Most companies that sell components and equipment to the fluorescent lighting industry generally provide a range of different options to their clients. Whether you are interested in buying fluorescent retrofits or just want an internal driver for the LED tubes, you need to know a few things about the sockets. In most cases, due to the complex re-wiring requirements, you’ll need to hire a professional electrician to complete the fluorescent fixture. Before installing the fixture, the electrician will closely observe the existing sockets in the lamp holders in order to determine how the sockets operate.
More than 90% of all the fluorescent fixtures used in the industry today generally come with one of two different types of sockets: shunted sockets and non-shunted. There’s a major difference between the two, so you should know the most important details before placing an order. Here’s what you need to know about shunted and non-shunted sockets:
Shunted vs. Non-Shunted
The contacts in shunted sockets are connected to each other right at the socket. This allows power to move from one socket to another. It is important to know that the shunt might be installed inside the socket, so it may not be visible. If you want to know the type of socket that is installed in an existing fluorescent fixture, you will need to set the voltage meter to “continuity.” If the socket contacts show a positive continuity connection, you will know that the power between the contacts is shunted. If there’s no continuity with the contacts, then the sockets are non-shunted, and can thus be used with conventional LED tubes.
Buying Sockets
If you are interested in buying non-shunted or shunted plugs, you need to get in touch with a reliable retailer who offers both shunted and non-shunted types. These sockets are generally used in a variety of different applications. For instance, they are used by lighting companies, electrical contractors, and OEMs, as well as in vending machines and aquariums.
In most cases, people generally buy all of their lighting equipment in bulk. Before you place an order for a bunch of different lamp holders, though, it is important that you get a quote from the supplier. Some suppliers might give you a discount if you place an order in bulk. Get quotes from different suppliers in order to make sure you save as much money as possible.
Many people prefer working with smaller companies in order to save money and get better customer service. Since not all of the sockets might work properly, you may need to get them replaced after checking them. Working with a company that offers superior customer service is important, because it will make your whole shopping experience that much better.
