From Guest Blogger Dr. Bulb: LED Tube Lamps – Advantage to Non-integrated Retrofits?

When it comes to linear tube lighting, converting from conventional T12 fluorescents to a T8 LED is not just sensible, it’s necessary. As of July 2010, magnetic ballasts commonly used in the operation of T12 fluorescent lamps are no longer in production for commercial or industrial applications. In July 2012, many T12 lamps themselves were also phased out of production. Even if these lighting dinosaurs were still widely available on the market, the energy savings of switching to T8 LED tube lamps (TLEDs) would make a compelling reason to convert. For those seeking to make the switch there still remains a decision: use an integrated TLED or one that requires a T8 ballast to operate?

T8 LED Tube lamps beat out the T12 in every category for energy savings. The typical T12 can only produce about 42.8 lumens per watt. TLEDs can produce more than double that amount at 89.5 LPW. The life expectancy of a TLED fixture is 3 times that of a T12 and they reduce energy consumption by 38.59%. Within a year and a half, TLEDs will pay for themselves. Many states offer incentives and rebates, for instance Massachusetts offers $25 per fixture, which can make the ROI even faster.

Switching to TLEDs is not as simple as purchasing the new lamps and inserting them into existing fixtures. Firstly, there are two options to use for retrofit. These include T8 LED tube lamps with an integrated driver that work on 120v to 277v line voltage and TLEDs which require a T8 ballast to operate.

TLEDs with an integrated driver seem like the more difficult option at first glance. The lamps will fit into the same space as an antiquated T12, however, the old ballast must be removed and the voltage line wired directly to the new tombstones. The additional labor adds to the initial cost of installation, but integrated TLEDs make more sense in the long term. Should the TLED fail, troubleshooting the issue is easy: it was either the power supply or the lamp.

Non-integrated TLEDs such as the Philips InstaFit LED T8 lamps, do not require any re-wiring to install. They can be fitted into the current ballasts of the fixture to be retrofitted. However, the installation of the new TLEDs should also be accompanied by new ballasts, otherwise the existing ballast will most likely fail long before the TLED does. Also, the TLED might not operate on an older T12 ballast. Once operating, f the TLED stops functioning it is more difficult to troubleshoot the cause. Was it the power supply, the ballasts or the TLED?

The only advantage to the non-integrated TLEDs exists in California, where legislation may play a part in a consumer’s decision. In California, using reduced wattage TLED lamps to retrofit, while keeping the existing ballasts, does not trigger Title 24. Per Title 24, if you were to upgrade lighting to integrated TLEDs, you may also be required to bring the entire facility up to standard.