LED Tube Types: A, B, and C Explained

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.