnetic ballast requires some additional steps compared to direct wire LEDs. You will have to install an inverter kit that includes an external power supply and the driver for your new tube to operate smoothly with your existing system.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is a ballast?<\/span><\/h3>\n

A ballast is an electronic device that controls the electrical current of a lamp. It is needed for fluorescent, high-intensity discharge (HID) and other lamps, but not for LED lamps.<\/span><\/p>\n

A simple way to understand how a ballast works are to think about it as a dimmer switch<\/a> for your lights. While many people are familiar with dimming LED bulbs, they do not realize that you can also dim fluorescent lights using special ballasts. By varying the voltage sent through these tubes, you can change color and brightness while preserving efficiency and longevity.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Difference<\/p>\n

What is a ballast compatible LED tube?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Bulb-compatible LED tubes are those that are capable of being used with a ballast.<\/span><\/p>\n

What does this mean? It means the pin configuration on the ballast and the pin configuration on your LED tube are the same, so you can use them together without changing anything.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Direct Wire LED Tubes?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Direct wire LED tubes are a type of LED tube connecting directly to the power supply. They do not require a ballast as an AC powers them to a DC converter, and they are more efficient than ballast compatible LED tubes.<\/span><\/p>\n

While direct wire LED tubes can be more expensive than their ballast compatible counterparts, they also tend to last longer and have lower operating costs over time due to their increased efficiency.<\/span><\/p>\n

Benefits of Ballast Compatible LED Tubes<\/span><\/h3>\n