LED lamp t8 g13 installation instead of fluorescent. Connection diagram for LED lamps instead of fluorescent lamps. Advantages and disadvantages

Penkov A.A., Stroy-TK LLC, 2014.

Our Customers often ask us about the possibility of replacing 36W fluorescent lamps in office lamps without replacing the lamps themselves. We analyzed the current state of affairs in this area in order to clearly understand the Customer’s costs for modernization, as well as the pros and cons acquired in connection with this modernization.

Let’s make a reservation right away: for the experiment we tried to select LED lamps from famous manufacturers, excluding Noname products from the list of possible contenders. However, if any of the other Manufacturers or Distributors would like to submit their products for testing in our laboratory and subsequent writing of an article on this product, you are welcome: .

Possible lamp replacement options

We remind you once again that for the experiment we selected LED lamps from famous manufacturers, according to their technical specifications as close as possible to the characteristics of standard fluorescent lamps, while excluding Noname products from the list of possible contenders. However, if any of the other Manufacturers or Distributors would like to submit their products for testing in our laboratory and subsequent writing of an article on this product, you are welcome: .

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The use of more economical and environmentally friendly lighting fixtures is becoming a current trend in offices, various enterprises and private homes. LED lamps are increasingly preferred over fluorescent lamps. The absence of noise, flicker and complete safety for health are serious reasons to choose LED lighting.

Selecting new LEDs to replace

It is important to remember that when choosing to replace an old fluorescent one, you need to take into account the technical characteristics and dimensions of both. When choosing LEDs, you should pay attention to the main characteristics, primarily the intensity of the luminous flux (in lumens, lm). Power consumption can be ignored because LEDs are more economical to operate. Today, such light sources are supplied in various form factors. Advantages of LED light sources:

• low power consumption,
• natural spectrum of light,
• environmental cleanliness, absence of harmful substances.

New light bulbs operate from a standard 220 V electrical network. If you lighting fixture while the lamp remains the same (only the lamp changes), performance or a sufficiently long service life cannot be guaranteed. Supply transformers provide 12 V output alternating current, so a regular LED lamp will not work correctly.

Comparative characteristics of LEDs, incandescent lamps and fluorescent lamps

Correspondence of LEDs to fluorescent lamps according to their comparative characteristics:

• 900 lm, 9 W – corresponds to approximately 18–22 W,
• 1180 lm, 13 W – corresponds to 30–35 W,
• 1620 lm, 18 W – corresponds to 36–42 W,
• 1900 lm, 22 W – corresponds to 58–68 W.

So, if you had a 40W light source installed, then you will need to look for a new 18W LED bulb with approximately 1600 lumens. Most often, T8 and T10 lamps are replaced, which have a G13 connection with a distance between contacts of 13 mm. Their lengths are 60, 90, 120 and 150 cm.

Preparing for work - choosing light bulbs according to characteristics

Installing new LED elements will require minor modifications to the fixtures. New light sources operate from a regular 220 V network through a standard three-wire wire with grounding without any adapters. When switching to new lighting, you need to pay attention to the power contacts.

Popular LED light sources have different bases - E14, E27, G9, G5, G4, MR16. However, replacing fluorescent tubes usually requires a different form factor. Manufacturers use different markings to indicate specifications and operating conditions, so you should check them.

It is important to remember that light sources differ in their characteristics and even operating principles, and you cannot simply connect an LED lamp instead of fluorescent ones without additional steps.

New LEDs can be connected to standard lighting devices without complex manipulations. They don't require a ballast, making the task even easier. The existing ballast is simply removed and nothing is put in its place. To perform such work you will need a standard set of screwdrivers and some other tools. A prerequisite is compliance with safety regulations when working with electrical devices.

Options for installing a new LED in an old lighting fixture

To make an LED light source work in a standard device, you only need to apply voltage to the power contacts, so many people decide to use this option. Usually, standard steps are performed for this:

1. 1. Remove the starter (ballast).
2. 2. Short-circuit the ballast or remove it completely after short-circuiting.
3. 3. Disconnect the capacitor, if present.

The standard LED source installation scheme includes these steps at the initial stage. In practice, difficulties can arise only due to the individual characteristics of a particular lamp. It should be carefully disassembled and the electronic ballast module removed, because it is simply not required to work correctly with new types of LED bulbs.

The process of installing an LED lamp instead of a fluorescent one

Experts identify several replacement options:

1. 1. Purchase of a new LED device and everything needed for replacement. There are products on sale that fit standard sizes - these are linear LED bulbs with G13 contacts and lengths of 60, 90 and 120 cm.
2. 2. Replacing light sources with changing the installation diagram.

In the first case, no difficulties arise. It is enough just to change the chandelier itself or simply select an LED that is identical in size and connection methods to a conventional fluorescent light source. Some models can be installed immediately without additional manipulations. However, in this case, the lighting intensity and efficiency drops slightly, so it is better to remove the ballast completely. At the same time, it is recommended to short-circuit the electromagnetic choke and remove the capacitor in the power box.

To ensure a high-quality replacement and extend the service life of the lighting fixture, it is better to make changes to the circuit. Since it is simplified, even inexperienced electricians can do this task. It is quite possible to carry out such manipulations at home. All actions are performed in the following order:

1. 1. Disconnect the fasteners on the lamp body.
2. 2. Remove the internal electrical wiring.
3. 3. We connect the power contacts of the electrical appliance directly to the power socket.
4. 4. Electronic ballasts, ballasts, starters, capacitors and other unnecessary elements are removed.
5. 5. Install a new LED element.

If the lighting fixture consisted of several light bulbs, then the new ones are connected in parallel to each other. When voltage is applied to the power contacts, they will begin to glow.

There is usually a ground terminal on the case that needs to be left in place. Additional elements are usually not needed because LED bulbs have their own built-in filters to stabilize voltage sources. Regardless of the chosen method (with simple replacement or changing the connection diagram), installing the light bulbs themselves is not difficult:

1. 1. Make sure it is the right size and has the correct connectors.
2. 2. Insert the light bulb into the device socket.
3. 3. Rotate the lighting tube 90° until it clicks slightly.
4. 4. Connect the ground wire to the terminal on the housing, if possible.

After this, you can try turning on the lamp. If everything is done correctly, it should immediately light up with a bright and uniform light without blinking.

The best option for replacement is T8 type LED tubes with G13 connectors. They most closely match the technical characteristics and do not cause difficulties during the installation process. Basically, all models are selected for operation from a 50 Hz power supply with a voltage of 220 V. In this case, there are no special requirements for the original ballast.

If it is intended to operate LED light bulbs on an AC 110V network, then the lighting devices must be equipped with electronic ballasts. Special attention should be shown if several lamps are used. If difficulties arise, you can consult a specialist, since the operation of low-quality electrical appliances is not allowed.

After installation, it is important to make sure that all elements are securely fastened. LED tubes spread light around them in all directions, so it is not so important to maintain the correct position. However, the fixation of the lamp in the socket depends on this, so the features of the base should be taken into account. If you carefully consider the characteristics and follow the instructions, then there will be no problems when replacing one light bulb with another. The lamp can last for a very long time.

As my practice shows, many do not know that when using raster lamps there is no need to buy new ones to install LED lightening. The simplest and effective method, this is an upgrade with T8 LED lamps for 600 mm and 1200 mm.

Such ceiling lights are common in offices, shops, and office premises. As a rule, they are mounted in Armstrong suspended ceilings. But in addition to built-in ones, there are also overhead models. They are now outdated and too thick. They were replaced by new diode ones with a thickness of only 1 cm, convenient to install using an overhead type of installation.

• 1. Types of T8 lamps
• 2. Benefits of replacing with LED
• 3. Types according to connection diagram
• 4. T5 lamps
• 5. Simple modernization of the lamp
• 6. Cost of modernization
• 7. Replacement video
• 8. Example prices

Types of T8 lamps

T8 lamps, also marked G13, are also called T8 LED tubes. Externally, this is also a tube made of matte or transparent polycarbonate, but the filling consists of LEDs. The dimensions fully correspond to luminescent ones, standard sizes are 600 mm, 900 mm, 1200 mm.

Structurally, they are of two types:

• the driver is installed inside the tube under the LED diodes, accordingly, it is powered by a voltage of 220V;
• an external driver is used, both from LED strip, powered by 12V.

Built-in drivers for 220 volt models

According to their design, flasks are divided into 3 types:

1. transparent, 0% loss;
2. translucent, satin, loss 10%;
3. matte, not transparent, light loss on average 20%.

The flask is made of acrylic plastic or polycarbonate, which gives good mechanical strength.

Standard sizes:

• 300mm. for desktop;
• 600mm. for Armstrong ceiling lamps;
• 900mm.;
• 1200mm.

The luminous flux increases in proportion to the length, the length has increased 2 times, it shines 2 times brighter.

The color temperature has the same characteristics as LED lamps:

1. warm white light;
2. neutral white, daytime;
3. cold, bluish compared to warm.

Of these options, the best is neutral daylight, the eyes perceive it best, White list the paper will be really white and will not turn yellow as if it were warm.

Benefits of replacing with LED

Let's calculate how profitable it is to install new diodes instead of fluorescent ones. We take into account that they are placed on an Armstrong suspended ceiling and shine in all directions. Due to the limited dimensions of the body itself, the body of the tube obscures its reflected light. The calculation was made by an electrician, he has more extensive experience in this.

Let's carry out a simple calculation for gas-discharge systems, which will involve:

• Efficiency of all luminescent from 70%
• shading coefficient of light flux when reflected from a mirror reflector, 0.6-0.7;
• light source efficiency 50-60 Lm/W;
• service life no more than 18,000 hours.

For diodes, these values ​​will be respectively:

• 90% efficiency depends on the power supply;
• 0.9 because it only shines down;
• 100-120 Lm/W for the middle price category;
• up to 50,000 hours, after this period the brightness will decrease to 70% of the original.

Using the above coefficients, you can make your own calculations. A diode light source is 2 times more efficient and economical only in terms of electrical parameters. If we take into account the service life, then in the end the superiority of new technologies will be 4 times.

At low temperatures The efficiency of gas-discharge sources decreases, while that of diode sources increases. This factor should be taken into account when making calculations.

Which T8 lamps to choose?

A large number of readers ask which lamps to choose and where is the best place to buy. If you are interested in high-quality and proven T8 LED lamps, I recommend buying Philips. They provide European quality; the requirements for lamps in Europe are much stricter. Philips does not inflate the specifications, as domestic brands do.

I checked many stores looking for the best value for money. The best was the discount store Sibertek.ru Online store of chandeliers and lighting fixtures The first discounter in Russia, wholesale prices at retail.

Types according to connection diagram

Installation and connections of T8 LED tubes

Let’s determine in advance that the ballast is a ballast, the same as the ignition unit for xenon. Electronic ballasts are an electronic version that performs the starting function.

According to the connection diagram, they are divided into 3 types:

1. regular connection instead of standard luminescent ones, as a rule they are only compatible with old electromagnetic ballast and cannot be installed with electronic ones;
2. The ballast is removed and the tube is connected directly to 220V;
3. The ballast is dismantled, the new ice bulbs are powered by an additional 12V power supply.

In fact, the model with a built-in driver is a full-fledged lighting device that only requires a 220V socket and a wire. Therefore, they can be equipped with electrical wires with a special plug and switch.

All connection options with built-in driver

Wiring connections depend on the model, please check before purchasing:

• connection on the left side;
• from the right;
• at both sides.

T5 lamps

Difference between T5 (above) and T8. Set of wires for separate connection

T5 lamps are a variation of T8. They are widely used in retail counters, especially with refrigerators. A long light source is suitable for the aquarium; sometimes LED strips or rulers are installed, but they are not splash-proof. In addition, the fish may try to tear off the LED, mistaking it for food.

Simple modernization of the lamp

In addition to the standard types of installation of G13 T8 diode lamps, I also have my own designs that you can repeat with your own hands. My method is 2-3 times cheaper, but a little more complicated. Based on the use of LED strips and 12V power supplies. Appearance It will turn out different, but no worse. Do you often look at the ceiling indoors? In addition, they are covered with bars to prevent blinding.

The body of the raster lamp has a reflector installed on the base, which we use.

1. remove fluorescent tubes;
2. remove the ballast filling;
3. We glue an SMD 5050 LED strip with a density of 60 LEDs per meter onto the reflector;
4. glue 8 pieces of 50 cm each;
5. we combine food;
6. install and connect the power supply.

The rated brightness of the standard is 3600 Lumens, taking into account losses the result is about 650 Lumens from one tube. 1 meter on SMD 5050 LED diodes gives about 700 Lumens. In order not to glue 8 pieces of 50 cm each, you can use double-width tape, you will get 4 pieces.

Such modernization increases maintainability and significantly reduces its cost. Even if the LED diode fails, only a segment of 3 LEDs will go out.

For one rework, one will need 4 meters, 700 Lumens per 1m. it will be 2800 lm, a little less, but not significantly. You can also use a more powerful option, for example ice rulers on SMD 5630 and 5730. You will only need 150cm of them, 3 pcs. 50cm each.

Upgrade cost

Let's calculate what benefits we will get from independent modernization.

Let's calculate the rework.

• tape price 135 rub./m.;
• 4m. cost 540 rubles. This is enough to replace 4 tubes;
• with the usual method it will cost from 1200 rubles, with a minimum price of one 300 rubles.

In order not to install 1 unit for each, we will install 1 power supply for 4-6 lamps.

Let's calculate for an office 6 fluorescent pieces.

• my method: 540 * 6 = 3240 rub., plus 1000 rub. to the power supply;
• regular: 8400 rub.;
• total: mine from 4240 rubles, regular from 8400 rubles.

The gluing procedure is very simple:

1. wipe the installation site;
2. carefully glue;
3. put connectors on the ends or solder wires;
4. put all the pros and cons together.

Anyone who has ever held a soldering iron or changed a T8 G13 lamp can handle this. And for those who are really bad with this, amateur radio stores sell ready-made kits with ready-made step by step instructions for replacement with diode strips.

Replacement video

A foreign colleague will tell you and show you how to properly replace them with diode ones. Everything is shown in great detail and will be clear without words or translation.

Example prices

Beware of Chinese products without a listed manufacturer. The Chinese are lying about everything regarding LEDs. They use their favorite method: they install a weak crystal in a standard LED diode housing, the power of which is 3-5 times less than the branded one. And the characteristics are written on the product, as if branded LEDs were installed.

But on the domestic market there are inexpensive and good models with an affordable price from 290 rub. for 1 piece

But the best way is to sell the installed old raster ceiling lights and replace them with modern LED panels. Their thickness is 1-3cm. and the cost for small wholesale purchases is from 1000 rubles. for the 3600 lm model. with Japanese quality diodes.

There was a time when we admired the efficiency of fluorescent lamps. But today they are gradually giving way to new generation light sources - LEDs, which have even higher efficiency. From our article you will learn how to connect LED lamps instead of fluorescent ones and what the user benefits by making such a replacement.

LEDs are often designated in a foreign manner - by the abbreviation LED (Light Emitting Diode). Accordingly, light sources based on them can be called LED lamps.

Like a regular diode, an LED consists of two semiconductors with different types of conductivity. But in this case, special materials are used that give p-n zone transition luminosity. Compared to fluorescent lamps, such light sources benefit in many ways:

1. At the same luminosity, they consume 2–3 times less electricity.
2. They have a colossal service life - about 50 thousand hours (manufacturers provide a warranty for 2 - 3 years).
3. They emit light more similar to natural light.
4. They do not contain toxic substances and therefore do not require special disposal measures (fluorescent lamps are filled with toxic mercury vapor).
5. They reach maximum luminosity immediately after switching on.
6. Easily withstands significant voltage fluctuations, as well as vibration and shock.

LED lamp It is made like this: a set of LEDs is soldered to a getinax board, which looks like a long strip, after which the entire structure is placed in a tube made of transparent plastic.

LEDs operate on direct current, however, an LED lamp can be connected to a regular AC network without any additional devices: it is equipped with its own current converter (called a driver), which is fixed on the board along with the LEDs.

Additionally, lamps of this type can be equipped with circuits that provide flicker protection and the ability to connect via a dimmer (allows you to smoothly change brightness).

How to replace linear fluorescent lamps in lamps with LEDs?

LED lamps are equipped with the same connecting elements as all others. There are models with sockets, like those of incandescent lamps - large E27 and small E14; and there are options with sockets such as GU5.3, G4, GU10 and the most popular G13 - like fluorescent lamps. This means that today you can unscrew an outdated light source from any socket and select an LED analogue for it.

But if an incandescent lamp can be simply replaced, then some types of fluorescent lamps must first be prepared.

Different types of light bulbs

We are talking about lamps designed to work with low-voltage fluorescent lamps (powered by DC voltage 12 V). They are equipped with voltage converters - a ballast choke (outdated version) or electronic ballast (improved version).

This “filling” will need to be dismantled, since LED lamps, as already mentioned, have their own driver. You will also have to slightly change the wiring.

Replacement instructions

First of all, you need to select LED lamps with the same luminosity as the fluorescent lamps you are replacing - this is if the brightness of the lamp needs to be left at the same level.

We draw the reader's attention to the fact that lamps should be compared by luminosity (measured in lumens), and not by power consumption (measured in watts).

What types of LED lamps are there?

The technologies used by different manufacturers differ, and therefore the number of lumens (lm) produced by the lamp for each watt (W) varies slightly.

If the lamp packaging does not indicate the luminosity, but instead only says something like “corresponds to a 36 W fluorescent lamp,” you should be suspicious of such products: the manufacturer is clearly trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the buyer.

Approximate matching of lamps different types shown in the table:

If the lamps have been purchased, you can begin work on converting the lamp:

1. Turn off the power supply using the switch. If the device has not been used for a long time, first turn it on and mark in some way, for example, using a marker, the still usable lamps. If you lose sight of this point, then you will have to additionally tinker with checking them.
2. We check with a phase indicator whether the lamp is really disconnected from the power supply. This must be done: the switch could have been mistakenly installed in the gap of the neutral wire, and not the phase wire, and in this case the device will be energized all the time, both on and off. If the test shows the presence of voltage, the lamp must be de-energized using circuit breaker installed in the distribution board.
3. Next, the wires connected to the lamp are disconnected and their bare ends are wrapped with electrical tape. This also applies to the ground wire, if there is one (usually has yellow-green insulation). Please note that this wire is not attached to the terminal block, like the other two, but to the lamp body in a place that has been cleared of paint (usually pressed with a screw). After disconnecting it, unlike others, it is left without insulation.
4. Now, if in addition to the lamp being dismantled there are others, you can turn on the light to make it convenient to work.

Unscrew the screws or clamps holding the device and remove it from the ceiling.

The brightness of the lamp is adjusted using a dimmer. – types and methods of connection.

Methods for installing LED strips with your own hands are described.

You can make a fancy lamp from an LED strip. You will find a guide to making a lamp with your own hands.

Removing unnecessary elements from the lamp

Having placed the lamp in a convenient place, we proceed to its modernization:

1. We remove the fluorescent lamps. To do this, it is enough to turn each of them in any direction a quarter turn, taking it from the base itself.
2. We disconnect the wires from the throttle (looks like a transformer) and starters (cylindrical elements inside the pads), after which these parts and pads are dismantled.
3. The method for removing the starter cartridge depends on its type. In old-style lamps, such sockets were fixed using narrow metal strips or screws. Subsequently, they began to be equipped with latches. Everything is clear with the screw and the bar, but to open the latch you need to know a secret: so that the tabs can be removed from the holes, the latch cylinder must be squeezed with tweezers.

Remember that you should handle fluorescent lamps with extreme caution: if the bulb is damaged, toxic mercury fumes will be released into the air.

The way the wires are attached is also different. In older versions, they are held in the socket by screws that need to be unscrewed. Newer ones, like all modern switches and sockets, use spring-loaded clamps that automatically secure the wires inserted into them. To remove the wire from such a clamp, it must be pulled while simultaneously rotating left and right a quarter turn.

If you do not intend to use the cartridge in the future, you can cut the wires.

Electrical diagram for connecting LED lamps instead of fluorescent lamps

Connection of fluorescent lamps is carried out according to a special electrical diagram, according to which a pair of wires connects to the cartridge. Such difficulties are due to the operating principle of this light source: At the moment of switching on, electron clouds are created at the ends of the lamp using filaments, without which it would not be possible to ignite mercury vapor with low-voltage voltage.

Replacing fluorescent lamps with LED lamps - diagram

The connection diagram for LED lamps, on the contrary, is extremely simple: an alternating voltage of 220 V is simply supplied to the opposite pins of the base.

Accordingly, only one wire should be connected to the cartridge. In this case, there is no difference which of the cartridges is connected to the phase wire and which is connected to the neutral wire.

Energy-saving light bulbs are extremely popular today. Exist different types such lamps. Such devices are described in the article.

The operating principle of LED lamps is described. Tips on choosing light bulbs are also given.

Electric socket for linear lamps

Because the new scheme provides for connecting only one wire to each cartridge, you can proceed as follows: install the terminal block and connect the wires coming from the cartridges to it.

With this solution, you will not have to dismantle the cartridges. Of the two wires coming out of the socket, you need to leave the longest one.

The short one, with which the cartridge was previously connected to the starter, needs to be cut off and wrapped with electrical tape.

If the lamp being upgraded is multi-lamp, then the wires from all adjacent sockets must be connected to one terminal of the block. Wires from cartridges installed on the opposite side are connected to the second terminal.

If you want to reconnect not somehow, but at a professional level (that is, neatly and beautifully), install a Vago-type terminal block. You can connect both wires coming from the socket to it, which, firstly, increases the reliability of the connection, and secondly, eliminates the need to insulate the wires.

If the Vago terminal block is not available, the cartridges will need to be removed.

Like starter cartridges, they can be secured with screws, metal strips (outdated models), or latches that can be pressed with tweezers.

We proceed in the same way with the second group of cartridges located opposite.

Now you can screw the lamp into place, not forgetting to connect it to the network, and install LED lamps in it.

Video on the topic

Daylight sources are used for lighting in residential, office and commercial premises. They have certain strengths and weaknesses. The main disadvantage is the lack of efficiency, because there are much more effective ones created using advanced technologies, solutions. Replacing fluorescent lamps with LED lamps will allow you to forget for a long time about the need to purchase new light sources and will reduce current energy costs. And here the next question arises - is it possible to install LED lamps instead of fluorescent ones in old devices, or will the lamps have to be thrown away and new tubes installed instead.

Before specifying how to change a fluorescent lamp, you need to understand whether you need it. Replacing fluorescent lamps with LED lamps, despite the initial costs, is economically feasible. See for yourself:

1. Remodeling or reconfiguration (LED lamps instead of fluorescent ones can be installed in old devices) is carried out quickly and without unnecessary expenses.
2. LED inspections and maintenance are not required - it will be enough to wipe the dust from time to time and replace the tubes.
3. You will save up to 60% on electricity when compared with the same LN models.
4. The average lifespan of LED fluorescent lamps is 40 thousand hours - this is much longer than fluorescent lamps.
5. Tubes with LEDs do not flicker and are an ideal choice for kindergartens and schools, clinics, and offices.
6. There are no mercury or other toxic substances in LEDs, which means you don’t have to dispose of them in a special way.
7. Even with a sharp drop in voltage within the network, LED fluorescent lamps continue to operate without failure.

That is, replacing fluorescent lamps with LED lamps provides a lot of advantages, although first you will have to spend money on their purchase. There are budget and premium options, so you'll find an 18W source in your price range.

LED lamps instead of fluorescent lamps: is it worth changing?

Replacing Armstrong lamps with LED ones is in most cases justified, since LED sources are superior to their outdated counterparts in almost all parameters. For yourself, calculate the initial expenses, compare the parameters of different light bulbs, recalculate the savings in the long term if LED lamps replace 18 W fluorescent lamps.

T8 fluorescent lamps:

• produce up to 10,000 hours, usually less;
• light is distributed in different directions and requires special reflectors;
• increase brightness when turned on incrementally;
• The circuit breaker often malfunctions;
• the luminescent surface layer gradually loses its qualities, the light flux decreases by a third quite quickly;
• mercury, the flask must be properly disposed of.

LED lamps T8:

• last up to 50 thousand hours (take into account the number of on-off switches);
• give directional light;
• immediately turn on brightly with full luminous flux output;
• there is no need to install drivers or chokes and starters;
• brightness is lost no more than 10% for every ten thousand hours;
• energy consumption from the network is minimal;
• environmental safety – 100%.

The light output of T8 LED lamps (with the same energy consumption as fluorescent lamps) is many times greater, and they very rarely fail ahead of schedule. When purchasing, you receive a warranty from the manufacturer or supplier. The ability to place a different number of LED elements inside the main bulb allows you to obtain any light intensity and any color temperature. Having weighed the strengths and weaknesses of the solution, we can say that LED lamps instead of fluorescent ones will be more profitable in the future. There is only one drawback - LEDs are more expensive.

How to connect

Fluorescent lamps have two connection schemes:

• with ballasts (automatic start-up control) including a choke, starter, capacitor (1);
• based on electronic ballasts, the ballast includes a converter operating at high frequencies (2).

The raster lamps contain the following elements:

The connection diagram for the T8 LED lamp does not involve the use of ballasts or electronic ballasts.

The illustrations clearly show how to change the connection diagram of a fluorescent lamp to an LED one.

A stabilized circuit breaker is built into the housing. Comes with it under a plastic or glass diffuser printed circuit board with LED elements, which is mounted on aluminum radiator. Voltage from the network is supplied through the base pins to the driver on one or both sides. If there is only one feed side, the pins will act as fasteners.

Before installing LED lamps instead of fluorescent ones and modifying or reconfiguring the old lamp, carefully read the connection diagram. It can be found on the body LED lamps or in the documentation for it. An LED with phase and neutral connections from different sides is the most commonly used option, therefore, we will consider how to change a fluorescent lamp using its example.

Rework procedure

The order of connection depends on what needs to be redone. You can do the work yourself if you follow the plan - detailed diagram Connecting an LED lamp instead of fluorescent lamps will help even an inexperienced electrician figure it out.

Connection algorithm:

1. Disable automatic protection, remove mains voltage, make sure it's not there.
2. Remove the protective cover to gain access to the working elements of the circuit. Remove the capacitor, starter, and inductor from the circuit.
3. Separate the wires next to the cartridge terminals, connect them to the phase and neutral wires directly, insulate or remove the rest.
4. Insert the T8 G13 light bulb and perform a test run.

The procedure is not difficult. The contacts with pins on the sockets are marked with the letters “L” and “N”. Reconfiguring luminaires with electronic ballast is even simpler. How to remake a fluorescent lamp in this case:

1. Solder or use wire cutters to separate the wires entering the ballast part and then leaving it.
2. Connect the zero and phase wires to the wires of both cartridges.
3. Insulate joints and connections, insert LEDs, turn on the network. If everything was done correctly, light will appear.

The final steps are to isolate the connection points, insert a new source, and apply voltage. Connecting LED lamps on average takes no more than 10 minutes.

Algorithm for performing work.

Replacing a fluorescent lamp with a T8 LED lamp must be carried out taking into account the model. For example, at Philips the task is extremely simplified due to a special design and factory equipment. How to convert a fluorescent lamp into an LED one - spin the starter, screw in the plug (needed for replacement, comes standard). There is no need to remove or disassemble the housing with chokes.

When choosing a light source to replace your old one, always look at the type of base. It can have a rigid fixation with the body part or be movable and rotating. Models with a rotating base are considered universal. How to connect the LED lamps of the model - just screw it into a converted lamp with horizontal or vertical slots in the socket.

At making the right choice If you connect an LED lamp instead of a fluorescent lamp, its service life will be significant. Buyers who bought a Chinese counterfeit usually complain about problems. Therefore, make purchases in trusted places and do not choose analogues, since the savings in this case are not justified.