Type C LED Tube: Complete Guide — Remote Driver, Efficacy & Dimming
Type C LED tubes use an external remote driver for the highest efficacy (160+ lm/W), longest lifespan (L70 >= 60,000h), and best dimming performance. This guide covers when to specify Type C, compatible drivers, DLC Premium requirements, and total cost of ownership vs Type A/B.
Type A vs B vs C: Performance Comparison
| Feature | Type A | Type B | Type C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Efficacy | 100-120 lm/W | 120-140 lm/W | 160-180 lm/W |
| Lifespan (L70) | 30,000-40,000h | 50,000h | 60,000h+ |
| Dimming | Limited | 0-10V (some) | 0-10V / DALI / Zigbee |
| DLC Premium | Rarely | Sometimes | Primary pathway |
| 10-Year TCO | Highest | Medium | Lowest |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Type C LED tube?
A Type C LED tube uses an external remote driver (separate from the tube itself) to power the LED. Unlike Type A (ballast-compatible) or Type B (direct-wire), Type C separates the driver electronics from the tube, enabling the highest efficacy (160+ lm/W), longest lifespan (L70 >= 60,000h), and best dimming performance. The tube itself contains only the LED board and optical components.
What are the advantages of Type C over Type A and Type B?
Type C offers three key advantages: (1) Highest efficacy — 160-180 lm/W vs 100-140 lm/W for Type A/B, translating to 15-25% additional energy savings; (2) Longest lifespan — L70 >= 60,000 hours vs 50,000h for Type B; (3) Best dimming — 0-100% smooth dimming with 0-10V, DALI, or Zigbee protocols without flicker. The main trade-off is higher upfront cost due to the remote driver.
What remote drivers are compatible with Type C LED tubes?
Type C LED tubes require a compatible LED driver rated for the tube wattage (typically 15W-22W for 4ft). Look for drivers with: matching output voltage (typically 24-54V DC), compatible dimming protocol (0-10V, DALI, or Triac), and UL/ETL listing for North American projects. Major compatible driver brands include Inventronics, MEAN WELL, Osram, and Lutron.
Does Type C LED tube qualify for DLC Premium listing?
Yes — Type C LED tubes are the primary pathway to DLC Premium listing, which requires >= 140 lm/W efficacy. DLC Premium products qualify for higher utility rebates (typically 2-3x standard DLC rebates) and are required for some government procurement specifications.
What is the typical wholesale price for Type C LED tubes from China?
Type C LED tubes typically cost $2.50-$5.00 FOB per unit for 4ft/18W, depending on driver quality, DLC Premium certification, and order volume. This is 40-80% more than equivalent Type B tubes, but the energy savings and longer lifespan typically deliver a superior total cost of ownership over a 10-year project lifecycle.
Factory Direct
Source Type C LED Tubes from Cornea Lighting
DLC Premium certified Type C LED tubes with compatible remote drivers. MOQ 100pcs. 7-day sampling. OEM/private label available.
Request Type C Pricing →Read the Ultimate Guide
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