1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the safe and proper installation, operation, and maintenance of your Sunco T8 LED Tube Light Bulbs. Please read this manual thoroughly before installation and retain it for future reference.
Image 1.1: Sunco T8 LED Tube Light Bulb. This image displays a single T8 LED tube, highlighting its design and printed specifications such as model number, wattage, and color temperature.
2. Safety Information
WARNING: Risk of electric shock. Installation requires knowledge of luminaires electrical systems. If not qualified, do not attempt installation. Contact a qualified electrician.
- Always turn off power at the circuit breaker before installation, inspection, or removal.
- These T8 LED tubes are Type B (Ballast Bypass) and require the removal of the existing ballast. Failure to remove the ballast and rewire the fixture correctly may damage the LED tube and create a serious fire hazard.
- Ensure the supply voltage is compatible with the LED tubes (100-240V AC, 60Hz).
- Do not use with dimmers unless explicitly stated as dimmable. These specific bulbs are non-dimmable.
- Do not install in fixtures that are not designed for T8 LED tubes or that have incompatible lamp holders.
- This product is intended for indoor use only.
- Do not look directly at the operating LED light source.
- UL certified for safety and performance.
3. Package Contents
Your package contains the following items:
- Sunco T8 LED Tube Light Bulbs (Quantity: 50)
- Instruction Manual (this document)
Image 3.1: A pack of 50 Sunco T8 LED Tube Light Bulbs. This image shows multiple LED tubes, representing the typical package quantity.
4. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sunco Lighting |
| Model Number | T8_BY_C-18W-6K-50PK |
| Light Type | LED |
| Bulb Shape Size | T8 |
| Length | 48 inches (4 feet) |
| Wattage | 18 Watts |
| Brightness | 2200 Lumens |
| Color Temperature | 6000 Kelvin (Daylight Deluxe) |
| Bulb Base | G13 |
| Voltage | 100-240 Volts AC, 60 Hertz |
| Beam Angle | 160 Degrees |
| Material | Glass (Clear Lens) |
| Average Life | 50,000 Hours |
| CRI (Color Rendering Index) | 50 |
| Special Features | Instant On, Ballast Bypass, Single Ended Power (SEP), T8/T10/T12 Compatible |
| Certifications | UL, FCC, RoHS |
| Intended Use | Indoor (Garage, Workshop, Basement, Warehouse, Office) |
5. Setup and Installation
These Sunco T8 LED tubes are Type B (Ballast Bypass) and require modification of your existing fluorescent fixture. This process involves removing the old ballast and rewiring the fixture to directly power the LED tubes. It is recommended that installation be performed by a qualified electrician.
5.1. Pre-Installation Checklist
- Verify power is OFF at the circuit breaker before starting.
- Ensure the fixture is compatible with 4-foot T8 LED tubes.
- Confirm you have the necessary tools: wire cutters, wire strippers, screwdriver, electrical tape, and wire nuts.
5.2. Ballast Removal and Rewiring (Single-Ended Power)
The Sunco T8 LED tubes are designed for Single-Ended Power (SEP), meaning power is supplied to one end of the tube only. This requires specific wiring modifications.
- Turn off Power: Locate the circuit breaker controlling the fixture and switch it to the OFF position. Verify power is off using a voltage tester.
- Remove Existing Fluorescent Tubes: Carefully remove the old fluorescent tubes from the fixture.
- Access Ballast: Open the fixture to expose the wiring and the ballast. The ballast is typically a rectangular box.
- Disconnect Ballast: Cut all wires connected to the ballast. Ensure no live wires remain connected to the ballast.
- Remove Ballast: Unscrew and remove the ballast from the fixture.
- Identify Live and Neutral Wires: Identify the main incoming Live (L) and Neutral (N) wires from the power supply.
- Rewire for Single-Ended Power:
- Connect the incoming Live (L) wire to the pins on one end of the lamp holder (tombstone).
- Connect the incoming Neutral (N) wire to the pins on the other end of the same lamp holder (tombstone).
- For multiple tubes in the same fixture, ensure each tube's designated "power-in" end receives Live and Neutral connections. The other end of the tube should not be wired.
- Secure Connections: Use wire nuts to secure all connections and electrical tape to insulate any exposed wiring.
- Close Fixture: Reassemble the fixture, ensuring all wiring is neatly tucked away and no wires are pinched.
- Install LED Tubes: Insert the Sunco T8 LED tubes into the lamp holders. Ensure the end marked for power input aligns with the rewired end of the fixture.
- Restore Power: Turn the power back ON at the circuit breaker.
Image 5.1: Ballast Bypass Wiring Diagram. This diagram illustrates how to remove the existing ballast and rewire the fixture for direct power to the LED tubes, showing Live (L) and Neutral (N) connections.
5.3. Tombstone Compatibility (Shunted vs. Non-Shunted)
For Single-Ended Power (SEP) Type B LED tubes, non-shunted tombstones are required. Shunted tombstones, commonly found in fixtures with instant-start ballasts, connect the two pins on one end of the lamp holder, which is incompatible with SEP LED tubes.
- Shunted Tombstone: Both pin contacts are electrically connected internally. Not suitable for Single-Ended Power LED tubes.
- Non-Shunted Tombstone: Each pin contact is isolated. Required for Single-Ended Power LED tubes, allowing separate Live and Neutral connections to the pins on the power-in end.
Image 5.2: Shunted vs. Non-Shunted Tombstones. This diagram visually explains the difference between shunted (not compatible with SEP) and non-shunted (compatible with SEP) tombstones, showing internal wiring paths.
If your existing fixture has shunted tombstones, they must be replaced with non-shunted tombstones for proper and safe operation of these LED tubes.
5.4. Installation Video
Video 5.1: Overview | T8 LED Tube Clear 18W. This video provides a visual guide to the installation process for Sunco T8 LED tubes, including ballast bypass steps.
6. Operating Instructions
Once properly installed, operating your Sunco T8 LED Tube Light Bulbs is straightforward:
- Power On/Off: Use the existing wall switch or fixture switch to turn the lights on or off.
- Instant On: These LED tubes provide instant illumination with no warm-up time or flickering.
- Non-Dimmable: These specific LED tubes are non-dimmable. Do not connect them to dimmer switches.
Image 6.1: Flicker-Free Lighting. This image demonstrates the stable, flicker-free light output of Sunco LED tubes compared to traditional flickering lights.
7. Maintenance
Sunco T8 LED tubes are designed for long life and minimal maintenance. Follow these guidelines to ensure optimal performance:
- Cleaning: Ensure power is off before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the tubes. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Inspection: Periodically inspect the tubes and wiring for any signs of damage or loose connections. Address any issues promptly.
- Replacement: With an average lifespan of 50,000 hours, these tubes require infrequent replacement. When replacement is necessary, ensure power is off and follow the installation steps in Section 5.
8. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Sunco T8 LED tubes, refer to the following troubleshooting guide:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Light does not turn on. | No power to the fixture. Incorrect wiring. Loose connection. Defective tube. | Check circuit breaker. Verify wiring according to Section 5.2. Ensure tubes are securely seated. Test with a known working tube. |
| Light flickers. | Ballast still present. Loose connection. Incompatible dimmer switch. | Ensure ballast is completely removed (Section 5.2). Check all wiring connections. These tubes are non-dimmable; remove any dimmer switches. |
| Light is dim or inconsistent. | Incorrect wiring. Power fluctuations. | Re-check wiring for proper Live/Neutral connections. Consult an electrician to check power supply stability. |
| Tube makes buzzing noise. | Ballast still present. | Remove the ballast. Type B LED tubes do not use a ballast. |
If troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, please contact Sunco Lighting customer support.
9. Warranty and Support
Sunco Lighting provides a 5-year warranty on these T8 LED Tube Light Bulbs, covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. This warranty is valid from the date of purchase.
For warranty claims, technical assistance, or any questions regarding your product, please contact Sunco Lighting customer support. Have your proof of purchase and model number ready.
- Website: www.suncolighting.com
- Contact Information: Refer to the Sunco Lighting website for the most current contact details (phone, email, support portal).
