Can you replace a fluorescent light fixture with an LED light fixture?

Quick Answer

Yes, you can replace a fluorescent light fixture with an LED light fixture. The key things to consider when replacing a fluorescent fixture with LED are:

• Electrical compatibility – Make sure the new LED fixture is compatible with the existing wiring and ballast.
• Physical fit – LED fixtures come in different shapes and sizes, so make sure it will physically fit in the existing fluorescent fixture housing.
• Light output – Match the light output of the LED tubes or panels to the fluorescent tubes being replaced.
• Wiring – LEDs require different wiring than fluorescents, so the tombstones or wiring may need to be reconfigured.

With some adjustments to the wiring and the size of the LED lights, it is possible to replace fluorescent fixtures with more energy efficient, longer lasting LEDs. Properly converting the lighting system will require knowledge of electrical systems and lighting specs. Consult an electrician if unsure.

Fluorescent vs LED Lighting

Fluorescent and LED lights have many differences that are important to understand when converting a lighting system from old to new:

Lifespan

• Fluorescent – Average of 10,000 to 20,000 hours
• LED – Average of 50,000 to 70,000 hours

Light Output

• Fluorescent – Light output decreases over lifetime
• LED – Consistent light output over lifetime

Power Use

• Fluorescent – Require ballasts to regulate power
• LED – More energy efficient, use less wattage

Light Quality

• Fluorescent – Cool, blueish light
• LED – Varying light color temperatures available

Turn On/Off Time

• Fluorescent – Slow start up and restart
• LED – Turn on instantly

Environmental Factors

• Fluorescent – Contain mercury
• LED – Non-toxic materials

LED lights have many advantages over fluorescent lighting, including much greater longevity, energy efficiency, light quality, and instant brightness. These benefits make converting to LED very advantageous in most cases.

Considerations When Converting from Fluorescent to LED

There are several important considerations to factor in when replacing fluorescent light fixtures with LEDs:

Electrical Compatibility

Fluorescent fixtures require a ballast to regulate voltage. LEDs operate on direct current and do not require a ballast. The ballast will need to be bypassed or removed for LED operation. LED tubes designed to operate with existing ballasts are available. Consult an electrician if unsure about electrical compatibility.

Physical Size and Fit

LED tube lights come in a variety of lengths and diameters. Measure the existing fluorescent tubes and match the LEDs accordingly. LED panels are also available fortroffer style fluorescent fixtures. Ensure the panels or tubes will fit snugly into the housing without issue.

Light Output

Lumen output should be compared between the fluorescent tubes being replaced and the new LEDs. Generally, 2-3 LED tubes can replace 4-6 fluorescent tubes, but the exact lumen output should be checked. Too few lumens can create shadows and glare.

Beam Angle

Fluorescent tubes emit light in all directions. LED tubes emit directional light. Tubes with a wide 120-150 degree beam angle help spread light most like fluorescents.

Wiring and Tombstones

Fluorescent fixtures use tombstones to hold tubes in place and connect wiring. LEDs often have different wiring and cannot use tombstones designed for fluorescents. Retrofit kits are available to convert tombstone wiring for LED compatibility.

Color Temperature

Fluorescents emit cool, blue tinted light around 4000K. Choose LED tubes in a matching kelvin temperature for consistent lighting. Higher color temperatures help with productivity.

Dimming

If fluorescent fixtures are dimmable, LEDs should also be dimmable. LEDs require specific dimmers designed for LED compatibility.

Carefully evaluating these factors will ensure an efficient, problem-free transition from fluorescent lighting over to LEDs.

Step by Step Process to Convert to LED

Here is a step by step process on how to replace fluorescent light fixtures with LEDs:

Step 1 – Turn Off Power to Lights

Turn off power to the fixture at the breaker box before doing any work. Verify power is off by switching the wall switch.

Step 2 – Remove Fluorescent Tubes

Remove the fluorescent tubes from the fixture housing by rotating and lowering from the tombstones. Recycle or dispose of properly.

Step 3 – Remove Ballast Cover

Unscrew ballast cover from fixture to access wires and ballast. The ballast ensures consistent voltage to tubes.

Step 4 – Disconnect Wires from Ballast

Disconnect all wiring from the ballast, including tombstone wiring and ground wires. You may need to consult wiring diagrams.

Step 5 – Remove Ballast

Unscrew or cut out the ballast from the fixture. Bypass wiring around the ballast space to the tombstones.

Step 6 – Convert Tombstones

If needed, remove tombstones designed for fluorescents. Install retrofit LED tombstones or wiring for direct connection.

Step 7 – Install LED Tubes or Panels

Insert LED tubes or panels into fixture housing. Use correct quantity and wattage determined previously. Connect wiring.

Step 8 – Install Ballast Cover

Replace ballast cover to enclose wiring. Screw back into place.

Step 9 – Turn Power Back On

Turn electricity back on at the breaker box. Verify proper LED operation by the wall switch.

Always exercise caution when working with electrical systems. Have a qualified electrician handle any steps you are unsure of doing safely.

LED vs Fluorescent Cost Comparison

Here is a cost comparison of LED vs fluorescent lighting:

Cost Factor	Fluorescent	LED
Bulb Cost	$2 – $5 per tube	$5 – $25 per tube or panel
Fixture Cost	$10 – $75	$40 – $200
Lifespan (hours)	10,000 – 20,000 hrs	50,000 – 70,000 hrs
Wattage (per 6 ft tube)	Around 30W	18W
Annual Energy Cost	Around $8 per tube	Around $5 per tube
Labor Costs	Lower	Higher initial cost
Long Term Cost	Higher over 10 years	Lower over 10 years

Key takeaways from the cost comparison:

• The upfront costs of LED fixtures and installation are higher
• But LEDs use significantly less energy for large savings over time
• LED lifespan 3-7 times longer than fluorescents
• Total 10 year cost is estimated to be lower with LED

Consulting a lighting specialist can help provide a detailed cost and return on investment analysis for your specific project. But in most cases, converting to LED provides major energy and maintenance savings in the long run that offset the higher upfront investment.

Benefits of Converting Fluorescent Fixtures to LED

Here are some of the major benefits of converting from fluorescent lighting over to LED technology:

Energy Savings

LED tubes and panels use significantly less wattage than fluorescent lighting fixtures. Typical energy savings range from 30-50% or more by switching to LEDs. This provides huge savings on electricity costs over the lifetime of the lights.

Lower Maintenance Costs

The longer lifespan of LEDs reduces the frequency of costly maintenance to change bulbs and lighting. Fluorescents need replaced every 1-2 years compared to 5+ years with LEDs.

Improved Light Quality

The light color and quality of LEDs is vastly superior to the cool, blue-tinged output of fluorescents that can cause eye strain. LEDs also provide consistent illumination over their lifetime.

Reduced Environmental Impact

Fluorescent bulbs contain toxic mercury requiring special recycling and disposal methods. LEDs contain no toxic materials and are more eco-friendly.

Increased Safety

LEDs do not get hot like fluorescent bulbs that can pose fire hazards and burns. The plastic housing of LEDs also minimizes shattered glass hazards.

Better Ambiance

LEDs can be warmer in color temperature and eliminate the harsh glare and flicker associated with fluorescents. This creates a better ambiance in work or home environments.

Strong ROI

Despite higher upfront costs, LED lighting provides a fast return on investment through dramatic energy savings and lower maintenance costs over the 10+ year lifespan.

With all of these benefits, transitioning commercial buildings or homes from fluorescent lighting over to LED makes tremendous financial and operational sense in most cases.

Challenges Converting Fluorescent Fixtures to LED

While transitioning from fluorescent to LED lighting provides many benefits, there are also some challenges to factor in:

Higher Upfront Costs

Quality LED fixtures that achieve maximum energy savings will have a higher upfront cost versus traditional fluorescent fixtures. Budgeting appropriately is necessary.

Accessing Embedded Fixtures

Some recessed or hard to access fluorescent fixtures will create challenges for installing new LED lights and wiring. Creative retrofitting may be required.

Electrical Compatibility Factors

Fluorescents operate on AC power and require a ballast, while LEDs use DC power without a ballast. Retrofitting the electrical properly is key.

Lower Brightness of LED

Although more energy efficient, LEDs have lower lumen output per watt compared to fluorescents. The quantity of LEDs must be matched carefully to the fluorescents being replaced to prevent a dim lighting appearance.

Glare From Directional Lighting

The directional nature of LED tube lighting can result in intense glare if fixtures do not have proper diffusers. Diffusers help spread the LED’s directional light.

Cooling Requirements

LEDs are sensitive to heat. Adequate ventilation and heat sinks may be needed to maximize the LED lifetime and light output.

With careful planning and installation, these challenges can be addressed successfully. The long-term benefits make it worthwhile to overcome the potential obstacles.

Safety Tips When Converting to LED

Here are some important safety tips when replacing fluorescent fixtures with LED lighting:

• Turn off power at the breaker before starting any work
• Follow all appropriate electrical safety procedures
• Wear protective gloves and eyewear when removing fluorescent tubes
• Use a non contact voltage tester to confirm power is off
• Take care not to damage wiring insulation when rewiring
• Ensure tombstones and wiring are designed for LED compatibility
• Connect LED wiring properly by matching wire colors
• Affix any loose wiring neatly with wire ties or clips
• Keep LED drivers and power supplies away from flammable materials
• Mount new fixtures securely to prevent falling and detachment

Working with electrical systems always presents hazards. Following these tips and sound safety practices can prevent electrical risks and injuries. Consult an electrician whenever you are uncertain about safely and properly installing new LED lighting.

Conclusion

Replacing fluorescent lighting with LED technology provides tremendous benefits in energy efficiency, cost savings, light quality and reduced maintenance. With proper planning for electrical compatibility, physical sizing and light output, the switch to LED can be made seamlessly. Some rewiring is required to bypass or remove fluorescent ballasts enabling the LEDs to run on direct current. Precision retrofitting helps realize the maximum benefits of LED lighting for commercial, industrial or residential applications. Despite higher upfront costs, converting fluorescent fixtures to LED leads to dramatic savings and superior lighting performance over the next decade. With some diligence and safety precautions during installation, the switch to LED lighting is one of the best efficiency investments you can make.