Troubleshooting Common Issues with 8ft LED Tube Lights

8ft LED tube lights are known for their energy efficiency and longevity. But, as with any technology, issues can occur. In this guide, we provide solutions for common problems users encounter with their LED tube lights.

Whether you're dealing with flickering lights, compatibility problems, or other issues, we've got you covered.

Flickering

Problem: Flickering LED tube lights. This is not typical of LED lights and may indicate a deeper issue with the installation or connections, or it may be caused by cheap tubes. 

Solutions:

1. Check that the wires are correctly connected. Loose or improper wiring can cause flickering. Refer to the manufacturer's installation guide for wiring instructions.
2. If you installed plug-and-play (UL type A) tubes that don't require you to rewire the fixture, a faulty or incompatible ballast could be causing flickering. Consult the manufacturer's specifications, or consider using 8ft LED ballast bypass (UL type B) bulbs for a more stable lighting experience.
3. If you suspect cheap, poorly made tubes, you'll need to replace them.

Rapid On/Off Cycling (Flashing)

Problem: LED tube lights may flash on and off rapidly after turning them on.

Solutions:

1. If you installed a plug-and-play (UL type A) tube in a fixture with a magnetic ballast, you may need to replace the old glow starter with a special dummy starter (or fuse bridge). That piece usually comes in the box with the new LED tube. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing starters if needed. 
2. Some LED tube lights may not work well with certain types of switches, particularly dimmer switches not specifically designed for LED lights. Try a different switch or opt for LED-compatible switches.

Uneven Lighting or Dark Spots

Problem: Uneven illumination or dark spots can be frustrating, can cause eye strain, and may lead to accidents occurring.

Solutions:

1. Ensure the LED tubes are securely installed and properly aligned in the fixture. Poor installation can lead to uneven lighting within a tube, or even whole tubes not turning on when expected.
2. Many issues related to dark areas of a space come down to not distributing lighting fixtures effectively. A photometric layout done by a lighting professional can help ensure that your lighting is used as efficiently as possible, and that no dark spots are left haunting your workplace.

Inadequate Brightness or Light Output

Problem: Your LED tube lights don't put out the brightness you expected.

Solutions:

1. Verify that the lumen output of the LED tubes matches the level on the product you ordered. If there is a discrepancy, contact the manufacturer or lighting provider. If it does match, but is not adequate for your lighting needs, consider upgrading to a higher lumen output tube.
2. Dust and debris on the lenses or diffusers can reduce light output. If your lighting was installed a while ago, especially if they are operating in a dusty environment, cleaning the lenses and diffusers can help them maintain optimal brightness.

Optimize the Performance of your LED Tubes Before You Even Purchase Them

• Choose UL type B (ballast bypass) 8ft LED tubes to eliminate ballast-related problems.
• Read & follow the manufacturer's wiring instructions.
• Reach out with questions to make sure you order the best fit for your space. Our team members are available 8am to 8pm EST by text, phone, or email to help our customers with any questions or issues.