Learn About LED Tube Types: Type A, B, C, & Hybrid (A+B)
Type A Linear LED Tubes (Ballast Compatible)
Type A LED tubes are fluorescent ballast compatible LED linear lamps, also known as Plug & Play lamps. These tubes use your existing ballast and function as traditional lamps with three power settings controlled by the ballast: Low Power (LP), Normal Power (NP), and High Power (HP).
Benefits: Control, safety, and simple installation. Type A tubes replace existing fluorescent lamps without rewiring, making them safer than Type B alternatives. However, not all ballasts are compatible—check manufacturer compatibility lists before installation, especially for older fixtures.
Type B Linear LED Tubes (Ballast Bypass)
Type B LED tubes are ballast bypass lamps with built-in drivers, also called line voltage lamps. They wire directly to power, eliminating the ballast entirely.
Benefits: Lower cost and reduced maintenance. Type B is the most popular option due to affordability. Important: These are the most dangerous type—they require ballast removal and direct wiring to non-shunted sockets. Always mark fixtures with directly wired lamps to prevent electrical shock or fire hazards during future maintenance.
Type C Linear LED Tubes (External Driver)
Type C LED tubes use externally mounted drivers installed like traditional ballasts. They offer programmable outputs, dimming capabilities, and extended lifespan.
Benefits: Premium dimming and longevity. Type C is the least popular due to higher cost—consider LED module systems as an alternative for advanced applications.
Type A+B Linear LED Tubes (Hybrid Ballast Compatible & Bypass)
Type A+B LED tubes work with or without ballast, formerly known as Type D or "combo tubes." Install as Plug & Play with existing ballasts or remove the ballast for direct wiring.
Benefits: Maximum flexibility and safety. Reduce installation complexity and adapt to either ballast-compatible or ballast-bypass fixtures. Verify ballast compatibility before installation.
Shop LED Tubes at LeanLight
LeanLight offers premium LED tubes from Keystone Technologies and Sylvania:
LED Tube Types Comparison Matrix
A direct overview of installation requirements and best-use cases
| LED Tube Type | Ballast Required? | Installation Process | Core Advantages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type A (Plug-and-Play) | Yes (Uses existing fixture ballast) | Directly swap old fluorescent bulbs. No rewiring required. | Lowest upfront labor cost; immediate operational setup. | Fast DIY Retrofits |
| Type B (Ballast Bypass) | No (Ballast is cut out & removed) | Rewire lamp holder sockets directly to the main line voltage (120-277V). | Permanently removes the ballast as a future point of maintenance failure. | Long-Term Maintenance Cuts |
| Type C (Remote Driver) | No (Powered via low-voltage DC) | Replace old fluorescent ballast with a new external, dedicated LED driver. | Highest overall energy efficiency; flawless system dimming integration. | High-End Office & Smart Buildings |
| Type A+B (Hybrid Mode) | Optional (Works with or without ballast) | Install instantly as plug-and-play. If ballast fails later, bypass it. | Ultimate deployment flexibility; protects against catalog ordering errors. | Stock Distributors & Contractors |