Philips delivers T8 LED tubes that work with existing ballasts
Philips Lighting has developed the InstantFit family of T8 LED tubes what it calls a plug-and-play tube. The tubes are designed for direct installation into fluorescent fixtures without requiring removal of the fluorescent ballast.
The InstantFit tubes are rated 40,000 hours lifespan and could deliver 41% energy savings relative to fluorescent T8 tubes. The tubes warranty time is four years, and they operate with no flicker or buzz and power on instantly. Philips will offer the T8 tubes over a range of CCT from 3000K to 5000K with a CRI of 83. Based on that CRI spec, the tubes should produce superior light to typical fluorescent tubes.
By offering plug-and-play compatibility with existing ballasts could reduces install costs to zero. In fact, it’s less of a retrofit than a simple change with huge benefits. The real advantage of a tube that works with existing ballasts is the ability to phase in a transition to LED lighting. Companies that choose to install tubes requiring removal of the old ballast and/or installation of an external driver would tend to undertake an expensive renovation of an entire building or facility. The InstantFit tubes can simply be installed as the fluorescent tubes.