A Review of Linear LED Lighting and Today’s Available Solution

This was originally published June 22, 2021 and was updated November 7, 2024.

With lower prices and new technology, it’s more affordable and easier than ever to upgrade to LED linear lighting. Trusted manufacturers have lowered their LED lighting prices, so businesses no longer need to use less-known brands to lower costs. Return on investments (ROIs) are also shorter, often less than one year. When you include the warranties and rebates on LED linear lighting, lower prices, and faster ROIs, it doesn’t make sense to wait to convert your fluorescent and LED lamps.

The Rise of Linear LED Lighting in Commercial Settings

Linear LED lighting is a versatile lighting option for commercial and industrial spaces. Its lean, elongated frame makes it ideal to provide uninterrupted lighting.  The rise of LED lighting is trending due to its numerous benefits like customizable color and color temperature, conserving energy and a long lifespan. The LED linear design emerged in the early 2000s, offering seamless illumination and helping to avoid the dark spots associated with traditional fluorescent tubes.

It’s becoming a more popular choice in commercial spaces like retail stores, restaurants and offices. Linear LEDs can be styled in different ways to fit the aesthetic of the brand and the room layout. Businesses are implementing linear LEDs into their lighting design strategies to improve customer experience and boost productivity in the workplace.

Choosing LED Linear Lighting: Benefits and Installation Options

LED linear lighting offers a host of benefits, including energy efficiency, durability, aesthetic appeal, and flexibility. Whether your focus is on energy savings or lighting quality, LED linear lighting provides an attractive and effective solution. Here are some of the reasons why businesses are choosing LED linear lighting:

• Cost-Efficiency: Unlike other lighting options, LEDs don’t have internal gases and, therefore, don’t require as much electricity to power the light. They also have a longer lifespan which results in less replacements needed. In comparison to fluorescent tubes, they are also easier to replace and not as fragile.
• Improved Maintenance and Reliability: Their longevity and durability allow businesses to conserve costs on maintenance and labor.
• Enhanced Aesthetics: LED linear lights allow for creative design options, including customizing lighting fixtures and color. Businesses can optimize the color temperature and color rendering index to their business’s needs.
• Enhanced Employee and Customer Experience: By adopting lighting practices suited to the business and their goals, the right lighting options can increase productivity and comfort for employees while making it appealing to customers.
• Directional Lighting: LEDs are inherently directional, eliminating the need for reflectors or diffusers that can trap light. This property makes them ideal for areas where focused illumination is crucial, such as task-oriented workspaces or display lighting in retail environments.

Linear LED Lighting Solutions Available Today

LED linear lighting also offers different installation solutions to fit specific needs, each with unique pros and cons:

1. Plug-and-Play LED (UL Type A): This option allows easy installation by simply plugging the LED lamp into the existing fluorescent ballast. It’s cost-effective and safe for installers, but compatibility issues may arise if ballasts aren’t LED-compatible.
2. Ballast-Bypass LED (UL Type B): By removing the fluorescent ballast, this setup reduces maintenance needs and energy usage. However, it requires rewiring the sockets, which may need to meet local energy regulations such as California’s Title 24 requirements for LED retrofits.
3. LED Lamp and Driver (UL Type C): This solution requires a dedicated LED driver, which optimizes energy efficiency and minimizes maintenance. However, initial costs may be higher than other options due to the need for specific LED drivers.
4. Hybrid LED (UL Type A & B): This dual-technology setup provides a future-proof solution by supporting both ballast compatibility and direct wiring. It’s a flexible choice that allows companies to switch to direct wiring as ballasts wear out.

Applications of LED Linear Lighting

The adaptability of LED linear lighting means it can fulfill various lighting needs across commercial environments. Here’s how it can be used effectively in different scenarios:

• General Lighting: This is the highest level of lighting as it is intended to illuminate the entire space or rooms to ensure spaces are well lit without glares. It’s most popular in office spaces or retail stores.
• Task Lighting: Task lighting provides fixed illumination to a specific region or workspace. LED linear lighting is ideal for this application, such as collaborative zones or workstation lighting in industrial facilities.
• Accent Lighting: LED linear can provide decorative lighting throughout a space or highlight unique features in an area. Accent lighting provides small amounts of illumination used to add to the aesthetic of the environment.

LED Lamp and Driver Lighting

You don’t have to worry about ballast compatibility or accidentally inserting an old fluorescent lamp. Fluorescent light sources won’t snap into an LED driver. The driver is also compatible with your chosen LED lamps. Drivers require less maintenance and are more energy efficient.
You have a lot of reasons to consider this LED lighting option, but it also has a few potential downsides.

• California businesses must meet Title 24 requirements.
• Labor and material costs are higher than some other lighting options.

Dual Technology LED Lighting

You get to use your fluorescent ballasts until they wear out, before switching to direct wiring. Installation is a breeze, the LED lamps are plug and play without any rewiring. Costs can be spread out as each ballast eventually fails. It also shortens labor since not all ballasts are being replaced at once.

The downsides are the same as with your other lighting solutions. Eventually, you will pay for labor and rewiring. You also have the risk of fluorescent lamps accidentally being used after the line socket is retrofitted for LED.

Choosing the Right LED Linear Lighting Solution

You want to start by choosing a reputable LED lighting manufacturer or a turn-key LED retrofit service provider. Look for product warranties and companies that stand by their products and services. Take a look at your current lighting and factor in your budget. Plug-and-Play is the least expensive, but ballast-bypass is another popular option. Direct-wire LED simplifies maintenance, and dual technology LED lets you replace ballasts over time.

To speak with one of our LED lighting specialist to help you select the best option for your organization, call 610-558-9773 or email [email protected] for assistance, or schedule a call below.