Technical Policy & Strategy

UNY Tech Alert C&I Energy Initiative Program

T8 LED Replacement Tubes (TLED’s)

LED Replacement Lamps:
T8 fluorescent lamps currently dominate the commercial and industrial sectors accounting
for 80% of installed lamps1. LED lamp replacement of fluorescent T8 lamps has emerged as
a popular energy saving lighting technology. But this technology may not be appropriate for
all retrofit fixtures and applications. Since there are so many LED tube options to choose
from, it can be difficult to decide which one is best to use. Some of the options include LED
retrofit tubes with internal drivers, LED retrofit tubes with external drivers, and LED light
bars. Some LED tube replacement lamps do not provide the energy savings that they
promise, or last as long as current low-wattage and high-performance T8 fluorescent
systems.

Factors to Consider:
There are three LED options to replace existing fluorescent lighting systems: LED
replacement lamps, LED retrofit kits, and new LED luminaires. LED lamp replacements
often provide the lowest initial equipment purchase option but can have similar labor
costs as a retrofit kit and can often times exceed a complete luminaire installation.
Another factor to take into consideration is safety certifications. If an existing luminaire
is retrofitted with a kit or LED lamps the original safety certification and warranty may
no longer be valid. Replacement costs should also be assessed to determine
frequency of replacement for the light source as well as the driver; which may be a
fluorescent ballast if retrofitting with applicable LED lamps. This could significantly
increase the lifetime cost of the LED retrofit. Light levels, Operating costs and dimming
capabilities should also be taken into consideration.
Matching the right LED option and wiring configuration to the right application or space
type can ensure a long lasting, cost-effective LED solution that delivers the same or better
light than the previous fluorescent system. It is strongly recommend that the customer first
install the LEDs in a “test area” before purchasing this technology for their entire space.
This will help them verify that they have selected the right solution for their lighting needs
and budget.

1
Department of Energy, 2010 U.S. Lighting Market Characterization.
 Recessed Indirect Parabolic Louver K12 Lens High Performance Volumetric
Do not consider unless Use linear LEDs with a Be aware that the lens Consider wide- Luminaire efficiency,
lamp efficacy and lumen diffuse lens (wide may appear stripey distribution (diffuse) distribution, appearance,
output of the linear LED distribution), and be aware and/or more glaring, and lamps, but avoid and glare perception
lamps are at least 20% of potentially increased light distribution may be narrow-distribution were affected very little
higher than fluorescent. glare, dark-appearing upper narrowed compared to (clear) linear LED lamps by the LED lamps.
walls, and/or less fluorescent. because they affect light
workplane uniformity. distribution and
appearance.

Worst to Best Retrofits for Linear LED Lamps

Premium (25or 28 W) T8 Fluorescent Standard (32 W) T8 Fluorescent T12 Fluorescent Magnetic or

High-Efficiency Electronic Ballast
Linear LED lamps may not be cost effective
solution unless utility rates are very high and LED
lamp costs are very low.
Magnetic or Electronic Ballast
Consider linear LED lamps, but also compare
against a troffer retrofit with a combination of
premium-quality, high-efficiency, long-life
fluorescent lamps (36,000 to 80,000 hours life)
and high-efficiency electronic ballast.
Electronic Ballast
Consider linear LED lamps, but also compare
against a troffer retrofit with a combination of
premium-quality, high-efficiency, long-life
fluorescent lamps (36,000 to 80,000 hours life)
and high-efficiency electronic ballast.

Every installation is unique, with a variety of LED products and options available. There are many considerations to take in to account such as wiring
configuration, warranty, lifetime, and luminous intensity. Other alternatives, such as LED retrofit kits or dedicated LED troffers, should also be
considered.
1
Chart Source: U.S. Department of Energy Caliper Report 21.4 : Summary of Linear (T8) LED Lamp Testing, 2014
LED Retrofit Options for Linear Fluorescents
All projects that are exploring LED retrofit options are recommended to mock-up several solutions at the project site in order to get informed customer approval. Incentives
are available for LED fixtures and controls. Please contact your Energy Efficiency contact for more details.
DLC
NYS EE
Description Images Wiring Technical Benefits Challenges
Program
Category
 Efficacy losses from integrating with
existing ballast
Existing bi-pin sockets, integral  Simplicity  Older ballasts may need replacement
LED Driver, TLED’s powered by wired to Prescriptive  Low installation cost
adding to the life-cycle cost
 Licensed electrician not
existing or new fluorescent fluorescent #15, #16 Measure  Incompatible with some FL ballasts, may
required
add costs to retrofit
ballasts ballast Code 81C  No modifications to wiring
 “Snap-Back” to FL T8 lamps possible,
or fixture
UL Classification -A eliminating savings
 Dimming options are limited

 Additional project costs for required

bi-pin sockets, integral LED  Full efficiency of lamp, no licensed electrician
Driver, sockets wired directly to Wired to bi- Prescriptive integration with existing  Potential dangers if install fluorescent lamp
#15, #16 Measure ballast
in direct voltage rewired sockets
line voltage power pin sockets Code 81F  No compromise of LED
tube life  Luminaire efficacy losses
UL Classification -B  No dimming capabilities

LED Tubes or Light Bars wired  High efficacy

Prescriptive
wired to  Fixture thermal issues
to separate LED driver  Reduced light output
Measure reduced
remote #15, #16  Retains existing FL fixtures & lens
Code 81C, D,  Dimming and other  Limited compatibility with controls
(Bi-pin sockets may be used) UL LED driver controls strategies can
Classification -C &E be used

Complete LED Troffer Retrofit Prescriptive  Higher incentives

 Packaged system, ease of  Imprecise compatibility with existing
Kits with LED modules, driver, Measure fixtures and grids
installation
lens (optical system) Wired to #12, #13,  Thermal issues eliminated
Code 88A,  Retains same location and number of
LED driver #14  Improved optical existing fixtures
UL Category -Luminaire 88B, 88C, performance  Higher installation costs
Conversions, Retrofit, IEUQ 86A, 86B  Compatible with controls
 New York State Measure Life (EUL) for Lighting1

Introduction:
**All cited lighting EUL are subject to revision based on citation source updates**
UNY Effective
Lighting Device Description Useful Life (EUL) Source/Notes
All Non-LED Fixtures & Lamps
Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) compliant 70,000 hrs/ annual lighting
CEE T8 Replacement Lamp Specification2
Interior and Exterior Linear Fluorescent Lighting operating hrs or 15 yrs
NYS Tech Manual
Systems (whichever is less)
CFL Fixtures 12 yrs NYS Tech Manual
9,000 hrs/ annual lighting
CFL Replacement Lamps NYS Tech Manual
operating hours
Interior & Exterior Lighting Systems including: Ceramic 70,000 hrs/ annual lighting
Metal Halide, Metal Halide, High Pressure Sodium, operating hrs or 15 yrs NYS Tech Manual
Induction lamp systems (whichever is less)
Interior & Exterior Lighting Controls 8 yrs NYS Tech Manual
LED Fixtures and Lamps
50,000 hrs/ annual lighting
Design Lights ConsortiumTM (DLC) listed LED interior & exterior DLC Technical Requirements3
operating hrs or 15 yrs
fixtures, retrofit-kits, and replacement lamps (whichever is less) NYS Tech Manual

Energy Star Program Requirements for Luminaires4

Energy Star listed LED fixtures 35,000 hrs
NYS Tech Manual

Energy Star listed integral LED lamps, integral LED decorative 25,000 hrs (All others) Energy Star Program Requirements for Lamps5
lamps 15,000 hrs (decorative) NYS Tech Manual

All non-listed LED fixtures & lamps must meet DLC or

Energy Star technical requirements (All non-listed LED lamps NYS Tech Manual
and fixtures must be approved by an EE Technical 25,000 hrs/ annual lighting (only for all reviewed and approved LED fixtures & lamps)
Representative) All non-listed LED fixtures & lamps that do operating hrs or 15 yrs
not meet DLC or Energy Star technical requirements must be (Fixture/Lamp cutsheet, LM79, LM80 and inSitu test reports are
(whichever is less)
approved by the Lighting Program Manager. Exemptions must required for review)
have justification.

Refrigerated LED Case Lighting

6 yrs NYS Tech Manual
(DLC Listed, 50,000 hr life, 5 year warranty)

1
NY DPS: New York Standard Approach for Estimating Energy Savings from Energy Efficiency Programs, Version 4 – Appendix P (NYS Tech Manual)
2
CEE: CEE T8 Replacement Lamp Specification
3
DLC Product Qualification Criteria: Technical Requirements Table V3.1 effective until Dec. 31, 2016. Beginning Jan. 1, 2017 refer to Technical Requirements Table V4.1 or current specification
4
Energy Star Luminaires Program Requirements: Product Specification for Luminaires (Light Fixtures) Version 2.0
5
Energy Star Lamps Program Requirements: Product Specification for Lamps (Light Bulbs) Version 1.1 effective until Dec. 31, 2016. Beginning Jan. 1, 2017 refer to Product Specification for Lamps (Light Bulbs) Version 2.0