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LED and Linear Fluorescent Sockets


Tube Light Holders

Searching for a new fluorescent lamp holder? You've come to the right place! At 1000Bulbs.com, we make it easy to find exactly what you've been searching for with our large inventory of linear tube sockets. Find shunted and non-shunted sockets in bi-pins, single pins, high output, and very high output, as well as miniature bi-pins. Ranging from a 120W to 660W maximum, you can find sockets with a variety of lengths, heights, and widths. Additionally, you have the ability to decide which mounting layout works best for your space, snap-in, slide-on, bracket with leads, or surface mounts.

Shunted vs. Non-Shunted Tombstones

The difference between shunted and non-shunted tombstones is how electrical current flows through them into the fixture. In shunted sockets, current flows through multiple paths and in non-shunted sockets, through a single path. Using the wrong socket with an incompatible ballast or bulb can result in lamp failure, damage to the ballast, and void the warranties on the different components.

The type of fluorescent socket needed depends on the type of ballast used in the fixture. Fixtures with rapid start, programmed start, and dimming ballasts use non-shunted lamp holders. Fixtures with instant start ballasts require shunted lamp holders. If you're planning to retrofit your fluorescent light fixtures with LED tube lights, it's important to know if you need to switch out your fluorescent socket as well. Generally speaking, if you're using plug-and-play tubes, you should be able to keep your existing sockets. Direct wire LED tubes require non-shunted lamp holders and bypassing the ballast. Always double check the lamp's spec sheet before purchase. In cases where the ballast seems to require a different lampholder than the lamp, please defer to the needs of the lamp rather than the ballast.

Still not sure which type of tube light holder is right for your application? Don't hesitate to contact us at 1-800-624-4488 to speak to one of our lighting experts.