Differences Between Type A, Type B, and Type C LED Tubes

Beacon Lighting Supply | Lighting the Way

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Differences Between Type A, Type B, and Type C LED Tubes

by Kaily Sorvillo on August 20, 2025

Differences Between Type A, Type B, and Type C LED Tubes

When upgrading from fluorescent lighting to LEDs, one of the most common choices facility managers, electricians, and business owners face is which type of LED tube to install. LED tubes come in three main categories—Type A, Type B, and Type C—each with its own installation method, benefits, and considerations. Understanding these differences is essential to choosing the best option for your space, budget, and long-term maintenance needs.

Type A: Ballast Compatible (Plug-and-Play)

What it is: Type A LED tubes are designed to work with the existing fluorescent ballast. This makes them the easiest to install since you simply replace the old fluorescent tube with an LED version—no rewiring required.

Pros:

• Quick and simple installation (just plug in).

• Lower upfront labor costs.

• Ideal for spaces where minimal downtime is critical.

Cons:

• Dependence on the ballast (if the ballast fails, the LED won’t work).

• Slightly lower efficiency since power runs through the ballast.

• Ballast compatibility issues can occur if the ballast is old or incompatible.

Best for: Quick retrofits, tenants in leased spaces, and facilities looking for minimal disruption.

Type B: Ballast Bypass (Direct Wire)

What it is: Type B LED tubes connect directly to line voltage, bypassing the ballast altogether. This means the ballast is removed or rewired out of the circuit.

Pros:

• Increased efficiency (no ballast power loss).

• Eliminates future ballast maintenance and replacement costs.

• Long-term reliability.

Cons:

• Requires professional rewiring (more labor-intensive).

• Higher upfront installation cost.

• Safety concerns if wiring isn’t done properly (since line voltage is applied directly to the socket).

• Fixture has to be identified as line voltage powered.

Best for: Facilities seeking long-term energy savings and reduced maintenance, especially where ballasts are failing or outdated.

Type C: Remote Driver LED Tubes

What it is: Type C systems use a separate LED driver (similar to an external ballast, but designed for LEDs). The driver powers the LED tubes and can often support advanced features like dimming or smart controls.

Pros:

• Highest efficiency and performance.

• Longest lifespan for both tubes and drivers.

• Compatible with advanced lighting controls and dimming systems.

• Excellent for large-scale or future-proof lighting upgrades.

Cons:

• Highest upfront cost (requires new driver installation).

• More complex installation compared to Type A.

Best for: Large commercial projects, facilities planning for smart lighting integration, or those prioritizing top-tier performance and longevity.

Quick Comparison Chart

Type	Installation	Efficiency	Maintenance	Cost	Best Use Case
Type A	Plug-and-play with ballast	Moderate	Ballast still needed	Low upfront	Quick retrofits
Type B	Bypass ballast, direct wire	High	No ballast	Medium	Long-term savings
Type C	Requires new LED driver	Highest	Driver + tubes	Higher upfront	Smart/large-scale projects

Which LED Tube Should You Choose?

• Choose Type A if you want the fastest, easiest swap with minimal labor.

• Choose Type B if you want better efficiency and don’t want to deal with ballasts again.

• Choose Type C if you’re investing in the best long-term solution with advanced lighting capabilities.

  
  

Upgrading to LED tubes is one of the smartest energy decisions a business can make—but choosing the right type ensures you get the most out of your investment.