Single-Ended vs Double-Ended LED T8 Tubes Explained | Orilis

Standing in the store aisle (or scrolling a product page) wondering whether you need a "single-ended" or "double-ended" LED tube? Pick the wrong one and it will not light. Pick the right one and the upgrade is simple. Here is the difference in plain English.

Quick answer

• Single-ended: power (Live and Neutral) goes into one end of the tube. The other end only holds the tube in place.
• Double-ended: Live goes into one end and Neutral into the other, so both ends are wired.
• They are not interchangeable. The fixture is wired differently for each type, so match the tube to the wiring.

Side-by-side comparison

How to tell which tube you have

Look at the ends of the tube. A single-ended tube has a sticker marked L/N or AC INPUT on its input end: "L" is the pin for Live, "N" is the pin for Neutral. A double-ended tube's label or wiring diagram shows power going to both ends.

Why sockets matter

Fluorescent fixtures usually have shunted sockets, where both contacts are connected together. That is fine for a double-ended tube, because each end only receives one wire (Live or Neutral). A single-ended tube needs Live and Neutral on separate pins of the same end, so the powered end needs non-shunted sockets.

Reusing your old sockets? Inspect them first. Years of heat and tube changes often leave them cracked or loose. If you see damage, replace them.

Which should I buy?

Orilis carries double-ended LED T8 tubes, the type that fits most fluorescent conversions.

• Converting an old fluorescent fixture? Double-ended tubes are usually the easier retrofit, since fluorescent fixtures are already powered at both ends and the existing shunted sockets can stay if they are in good shape. Shop double-ended LED T8 tubes.
• Fixture already wired for single-ended tubes? Orilis sells double-ended tubes only. To use them, the fixture must be rewired for double-ended (Live to one end, Neutral to the other), following the diagram on the tube. If you are not sure, ask an electrician.
• Want everything in one box? The Orilis 4-pack LED retrofit conversion kit includes the tubes, wires, tombstones and wire nuts.

Safety first

Double-ended tubes are ballast bypass: line voltage goes straight to the sockets. Before you start, turn off the breaker and confirm the power is off with a tester. Remove the ballast, wire the sockets exactly as shown on the tube's label, and add a "converted to LED" sticker so nobody puts a fluorescent tube back in. Follow your local electrical code, and if you are not comfortable with line-voltage wiring, hire a licensed electrician.

Next step

Ready to do the conversion? Follow our step-by-step guide: How Do I Convert a 4 Foot Fluorescent Fixture to LED? Questions? Email info@orilis.com or call 1-407-900-9745.