Can I replace F32T8 fluorescent tubes with LED without changing the fixture?

Yes. Type B (ballast bypass) T8 LED tubes replace F32T8 fluorescent tubes in the same G13 bi-pin fixture after bypassing the ballast. The process takes 5–10 minutes per fixture: remove the ballast, connect line voltage directly to the lamp sockets, and install the LED tube. No fixture replacement needed. Type A (ballast-compatible) LED tubes can also be used if your existing electronic ballast is on the compatibility list, requiring zero rewiring.

What is the LED equivalent of an F40T8 fluorescent tube?

An F40T8 fluorescent tube (40W, 4ft) is replaced by an 18W T8 LED tube, delivering 2,500 lumens at 4000K. This represents a 55% energy reduction. The LED tube uses the same G13 bi-pin base and fits the same 4ft fixture. For Type B installation, bypass the ballast and connect line voltage directly. For Type A, verify ballast compatibility with the manufacturer's BCL.

How do I replace F96T8 (8ft) fluorescent tubes with LED?

F96T8 (8ft, 59W) fluorescent tubes are replaced by 28W T8 LED tubes in the same 8ft single-pin G13 fixture. Type B installation is strongly recommended for 8ft replacements: bypass the ballast, connect line voltage to the single-pin sockets, and install the 8ft LED tube. Energy savings: 53%. For high-output F96T8/HO (86W), use 36W 8ft LED tubes for equivalent lumen output.

What LED tube replaces F54T5HO fluorescent tubes?

F54T5HO (54W, 4ft) fluorescent tubes are replaced by 25W T5HO LED tubes using the same G5 mini bi-pin base. These deliver 3,500 lumens at 4000K — equivalent to the F54T5HO output — with 54% energy savings. T5HO LED tubes require Type B (ballast bypass) installation. Note: T5 fixtures use G5 bases (smaller than T8's G13), so T8 LED tubes cannot be used in T5 fixtures.

Can I replace T12 fluorescent tubes (F40T12, F34T12) with T8 LED tubes?

Yes. T12 fluorescent tubes (1.5 inch / 38mm diameter) use the same G13 bi-pin base as T8 tubes (1 inch / 25mm diameter), so T8 LED tubes fit T12 fixtures physically. However, T12 fixtures typically use magnetic ballasts, which are incompatible with LED tubes. Type B (ballast bypass) installation is required: remove the magnetic ballast and connect line voltage directly to the lamp sockets. This is a straightforward retrofit that also eliminates ballast hum and flicker.

What CCT (color temperature) should I choose for my fluorescent replacement?

Match the CCT of your existing fluorescent tubes for a seamless visual transition: F32T8/841 → 4100K LED; F32T8/835 → 3500K LED; F32T8/830 → 3000K LED; F32T8/850 → 5000K LED. If upgrading the lighting quality, 4000K neutral white is the most versatile choice for offices, warehouses, and retail. 5000K daylight is preferred for task lighting, quality control, and healthcare environments.

BlogReplacement Guide

May 1, 202512 min read

Fluorescent to LED Tube Replacement Guide

Complete cross-reference chart for replacing F32T8, F40T8, F96T8, F54T5HO, and T12 fluorescent tubes with LED equivalents. Includes wattage, lumen output, CCT, ballast compatibility, and DLC status.

📋16 Fluorescent Models

💡T8 / T5 / T12 Covered

✅DLC Status Included

🏭Factory-Direct Pricing

Why Replace Fluorescent Tubes with LED?

Fluorescent tubes — F32T8, F40T8, F54T5HO, and legacy T12 models — are being phased out globally. The EU banned T8 fluorescent tubes in September 2023 under the Ecodesign Regulation. The US EPA\'s Energy Star program no longer certifies new fluorescent products. Beyond regulatory pressure, LED replacements deliver 40–55% energy savings, 3× longer lifespan, and eliminate ballast maintenance costs.

This guide provides a complete cross-reference chart for the most common fluorescent tube models, with exact LED equivalents, wattage, lumen output, CCT options, and installation type (Type A ballast-compatible or Type B ballast bypass).

Fluorescent to LED Cross-Reference Chart

All LED equivalents are Type B (ballast bypass) unless noted. MOQ 100pcs per SKU.

Fluorescent Model	Watts	Length	Base	LED SKU	LED Watts	Lumens	CCT	CRI	Type	DLC	Notes
F32T8	32W	4ft / 1200mm	G13 (bi-pin)	CL-T8-4F-15W-40-B	15W	2,100 lm	4000K	80+	Type B	Yes	Most common T8 replacement. 53% energy savings.
F32T8/841	32W	4ft / 1200mm	G13	CL-T8-4F-15W-41-B	15W	2,100 lm	4100K	80+	Type B	Yes	4100K neutral white equivalent.
F32T8/835	32W	4ft / 1200mm	G13	CL-T8-4F-15W-35-B	15W	2,100 lm	3500K	80+	Type B	Yes	3500K warm white for retail/hospitality.
F32T8/830	32W	4ft / 1200mm	G13	CL-T8-4F-15W-30-B	15W	2,050 lm	3000K	80+	Type B	Yes	3000K warm white for hospitality/retail.
F40T8	40W	4ft / 1200mm	G13	CL-T8-4F-18W-40-B	18W	2,500 lm	4000K	80+	Type B	Yes	High-output T8 replacement. 55% energy savings.
F40T8/HO	40W	4ft / 1200mm	G13	CL-T8-4F-18W-40-B	18W	2,500 lm	4000K	80+	Type B	Yes	Direct replacement for HO T8 fixtures.
F96T8	59W	8ft / 2400mm	G13	CL-T8-8F-28W-40-B	28W	4,000 lm	4000K	80+	Type B	Yes	8ft single-pin replacement. 53% energy savings.
F96T8/HO	86W	8ft / 2400mm	G13	CL-T8-8F-36W-40-B	36W	5,200 lm	4000K	80+	Type B	Yes	8ft HO replacement for high-bay applications.
F17T8	17W	2ft / 600mm	G13	CL-T8-2F-9W-40-B	9W	1,100 lm	4000K	80+	Type B	No	2ft T8 replacement for under-cabinet and display.
F28T5	28W	4ft / 1149mm	G5 (mini bi-pin)	CL-T5-4F-16W-40-B	16W	2,200 lm	4000K	80+	Type B	Yes	T5 standard 4ft replacement. Requires G5 adapter or new fixture.
F14T5	14W	2ft / 549mm	G5	CL-T5-2F-8W-40-B	8W	1,050 lm	4000K	80+	Type B	No	2ft T5 replacement.
F54T5HO	54W	4ft / 1149mm	G5	CL-T5HO-4F-25W-40-B	25W	3,500 lm	4000K	80+	Type B	Yes	T5HO replacement for high-bay and industrial.
F80T5HO	80W	6ft / 1449mm	G5	CL-T5HO-6F-36W-40-B	36W	5,000 lm	4000K	80+	Type B	Yes	6ft T5HO replacement.
F40T12	40W	4ft / 1200mm	G13	CL-T8-4F-18W-40-B	18W	2,500 lm	4000K	80+	Type B	Yes	T12 to T8 LED direct replacement. Remove magnetic ballast.
F34T12	34W	4ft / 1200mm	G13	CL-T8-4F-15W-40-B	15W	2,100 lm	4000K	80+	Type B	Yes	Energy-saving T12 replacement. Remove magnetic ballast.
F96T12	75W	8ft / 2400mm	G13	CL-T8-8F-28W-40-B	28W	4,000 lm	4000K	80+	Type B	Yes	8ft T12 to LED. Remove magnetic ballast, rewire for line voltage.

Installation: Type A vs Type B for Fluorescent Replacement

Type A (Ballast-Compatible)

Advantages

No rewiring required
Plug-and-play installation
Ideal for small retrofits (<50 fixtures)
Minimal installation disruption

Considerations

›Depends on ballast remaining functional
›Ballast failure = tube failure
›Lower efficiency (ballast energy loss 5–8%)
›Not all ballasts compatible

Best for: Small retrofits, phased upgrades, or when minimizing installation disruption is critical.

Type B (Ballast Bypass)

Advantages

Maximum energy savings (no ballast loss)
50,000+ hour lifespan
Eliminates future ballast replacement costs
DLC QPL eligible for utility rebates
Works with any T12/T8/T5 fixture after rewiring

Considerations

›Requires one-time rewiring ($5–$15/fixture labor)
›Must be done by qualified electrician
›Slightly longer installation time

Best for: Large commercial retrofits (100+ fixtures), new construction, or maximizing long-term ROI.

Quick Energy Savings Estimate

Based on replacing F32T8 (32W) with T8 LED (15W) at $0.12/kWh, 10 hrs/day:

50 Fixtures

$372/yr

Payback: ~18 months

100 Fixtures

$745/yr

Payback: ~14 months

500 Fixtures

$3,723/yr

Payback: ~10 months

Frequently Asked Questions

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