EarthTronics Unveils Color Selectable Hybrid Linear T8 LED Series: A Versatile Solution for Retrofit Applications
EarthTronics, a company well-regarded for its commitment to creating energy-efficient lighting products with both economic and environmental benefits, has announced the release of its innovative new line of hybrid linear T8 LED lamps. This newly introduced series features 2-foot, 3-foot, and 4-foot lamp models that are UL Type A/B classified, offering enhanced flexibility for a broad range of retrofit applications. Designed to support both “plug-and-play” installation with existing electronic ballasts and direct wiring to line voltage, these lamps are positioned as a smart and versatile upgrade for facilities seeking efficient, long-lasting lighting.
Innovation in Hybrid Lighting: The A/B Type Design
The standout feature of the EarthTronics Hybrid Linear T8 Lamp Series lies in its hybrid Type A/B functionality. This classification means that the lamps can be installed in two main ways. First, they can be used as a plug-and-play solution with compatible electronic ballasts, making installation as simple as replacing a standard fluorescent tube. Second, the lamps can also be hardwired directly into the line voltage using either single-end or double-end wiring methods.
This level of flexibility provides several strategic advantages for facilities professionals and building managers. For one, it offers a seamless, low-labor upgrade path for facilities that currently use fluorescent lighting with ballasts. If a ballast fails at some point in the future, there’s no need to purchase a new one; the lamp can simply be rewired for direct operation, saving both time and money. This dual-mode operation ensures a longer useful life for the lighting system and reduces overall maintenance demands.
Compatibility with Multiple Fixture Types and Install Locations
Another significant advantage of the new hybrid T8 series is its compatibility with a wide array of fixture types. The lamps are engineered to operate in both shunted and non-shunted lamp holders, which is crucial for simplifying installation in various retrofit scenarios. They are also suitable for use in both dry and damp environments, opening the door to applications in locations such as kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, parking garages, and even some exterior canopies when installed in enclosed fixtures.
Additionally, the EarthTronics hybrid lamps are approved for use in enclosed fixtures—a crucial specification for maintaining performance and safety in challenging environments. Their UL Classification and other certifications support their performance and reliability, giving contractors and specifiers confidence in selecting these lamps for critical retrofitting projects.
Field-Adjustable Color Temperature: Five CCT Options in One Lamp
One of the most user-friendly and technologically advanced features of this series is its field-adjustable color temperature. Each lamp allows the installer to choose from five color temperatures—3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K, and 6500K—at the time of installation. This adjustability ensures that facility managers or lighting designers can tailor the light output to match the specific needs of the environment without stocking multiple SKUs.
Warm white (3000K) might be desirable in hospitality or residential-style environments, while cooler temperatures (5000K–6500K) are typically used in commercial, educational, and industrial settings for high-visibility applications. This flexibility also means that the lighting system can be adapted over time if a space’s function changes or if future lighting standards evolve.
The color can be adjusted using a simple slider switch located on the lamp itself. This eliminates the need for additional tools or complex programming and simplifies the field installation process. It also reduces inventory overhead for distributors and facilities departments since one lamp model can serve a variety of use cases.
High-Performance Specifications for Demanding Applications
From a performance standpoint, EarthTronics’ new hybrid T8 series delivers excellent lighting output and efficiency. The 2-foot, 3-foot, and 4-foot models produce 1150 lumens, 1500 lumens, and 1800 lumens respectively. This output ensures that the lamps meet or exceed the performance levels of the fluorescent tubes they are replacing, helping to maintain or improve visibility in workspaces and public areas.
Each lamp features a 220-degree beam angle, providing broad and even light distribution. This is particularly beneficial in environments such as classrooms, office spaces, warehouses, and retail settings where uniform illumination is key to safety, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
Additionally, the lamps offer a high color rendering index (CRI) of greater than 80, which ensures that colors appear natural and vibrant. High CRI lighting is important in retail settings where merchandise must be shown in its true colors, as well as in educational environments and workplaces where visual accuracy is essential.
These lamps are engineered for long-term performance, offering a 50,000-hour rated life. That equates to over 11 years of operation at 12 hours per day—significantly reducing the frequency of lamp replacement and helping to lower overall maintenance costs. With fewer interruptions and less frequent bulb changes, the total cost of ownership for the lighting system is minimized.
Easy Installation with or Without Ballast
Installation of the EarthTronics Hybrid T8 lamps is designed to be simple, regardless of whether the installer chooses to use the plug-and-play method with an existing ballast or to bypass the ballast entirely.
In the case of direct wiring, the process involves just a few steps:
- Turn off the power to the fixture.
- Remove the existing fluorescent tubes and ballast.
- Direct wire the line voltage to the sockets—either single-end or double-end, depending on the fixture design.
- Install the EarthTronics hybrid LED lamp.
- Restore power and verify proper operation.
Because the lamp is compatible with both shunted and non-shunted sockets, there’s no need for socket replacement or reconfiguration in most cases. This not only saves time and labor but also minimizes disruption in active workspaces.
The ability to operate as a plug-and-play solution means that in some cases, facilities can begin using the lamp immediately without even opening the fixture. This rapid deployment is ideal for large-scale retrofits in schools, municipal buildings, or healthcare facilities where minimizing downtime is essential.
Built for Durability and Reliability
In addition to performance and ease of use, the EarthTronics Hybrid Linear T8 series is built to endure a range of environmental conditions. The lamps are rated to perform in temperature ranges from -4°F (-20°C) to 113°F (45°C), making them suitable for both climate-controlled interiors and more demanding ambient environments.
The series carries multiple safety and performance certifications, including:
- UL Classified Type A and B
- DesignLights Consortium (DLC) Listed
- NSF Certified
- FCC Compliant
- RoHS Compliant
These certifications reinforce the lamps’ suitability for use in a wide range of commercial, institutional, and even food-safe environments.
Backed by a Solid Warranty
To give customers peace of mind, EarthTronics supports the hybrid T8 series with a five-year limited warranty. This warranty ensures that customers can invest in the technology with confidence, knowing that it is backed by a company that stands behind its engineering and product quality.
An Ideal Solution for Retrofit Projects
The EarthTronics Hybrid Linear T8 LED series is particularly well-suited for organizations undertaking large-scale lighting retrofits. It meets the key requirements of energy efficiency, adaptability, long-term performance, and low-maintenance operation. By offering both Type A and Type B installation options, field-adjustable color temperatures, and a wide range of certifications, the series provides unmatched flexibility in a single lighting product.
From classrooms and administrative offices to warehouses and retail aisles, the EarthTronics hybrid lamps provide an effective replacement for traditional T8 fluorescent tubes. They contribute to energy cost reductions, better quality of light, and enhanced control over lighting conditions—all while simplifying installation and maintenance.
