Why Bypassing the Ballast Is Important
The Electrician’s Choice: Why Bypassing the Ballast is a Game Changer
In the world of commercial lighting, the transition from fluorescent to LED is no longer a question of "if," but "how." For many facility managers and electricians in the Denver area, the quickest route seems to be a simple "plug-and-play" bulb. However, at Denver LED Direct, we’ve seen firsthand that taking the extra few minutes to perform a ballast bypass (Direct Wire) is often the superior long-term investment.
While we carry a robust stock of the newest Type A (Plug-and-Play) and Type B (Direct Wire) LED tubes to meet any field challenge, understanding the "why" behind direct wiring can save you significant time and money down the road.
What Does "Bypassing the Ballast" Actually Mean?
Fluorescent fixtures require a ballast to regulate the voltage and current to the bulbs.
Type A LEDs use this existing ballast.
Type B LEDs (Direct Wire) bypass it entirely, connecting the building’s line voltage directly to the sockets (tombstones).
The Top Benefits of Going Direct Wire
1. Eliminate the "Point of Failure"
The most common reason a light fixture fails isn't the bulb—it’s the ballast. By choosing a Type B installation, you remove a complex electronic component that will eventually hum, flicker, or die. When the ballast is gone, there is one less thing to troubleshoot or replace in three years.
2. Maximum Energy Efficiency
Even the most efficient electronic ballasts consume a small amount of "parasitic" power (often 2–4 watts per fixture). By wiring directly to the LED tube, you ensure that every watt you pay for is going toward producing light, not heating up an old transformer.
3. Reduced Maintenance Costs
Think about the labor involved in a "Type A" setup. You swap the bulb today, but six months later the old ballast fails. Now, your team has to roll a ladder out again, open the fixture, and replace the ballast. With Type B Direct Wire, once the bypass is done, your maintenance cycle is slashed to nearly zero until the LED itself reaches its end of life (usually 50,000+ hours).
4. Compatibility Peace of Mind
If you’ve ever tried to find a "compatible" LED for an obscure, decade-old ballast, you know the frustration. Type B tubes eliminate compatibility charts entirely. As long as you have line voltage, the light will turn on.
Denver LED Direct: Your Partner in the Field
We know that every job site is different. Sometimes a quick swap is required to get a tenant back to work, and sometimes a full retrofit is the right move for the budget.
Type A+B (Hybrid) Tubes: We carry "Dual Mode" tubes that work with a ballast today but can be direct-wired if the ballast fails tomorrow.
Expert Local Advice: Being based right here in Denver, we understand the specific needs of local contractors and the rebate requirements of local utilities.
Pro Tip for Electricians: When performing a ballast bypass, always ensure you are using non-shunted tombstones if your Type B tubes require single-ended power.
Ready to Upgrade Your Next Project?
Whether you are looking for high-output Type B tubes for a warehouse or a bulk order of Type A B hybrid tubes for a quick office refresh, Denver LED Direct has the inventory ready for pickup or delivery.