Hybrid Tubes
Known as “Type A+B”, these tubes are unique in that they offer compatibility with fixtures using ballasts as well as those that do not. The closest thing to a “one-size-fits-all” tube, hybrid tubes take the guesswork out of bulb selection and have become a very popular choice in the tube lighting marketplace. They have the capability to be used with existing electronic ballasts and also can be directly wired for those who prefer it.
This gives flexibility to users, especially those who have both T8 and T12 type fixtures in a building that may require both types of wiring to complete installation. It also gives users the option to quickly and easily upgrade their ballast equipped fixtures to LED technology while giving them the option to switch to direct wiring in the future if the ballast were to fail. This saves the hassle of having to replace the ballast or make the switch to a dedicated direct wire type of tube.
Universal Ballast Compatible
The newest type of tube on the market, universal tubes are the easiest to install of all types and are also the most expensive. Unlike Hybrid and Type-A types of tubes, universal tubes are compatible with both the magnetic ballasts found in T12 fixtures as well as newer electronic ballasts found in T8 fixtures. This is a very popular option for smaller projects such as retail stores, workshops and homeowner applications whose primary purpose for upgrading to LED technology is to reduce energy consumption while minimizing downtime during installation.
One of the downsides to universal ballast tubes is their higher initial investment costs per unit. In fact, universal tubes are some of the most expensive of all of the four major options on the market today. In addition to this, there are still the maintenance concerns associated with ballasts, and since these tubes are only designed to be used with ballasts they cannot be direct wired in the event that a ballast fails. This is of especial concern when they are used in older fixtures using magnetic ballasts such as T12 style units where replacement ballasts are no longer available.
