Replace a fluorescent tube with an LED tube

Isolate the circuit, fit the right LED tube for your fitting, and recycle the old tube safely.

FL-01Identify your existing tube and fittingLook at the old tube for its length and type - most homes have a 600mm, 1200mm or 1500mm T8 tube. Check the fitting: a hum and a separate starter cap at one end usually means a magnetic ballast; a silent fitting with no starter usually means an electronic ballast. Take a photo of the tube's end cap and any printing on the ballast casing so you can match it in the shop.

FL-02Pick the right LED tube for your ballastA Type A (plug-and-play) LED tube works with a compatible electronic ballast and needs no rewiring - the simplest choice for a beginner. A Type B (ballast bypass) LED tube wires directly to the mains and needs the ballast disconnected inside the fitting, which is more involved. If your fitting has a magnetic ballast and starter, check the LED tube's packaging - most need the starter swapped for an LED-compatible one, or bridged, depending on the brand.

1 each · LED tube (600mm/1200mm/1500mm to match old tube)

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1 each · LED-compatible starter (if fitting has a starter)

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FL-03Isolate the power before you touch the fittingSwitch off the light at the wall switch, then turn off the correct circuit breaker at the consumer unit - some fluorescent fittings stay live even with the switch off. Prove the fitting is dead with a voltage tester before you touch any wiring inside it. If anyone else uses the room, let them know the power is off before you start.

1 each · Voltage tester

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FL-04Remove the diffuser and the old tubeUnclip or slide off the plastic diffuser cover and set it aside somewhere safe. Rotate the old tube 90° in its end caps until the pins line up with the slots, then pull it free. Handle it by the ends, not the glass - old fluorescent tubes contain a small amount of mercury and can chip.

FL-05Fit a plug-and-play (Type A) LED tubeIf you're using a Type A tube, no wiring changes are needed - line up the pins with the end cap slots, push in and twist 90° to lock. If your ballast uses a starter, swap the old starter for the LED-compatible one supplied, or bridge it if the tube's instructions say to. Fit the new starter the same way - align the pins, push, twist.

FL-06Fit a ballast-bypass (Type B) LED tubeIf you're using a Type B tube, open the fitting and disconnect the ballast completely - it's no longer needed. Connect the mains supply wires directly to the correct end caps following the wiring diagram printed on the tube, using proper connectors rather than twisted bare wires. This step alters the fixed wiring inside the fitting - if you're not confident reading a wiring diagram, ask a qualified electrician instead.

1 pack · Wire connectors (choc block or push-fit)

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FL-07Restore power and test the tubeSwitch the circuit back on at the consumer unit, then switch the light on at the wall. The tube should light immediately, without flickering or humming, if wired correctly. Turn it off again at the consumer unit if you need to make any adjustment.

FL-08Refit the diffuser coverClip or slide the diffuser back into place once you're happy the tube lights properly. Check it's seated evenly and clipped on all sides before leaving it.

FL-09Recycle the old fluorescent tube safelyOld fluorescent tubes contain a small amount of mercury and count as hazardous waste - they must not go in your household bin. Take it to a household waste recycling centre or a large retailer that sells lighting; many take old tubes back free of charge. Keep it whole if you can, or seal it in a bag if it's already broken.

RULES

KNOW THE RULES

UK WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) regulations classify fluorescent tubes as hazardous waste - they must be recycled, not put in general household waste.

FL-10Tidy upWipe down the fitting and diffuser if dusty before finishing. Put the ladder and tools away, and label any spare starter or leftover fittings for next time.

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