T8 LED tubes

T8 LED TUBES

T8 LED tubes are the most cost-effective and reliable solution for modernizing your fluorescent lighting inventory. Whether you manage offices, a warehouse, a school, retail space, or an industrial facility, converting to T8 LED tubes reduces energy consumption by 30 to 50%, eliminates fluorescent ballast maintenance costs, and improves light quality. LEDCO supplies T8 LED tubes throughout Canada.

Type B T8 LED Tubes — Ballast Bypass for Maximum Efficiency

T8 LED tubes in Type B (ballast bypass) connect directly to 120V by removing or bypassing the existing fluorescent ballast. This is the recommended option for long-term renovation projects: without a ballast between source and tube, luminous efficacy is maximized (110-140 lm/W), service life reaches 50,000 hours, and ballast-related failure risk is eliminated. The fluorescent ballast itself consumes 4 to 10W and is the most expensive replacement component in the fixture — removing it reduces operating costs over 3 to 5 years. Available in 4-foot (1200mm) format in 4000K or 5000K depending on the application.

Type A T8 LED Tubes — Ballast Compatible for Fast Replacement

Type A T8 tubes work directly with most existing electronic ballasts without any wiring changes — remove the fluorescent tube, insert the LED tube, done. Ideal for phased renovations or situations where wiring modification is not permitted (tenants, heritage buildings). Always verify ballast compatibility against the manufacturer-provided compatibility list before ordering. Type A+B (dual-mode) tubes offer the best of both worlds — ballast compatible today, convertible to bypass tomorrow without changing the tube.

T8 LED Tube Fixtures — The New Installation Solution

For new installations or complete retrofits, T8 LED tube fixtures fully replace the old fluorescent housing. These fixtures integrate the LED driver directly into the housing — optimal efficiency, simplified installation, and a single warranty covering the entire fixture. Available in 2-foot, 4-foot, and 8-foot formats depending on ceiling height and aisle width. For high-ceiling spaces (above 5m), LED high bays and ceiling LED panels complement the T8 lineup for a complete lighting solution.

Energy ROI — Payback in 1 to 3 Years

Converting 100 fluorescent 32W tubes to 18W T8 LED tubes frees 1,400W of installed power. At 2,000 annual operating hours, savings reach 2,800 kWh per year. At typical Canadian utility rates, this represents annual savings of $140 to $280 depending on your rate plan. For a commercial space operating 12 hours per day, return on investment is achieved in 12 to 18 months without incentives, and potentially under one year with energy efficiency programs available in Quebec. LEDCO provides technical data sheets and energy savings calculations on request.

Technical Tips — T8 LED Tube Installation

Verify the existing ballast type (electronic vs magnetic) before ordering — magnetic ballasts must be removed or replaced in all cases
For ballast bypass (Type B), document existing wiring before modification and follow the manufacturer wiring diagram — one socket must be electrically isolated
In wet environments (cold storage, commercial kitchens), choose T8 LED tubes with IP65 or IP66 rating to resist moisture and condensation
4000K to 5000K color temperature is recommended for warehouses and workshops where visual detail recognition is critical
In schools and hospitals, require a flicker factor below 1% (flicker-free) to prevent eye strain and migraine triggers
For regulated food service applications (NSF/ANSI 2), verify that tubes carry NSF certification

Contact LEDCO for a personalized return on investment analysis for your fluorescent to T8 LED conversion project — our experts calculate real savings based on your utility rate and operating hours.