The world of lighting is vast, which can make learning about it seem overwhelming. But though overwhelming, it’s not impossible. A confusing aspect of lighting can be fixtures that seem similar, but have a slight difference in wording that changes the meaning. But sometimes, these slight changes in wording are more simple than they suggest. One such example is single-ended LED lamps vs. double-ended LED lamps.
What are Single-Ended LED Lamps?
Single-ended LED lamps have the live and neutral pins on the same side of the lamp, which is known as the “input” end. That is what gives it its name. A ballast isn’t necessary for Single-ended LED lamps to be operational if it’s installed by direct wire. This will result in lower failure points, less energy consumption, and removal of unnecessary hardware. Because of the build of the single-ended LED lamp, some accommodations will need to be made for certain applications. If installing this lamp as a replacement in a fluorescent fixture, the shunted lamp holder will need to be replaced with non-shunted lamp holders on one side of the fixture.
What are Double-Ended LED Lamps?
Double-ended LED lamps have the live and neutral pins on the opposite side of each lamp, giving it its name. Compared to single-ended LED lamps, Double-ended LED lamps are more efficient as fluorescent replacement applications because they are also double-ended. In addition to that, both lamps also utilize shunted lamp holders, which is necessary for no voltage to be created between the pins.
Which One is Better?
The answer is the double-ended LED lamps. It’s safe-to-install and will save on labor costs, giving the double-ended LED lamps the edge over its single-ended counterpart. Double-ended LED lamps may be better suited as fluorescent replacements than single-ended LED lamps, it doesn’t mean that single-ended LED lamps are not also a viable option to go with.
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FAQs
Which One is Better? The answer is the double-ended LED lamps. It's safe-to-install and will save on labor costs, giving the double-ended LED lamps the edge over its single-ended counterpart.
Which is better, single-ended or double-ended LED tubes? ›
Existing Fixtures: If you have existing fixtures with electronic ballasts, single-ended tubes might be the more convenient choice. Energy Savings: For maximum energy savings, double-ended tubes are a better option, especially in the long run.
What is a double-ended lamp? ›
When an LED lamp is “single-end powered”, this means the LED lamp is powered from one end only. But, when electricity is wired to power the LED lamp from both ends, this is a “double-end powered” lamp.
What is the difference between single end and double end t8 ballast? ›
In a nutshell - Single-end powered simply means your light fixture is wired to one end of the led tube(s) only (The other end is un-powered). Double-end powered means your light fixture is wired to the tube(s) on both ends. Remember that these tube types are not interchangeable.
What is double capped fluorescent lamps? ›
Double-capped cylindrical lamps are generally light indicators with cylindrical metal cups with a flat or concave or convex surface, each positioned at each end of the light indicator. Due to their particular shape, double-capped cylindrical lamps could be described as miniature neon tubes.
Is it worth replacing fluorescent tubes with LED? ›
Compared to fluorescent bulbs, LED lights are up to 80% more efficient. Unlike fluorescent lights, LED lights convert 95% of their energy into light and only 5% is wasted as heat; this is all while still using far less power to provide a strong and consistent output at a lower wattage.
Which type of tube light is best? ›
LED tube lights are increasingly used to replace fluorescent lights. Compared to fluorescents, LED lighting lasts longer, is more energy efficient and uses no mercury.
Which two lamp types last the longest? ›
Here is a breakdown of the average number of hours you can expect each type of light bulb to last.
- Incandescent: 750 - 2,000 hours.
- Halogen: 2,000 - 4,000 hours.
- CFL Screw-based: 8,000 - 10,000 hours.
- CFL Plug-in: 10,000 - 20,000 hours.
- Fluorescent: 24,00 - 36,000 hours.
- LED: 40,000 - 50,000 hours.
Being single-ended or dual ended is defined by the pins the fixture has at both the ends. These are the connecting terminals from which the fixture draws the power from the main circuit. Single ended LED tube: A single-ended LED tube is the one which has connecting terminals only on one end.
Are all LED tubes single-ended? ›
UL Type B LED tubes can further be categorized as single-ended or double ended. In a single-ended configuration, only the two pins on one end of the tube are used (one pin = live; one pin = neutral), and the two pins on the other end are not electrically functional, and only used for holding the lamp in place.
T8 = 1-inch diameter. T12 = 1-1/2-inch diameter.
Is T8 better than T12? ›
Energy Efficiency: T8 fluorescent lights are energy-efficient, offering improved efficiency compared to older T12 models. While not as efficient as T5 lamps, T8s still provide substantial energy savings and are widely adopted for general lighting needs.
What is the most efficient ballast? ›
Instant Start Ballast
This is the most efficient type of ballast. With instant start ballasts you must know the burn time of your lamps. Instant-start is a good choice for applications where the lamps burn for 6 hours or more.
Are T8 and T12 interchangeable? ›
T12 vs T8 Fluorescent Tubes
T12 tubes are 1.5" in diameter while T8 tubes are just one inch. All other things—socket sizes, lengths, distance between pins—are the same. 8ft T8 LED tubes won't fall out if you try to install them in a T12 fixture—they'll fit just fine.
How can I tell what kind of ballast my fluorescent fixture has? ›
Method One - Use your smart phone camera
Stand under the light or a place close to the light and point your cell phone camera at the light. If you can see some strong dark strips flickering in your camera, it must be a magnetic ballast based light. Otherwise it should be an electronic ballast based light.
What are the 2 classifications of fluorescent lamps? ›
Answer: Fluorescent tube and circline lamps.
Which is better clear or frosted LED tubes? ›
A clear lens tube will provide you stronger, more obvious light quality when compared to the frosted.
How do I choose an LED tube? ›
In picking an LED tube, it is important to ensure that (1) light levels in the space (footcandles) are adequate and appropriate, and (2) the distribution of light from the fixture is acceptable. The most common replacement is to use an LED tube that produces the same lumens as the previous fluorescent lamp.
