LED Tube Lights

An LED tube light is a linear lamp that replaces a fluorescent tube in a shop light, troffer, or strip fixture, cutting energy use and eliminating flicker and warm-up. It comes in T8 and T5 diameters and 2- and 4-foot lengths, with selectable color temperature options. How it wires - direct to line voltage or through the existing ballast - determines the install. Lumera Electric carries T8 and T5 LED tubes for retrofit and new fixtures.

What's the difference between Type A, Type B, and Type C LED tubes?

The type describes how the tube gets power. A Type A tube runs on the existing fluorescent ballast — plug it in, no rewiring, easiest swap. A Type B tube bypasses the ballast and wires to line voltage directly, removing a failure point and cutting energy further. A Type C tube uses a separate external LED driver for the best dimming and control. Choose Type A for speed, Type B for long-term simplicity.

What does "ballast bypass" mean on an LED tube?

Ballast bypass means the tube no longer needs the old ballast. You remove or wire around the fluorescent ballast and feed line voltage straight to the sockets, so the tube runs on its internal driver. This eliminates the ballast as a future failure and maintenance cost. It requires a one-time rewire at the fixture, after which the tube runs directly on 120 or 277 volts.

What's the difference between T8 and T5 LED tubes?

The number is the tube's diameter, and they aren't interchangeable. A T8 tube is one inch across, the standard for shop lights and troffers, and the most common retrofit. A T5 tube is smaller at five-eighths inch, used in slimmer fixtures and high-output linear applications. The tube must match the fixture's socket type and length — confirm both before ordering.

What length and wattage LED tube do I need?

Match length to the fixture, wattage to the light you want. A 4-foot T8 is the standard, typically 15 to 18 watts, replacing a 32-watt fluorescent at a fraction of the energy. 2-foot and 8-foot tubes fit their matching fixtures. Selectable-CCT models let you pick 3000K, 4000K, or 5000K on the tube itself, so one product covers warm or cool needs.

Can I put an LED tube in my existing fluorescent fixture?

Usually yes, with the right type for the job. A Type A tube drops into a working ballast fixture with no changes. If the ballast is old or failing, a Type B ballast-bypass tube plus a quick rewire is the more durable path. Check that the fixture's sockets and length match the tube — and never mix a line-voltage tube into an un-rewired ballast socket.

Retrofitting a whole fixture rather than just the tubes? Complete LED conversion kits and other lamp shapes are in LED Bulbs & Lamps.