How to Replace Fluorescent Tubes with LED Panels (Step-by-Step)

Fluorescent tubes are inefficient, they flicker, they buzz, and the ballasts fail constantly. Replacing them with LED flat panels is one of the highest-ROI upgrades you can make to a commercial space. Here's exactly how it's done.

Why Replace Fluorescent with LED?

Factor	Fluorescent T8	LED Panel
Energy use (2x4)	96-128W	50-72W
Lifespan	15,000 hours	50,000 hours
Maintenance	Replace tubes + ballast every 2-4 years	None for 10+ years
Light quality	Flickers, degrades over time	Consistent, flicker-free
CRI	62-82	80-90+
Mercury	Yes	No
Annual cost per fixture*	~$45	~$23

*Based on 10 hrs/day, Ontario commercial rate ~$0.13/kWh.

Three Approaches to Upgrade

Option 1: Full Panel Replacement (Recommended)

Remove the entire fluorescent troffer and drop in a new LED flat panel.

Pros: Best light quality, newest technology, clean appearance, DLC listed for rebates Cons: Higher upfront cost ($50-$80 per fixture) Best for: Offices, schools, healthcare, retail

Option 2: Retrofit Kit

Keep the existing troffer housing and install an LED retrofit kit inside it.

Pros: Lower cost ($30-$40 per fixture), keeps existing wiring Cons: Slightly less uniform light, uses old housing Best for: Budget-conscious upgrades in utility spaces

Our 2x2 LED Troffer Retrofit Kit - 40W uses magnetic mounting for a tool-free swap in under 5 minutes.

Option 3: LED Tube Replacement (T8 LED Tubes)

Replace fluorescent tubes with LED tubes, keeping the existing fixture.

Pros: Cheapest ($8-$15 per tube) Cons: Requires ballast bypass (rewiring), less efficient than panels, won't qualify for most rebates Best for: Quick fixes, rented spaces

Step-by-Step: Full Panel Replacement

What You'll Need

• LED flat panels (2x2 or 2x4 to match your grid)
• Wire nuts or Wago connectors
• Voltage tester (Klein NCVT)
• Wire strippers
• Screwdriver

Step 1: Turn Off the Power

Switch off the circuit at the breaker panel. Verify with a non-contact voltage tester that the wires are dead. In a commercial setting with shared circuits, test each fixture individually.

Step 2: Remove the Fluorescent Troffer

• Push the troffer up slightly and angle it to clear the grid
• Disconnect the supply wires (black/hot, white/neutral, green or bare/ground)
• Remove the fixture completely. Fluorescent tubes and ballasts contain mercury — dispose in accordance with Ontario hazardous waste regulations

Step 3: Prepare the Wiring

• Your supply wires should now be hanging from above the grid
• If the wire is in conduit or armoured cable, ensure you have enough slack to reach the LED panel's junction box

Step 4: Connect the LED Panel

• Open the LED panel's junction box (usually a small box on top of the panel)
• Connect supply wires: black to black, white to white, green/bare to green/bare
• Secure connections with wire nuts and wrap with electrical tape
• Close the junction box

Step 5: Install the Panel

• Angle the panel up into the grid opening
• Lower it into the T-bar grid rails
• Ensure it sits flush and level on all four sides

Step 6: Test

• Turn the breaker on
• Verify the panel illuminates evenly with no flickering
• If dimmable, test the dimmer function

Time per fixture: 10-15 minutes for a licensed electrician.

How Many Panels for Your Space?

Commercial lighting standards in Ontario require 300-500 lux for general office work. Here's a quick guide:

Room Size	2x2 Panels (40W)	2x4 Panels (50W)
200 sq ft	3-4	2-3
500 sq ft	6-8	4-5
1,000 sq ft	12-15	8-10
2,000 sq ft	24-30	16-20

Read more: Office Lighting Requirements in Ontario

Utility Rebates in Ontario

DLC-listed LED panels qualify for utility company rebate programs. Depending on your local distribution company (Hydro One, Toronto Hydro, Alectra / Brampton Hydro, etc.), Save on Energy rebates can be:

• $15-$40 per fixture for interior LED panels
• Up to 70% of product cost for qualifying retrofits
• Available for businesses of all sizes

All our panels are DLC listed, which is the primary requirement for rebate eligibility.

What to Buy

Your Current Fixture	Replace With	Price
2x2 U-tube fluorescent	2x2 Flat Panel 40W	$54.99
2x4 3-lamp T8	2x4 Flat Panel 50W	$64.99
2x2 troffer (keep housing)	2x2 Retrofit Kit 40W	$39.99
2x4 4-lamp T8 (max output)	2x4 Backlit 72W	$79.99

Wholesale pricing for contractors and property managers. Apply for a trade account for volume discounts.

Need a commercial retrofit? Safer Electric (ESA Licence #7008996) handles full-building LED retrofits, including rebate paperwork. Call (647) 383-9500.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to replace fluorescent with LED? If you're replacing like-for-like (same fixture size, same wiring), many jurisdictions treat this as maintenance, not new work. However, if you're changing wiring, adding circuits, or modifying the electrical system, an ESA permit is required. Consult your electrician.

Can I replace fluorescent one fixture at a time? Yes. LED panels work alongside existing fluorescent fixtures. Replace gradually as budget allows.

How much will I save on electricity? A typical 50-fixture office switching from T8 to LED panels saves $2,000-$4,000 per year at Ontario commercial rates.

Do LED panels work with existing dimmers? LED panels typically use 0-10V dimming, which requires compatible dimming controls. Old fluorescent dimmers are not compatible and must be replaced.