How to Install and Connect LED Tube Lights: A Beginner’s Guide

LED lights are more popular for their exceptional energy efficiency than traditional fluorescent tube lights. Offering diverse color temperature options, they can be customised to meet specific lighting requirements. If you want to upgrade your home’s lighting infrastructure, LED tube lights are an ideal choice. You can easily install LED tube lights by following this detailed step-by-step guide. Of course, calling an expert is recommended if you are experiencing any complexities while installing the LED tube lights.

This beginner’s guide will walk you through a short introduction to what an LED tube light is, the process of how to fit an LED tube light, and how to connect an LED tube light to a power source.

What is an LED Tube Light?

An LED tube light comprises small semiconductor diodes that emit light when an electric current passes through them. LED tube lights are available in various forms and configurations that provide flexibility as per diverse requirements. Compared to traditional tube lights, they have longer shelf lives, reduced carbon emissions, better energy efficiency, and brighter lighting quality wherever they are fitted.

Tools Required To Install LED Tube Lights

Before diving into how to install LED tube lights, first be aware of the set of tools required for the installation process.

1. Electrical Tape
2. Wire Strippers
3. Voltage Tester
4. Screw Driver
5. A Step ladder
6. Mounting Brackets (optional)

How To Install LED Tube Lights on a Ceiling?

Learning how to fit LED tube lights may initially seem complicated and daunting. But, with the right tools, installing LED tube lights can be a smooth and safe task.  

1. Turn Off the Power Button

Before you begin, turn off the switchboard's power button to avoid electrical shocks. Use a voltage tester to ensure no live current is passing through the wiring you will be working on. If you are removing any existing fluorescent tube lights, inspect the fixture for loose wires and connections.

2. Remove Old Tube Light Fixtures

Remove and release the old tube light fixtures since an LED tube light cannot be installed on traditional tube light fixtures. Detach any screws or clips, disconnect and remove the power wires and clear the ceiling space to install LED tube lights.

3. Connect the Wiring to fit LED Tube Light

There are two wires to connect the LED tube lights to the socket. Strip the wire cables using a wire stripper and connect them to the corresponding ends. The wiring process varies for installing single-ended and double-ended LED tube lights. For single-ended tube lights, connect the neutral and live wire from the fixture to the corresponding end of the LED tube light. Double-ended LED tube lights have both ends powered. Connect the live and neutral wires for both ends.

4. Install the LED Tube Light into the New Fixture

It is the final step in how to install LED Tube lights. Place the brand new LED tube light into the fixture developed. Commonly, LED tube lights have a pin-style connection that aligns with the ceiling fixture at both ends. Once done, twist the tube light slightly to ensure it has locked into place.

5. Test the LED Tube Light Installation

Once you install the LED tube light, it is time to test it. Switch on the power supply and cross-verify to see whether it works as expected. If the light is not turning on, double-check for wiring and connections. Use a multimeter to test for any power inefficiency. If the LED tube light still doesn’t light up, call for an expert assistant who can help you quickly identify the problem and make the LED tube light shine bright.   

6. Conduct Final Checks

Finally, if everything is working well, inspect the entire installation process. Ensure there are no exposed wires and the LED tube light is stable in its mounted position. The LED tube light must light the room brightly without any flickering. If there are any problems, revisit this guide on how to install LED lights to identify the potential issue.

How to Install LED Tube Light on Wall?

The process to install an LED tube light on a wall is slightly different from installing it on a ceiling. Follow these steps to install it on the wall.

1. Choose a Place.

The wall where the LED tube light needs to be installed should not be blocked or hindered. Ensure that there is an electrical power outlet nearby for convenient wiring.

2. Setup New Mounting Fixtures to Install LED Tube lights

Fix the mounting brackets of the new fixture to the wall using screws and screwdriver. Ensure it is properly positioned and firmly secured. Mount the LED tube light to fit smoothly into the brackets.

3. Connect LED Light to the Power Supply

Connect the wires to the power supply socket once the LED light is mounted into the fixture. You will see two wires. One is the live wire, usually red in color, and the other is the neutral wire, blue or black. Ensure that the wires are connected securely and insulated well to prevent electrical mishaps. 

4. Test The LED Tube Light

Follow the testing steps above and see if the newly mounted LED tube light works properly. Testing is imperative to ensure that all the connections are safe and that the LED tube lights are securely fit into the wall mounting.

Investing the time and effort in learning how to install LED tube lights is an easy and rewarding process if done correctly. Whether you want to replace an old fluorescent tube light with an LED tube light or make your new home shine brighter than ever with a brand new LED tube light, following this detailed guide will ensure that you have a smooth LED tube light installation process. Remember to follow all safety precautions when executing the steps to install LED tube lights. At GM Modular, LED tube lights come in a wide range of designs to increase the visual appeal of your home interiors and provide world-class lighting solutions.

Want to know why LED tube lights are a smarter choice? Explore the 5 key advantages of using LED tube lights for better efficiency and long-term savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are LED Tube Lights repairable?

Due to their closely integrated components and concealed design, the advanced technology in LED tube lights doesn’t allow for easy repairs. A better practical solution is to replace them with a new LED tube light. 

2. Can I directly replace Fluorescent Tubes with LEDs?

Although you can replace Fluorescent tube lights with LED tube lights anywhere, ensure that the fluorescent fixtures are removed, as LED tube lights don’t fit into them. 

3. What is the life span of LED Tube lights?

The lifespan of LED tube lights ranges from around 40,000 to 50,000 hours without needing any spending on maintenance. It makes them a more economical alternative to sustain in the long term. Also, factors like their operating conditions and usage patterns affect their lifespan.

4. What is better, Tube light or LED for eyes?

LED tube lights are considered a better choice for maintaining eye comfort and health. Unlike fluorescent tube lights, which produce UV rays, LED lights produce warm, natural light with a consistent spectrum.