T5 Ballasts – Electronic T5 & T5HO Fluorescent Replacement

T5 HE vs T5HO

An F54T5HO lamp on a T5HE ballast will not run. Match HE to HE and HO to HO.

Fluorescent lamps vs Type A LED tubes

• Fluorescent T5 / T5HO — This ballast is required. Match lamp stamp, lamp count, and voltage.
• Type A LED T5 — Plug-and-play on a compatible electronic T5 ballast. Keep this ballast in the fixture. Confirm the tube’s ballast compatibility list before you buy.
• Type B LED T5 — Ballast bypass. Remove this ballast and wire line voltage to the sockets. Do not leave a T5 ballast in circuit with a Type B tube.

Shop tubes: LED Tubes. Type definitions: LED tube types.

How to Choose

1. HE or HO

The letters after T5 on the tube decide the ballast. F28T5 ≠ F54T5HO. Type A LED replacements follow the same split — T5 vs T5HO.

2. Lamp count

1-lamp, 2-lamp, or 4-lamp. High-bay T5HO fixtures are usually 2-lamp or 4-lamp.

3. Start method and voltage

• Programmed start — occupancy sensors and high-bays that cycle. Best lamp life. Preferred for Type A LED lists.
• Rapid start — smaller 120V T5 fixtures
• 120V or 120–277V universal

4. Keep the ballast or convert

Keep this ballast if you are replacing a failed unit under fluorescent lamps or Type A LED tubes. Remove it if you are installing Type B LED T5 tubes.

Parent: Fluorescent Ballasts · Sibling: T8 Ballasts · T12 Ballasts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between T5 and T5HO?

T5 / T5HE ballasts run high-efficiency lamps (F28T5 and shorter). T5HO ballasts run high-output lamps (F54T5HO and the HO family). Same ⅝-inch diameter. Different current. Different ballast.

Can I use a T5HO ballast on F28T5 lamps?

No. Buy the ballast listed for the lamp stamp on the tube.

Do Type A LED T5 tubes use these ballasts?

Yes. Type A tubes are built to run on a compatible electronic T5 or T5HO ballast. Keep the ballast. Check the tube manufacturer’s ballast list — programmed-start T5 ballasts are the ones most often listed.

Do Type B LED T5 tubes use these ballasts?

No. Type B is ballast bypass. Disconnect and remove this ballast, then wire line voltage to the tombstones.