Replacing Your Discontinued Fluorescent T12 Tubes

Around the United States, T12 linear fluorescent tubes are commonly found in warehouses, retail facilities and industrial shops. After the Department of Energy implemented regulations on the manufacturing of T12 linear fluorescents in 2009, many business owners began switching to LED. Rapid growth of the LED industry has led to cheaper and more energy-efficient LED alternatives resulting in obsolescence of T12 linear fluorescents. While LEDs have a higher initial cost, up to five times the cost of a fluorescent tube, the energy savings alone results in a payback of 12 to 24 months. In addition, old fluorescent tubes need to be replaced every three to four years while LEDs last up to ten years.

Customers are often unsure about the LED options available to replace their T12 linear fluorescents. There are two options available:

A. LED Linear Tubes - Designed with an internal driver, ballast bypass LED bulbs eliminate the existing fluorescent ballast and operate on direct line voltage. During installation of the LEDs, minor rewiring is required to wire the socket directly into the fixture. Converting to ballast bypass LEDs permits you to sidestep the outdated linear fluorescent ballast and its limited lifespan, which avoids replacement and maintenance costs.

B. LED Fixture - If your fluorescent fixtures are outdated or in the wrong location, consider purchasing new fixtures with built-in LED strips. This option is slightly more expensive, but you have the freedom of choosing from a wide range of fixtures that will suit your needs and aesthetic preference. With a fixture that is designed specifically for LEDs, you will bring in the best long-term energy savings as well as improve the overall lighting in your facility while potentially decreasing the number of fixtures you need.

These two options come down to your personal desires for the lighting in your building. Both option A and option B will save you money and provide better quality light. If you have questions on which option is the best for you, contact BallastShop.com by emailing us at support@ballastshop.com or calling us at 1-855-484-1145.