How to wire a T5 LED Tube Light

If you have purchased or are looking to replace a T5 LED tube light it is essential that it is wired correctly to be safe and to last as long as possible.  T5 LED tube lights are a popular choice of light as they consume less electricity and last much longer than fluorescent T5 tubes. They can be found installed in homes, offices, garages, workshops, and commercial environments.  The way the tube will need to be wired will depend on whether the LED tube is ballast-compatible or it will need to be directly wired to the mains electric.

Before working with any electronics you should always switch off the main power supply.  This can be done by turning off the wall switch and the circuit breaker controlling the light fixture.  As an extra precaution you can use a voltage tester to confirm that there is no live electricity in the wires.  

1. The first step is to identify the type of T5 LED tube you have purchased or need to replace.  Some T5 LED tubes are plug-and-play or retrofit and will work with the existing fluorescent ballast.  They are generally easier to install because no rewiring is needed.  But many modern LED tubes are ballast-bypass types (sometimes called direct-wire tubes) meaning that you will need to remove or disconnect the ballast for the tube to work properly.
2. If you are wiring a direct-wire T5 LED tube you will need to start by removing the old fluorescent tube and opening the light fixture cover.  Then you will need to locate the ballast inside of the fitting.  The ballast controls fluorescent tubes but it is not needed for most LED tubes as the direct-wire type is compatible with mains voltage.  Once you have located the ballast you would then disconnect and carefully remove it if possible. 
3. Next you will need to identify the incoming power wires. Usually, the live wire is brown or red, and the neutral wire is blue or black.  Some fixtures may also have an earth wire which will be yellow/green.
4. For single-end powered T5 LED tubes both of the live and neutral wires are connected to one side of the tube holder. The opposite end of the tube is only for physical support and does not carry power.  You should then follow the manufacturer’s diagram of how to wire the tube to the letter as incorrect wiring can damage the tube.  For double-end powered LED tubes, the live wire connects to one end of the tube holder, and the neutral wire connects to the opposite end.  If you are unsure on connecting this you should refer to the manufacturer’s instructions/diagram for wiring.
5. Next you should make sure that all connections are secured.  You can use terminal blocks or proper wire connectors to do this.  It is important to avoid any loose wires or exposed copper as these can be dangerous.  Always make sure the wiring is neat and properly insulated.
6. After the wiring has been done you can then reassemble the fixture cover and install the T5 LED tube.  This is done by inserting the pins into the socket and rotating it until it locks into place.  Make sure that the tube is fitted securely and evenly.
7. Once everything is secure and fitted you can test the light by restoring the power supply and switching the light on for testing.  You will know the light has been wired correctly as it will come on instantly without any flickering or buzzing.  If the light does not work in this way, switch the power off again and recheck the wiring and compatibility of everything connected.