LED Tube Types: A, B, and C Explained
By RF Wireless Expert Team
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LED lighting has exploded in popularity, thanks to its long lifespan, energy efficiency, and ease of control. But navigating the world of LED tubes can be a little confusing, especially when you start seeing terms like Type-A, Type-B, and Type-C. This article breaks down the differences between these LED tube types.
LED Tube Type-A
Features of LED tube type-A:
- Uses an existing electronic ballast.
- Operates on 100-277V AC at 50/60 Hz.
- Requires ballast replacement during maintenance.
- Considered to have a “risk of fire and electrical shock”.
- Needs both ballast and lamp holder replacements.
- Essentially, Type-A tubes are designed to be a relatively simple replacement for fluorescent tubes, utilizing the existing ballast.
LED Tube Type-B
Features of LED tube type-B:
- Uses a magnetic ballast.
- Operates on 100-277V AC at 50/60 Hz.
- Designed to operate with an internal driver, but can also be directly connected to mains power.
- Incoming power lines are directly connected to sockets, potentially exposing individuals to AC voltage.
- Also carries a “risk of fire and electrical shock”.
- Type-B tubes often bypass the ballast altogether, requiring some rewiring for direct connection to the mains.
LED Tube Type-C
Features of LED tube type-C:
- Does not use any ballast.
- Operates on 100-249V AC at 50/60 Hz.
- Uses an external driver and requires a modified fixture compared to Type-A and Type-B.
- Low voltage outputs from the driver are connected to sockets instead of the line voltage used in Type-A and Type-B.
- Fixture input wires must be interfaced with the driver.
- Type-C solutions use an external driver to power the LED tube which is a safer, low voltage option.
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