tube lights

LED Tube Lights Over 2000 Lumens - Direct Wire

Ballast bypass (or direct wire) LED tubes run directly off of line voltage. The ballast must be removed, eliminating a potential failure point. The fixture is rewired based on the lamp operation during installation. Single-ended tubes require existing sockets be replaced with non-shunted ones and the fixture wired so that power is only going to one end. Double-ended tubes allow you to keep the existing sockets while wiring the fixture for power on both ends. Direct wire tubes last longer than fluorescents to reduce the time and money spent on replacements. Some tubes are compatible with dimmers, allowing you to adjust the light output as needed and further extend the life of the lamps. For additional savings, look for LED tubes that are DLC certified as these lamps may qualify for state or local rebates.

Where to Use Ballast Bypass Tubes

Delivering over 2000 Lumens, these LED tubes offer a bright light output that is suitable for use in strip lights, high bays, and troffers. For creating a welcoming atmosphere in waiting areas and lobbies, use tubes that emit a color temperature between 3000K and 3500K. For reduced eye strain in classrooms and offices, choose LED tubes in the 4000K range. For hospitals, manufacturing floors, workshops, and other locations that require improved visibility, pick tubes in the 5000K range or higher. If broken glass is a concern, look for shatter resistant direct wire tubes. These tubes have a coating that meets NSF certifications, allowing for use in food preparation areas.

Need help finding the right ballast bypass LED T8 tube for your fixture? Speak with our knowledgeable lighting experts by calling 1-800-624-4488 today!

Direct Wire

Color Temperature

Kelvin (K) is a measure of how warm (yellow) or cool (blue) the color output of a fixture. T8 tubes with a warm color temperature in the 3000-3500K range are recommended for reception rooms, lobbies, and other locations where an inviting atmosphere is desired. LED tube lights with a cooler color temperature range from 4000-5000 Kelvin. These lights create a crisp and clean look for office buildings, classrooms, hospitals, and industrial spaces.

When to Use Single vs. Double-ended Power

LED ready fixtures use non-shunted sockets and do not have a ballast, so all you need to do to install single-ended power LED tubes is to plug them in. When retrofitting a fluorescent fixture with LED tubes, you have three options. You can remove the ballast and use double-ended power LED tubes with the existing shunted sockets or rewire for non-shunted sockets to use single-ended or double-ended power tubes. Or to avoid any rewiring, call 1-800-624-4488 and ask about ballast compatible or hybrid LED tubes that plug and play into your fluorescent fixture and run with the existing ballast still in place.

LED Tube Lights Under 1800 Lumens

4 ft. T8 LED Tubes - Under 1800 Lumens

As our most popular LED tube lights, these 4 ft. tubes provide just the right amount of brightness while meeting your bottom line. Boasting better color rendering and requiring less maintenance, you can use these tube lights to replace fluorescent bulbs without replacing the entire fixture.

Color Temperature

Measured in Kelvin (K), color temperature is a scale describing how warm (yellow) or cold (blue) the color output of a light or fixture. Warm T8 tubes are in the 3000-3500K range and recommended for reception areas, hotel lobbies, and other locations where you want an inviting atmosphere. Cooler color temperatures in the 3500-5000K range give a brighter, cleaner look for office buildings, classrooms, hospitals, and commercial kitchens.