LED UL Type A linear lamps are plug-and-play to install into an existing fluorescent light fixture and operate from its ballast, so there's no need to rewire, add drivers, or modify electrical components. They allow a simple transition when upgrading from fluorescent lamps to more energy efficient, longer lasting LEDs. For proper operation, installers must verify that these light bulbs are compatible with fixture ballasts.

LED UL Type B linear lamps bypass the ballast and operate directly from a building's AC power. Also known as line-voltage lamps, they avoid the problem of faulty ballasts and drivers as well as the hassle and expense of adding drivers when upgrading from fluorescent lamps to more energy efficient, longer lasting LEDs. These ballast-bypass light bulbs require wiring into mains electricity, so they are not recommended for installations that frequently experience power surges or interruptions.

LED UL Type C linear lamps install into fluorescent light fixtures that have been retrofitted with a compatible, external LED driver. Also known as separate-driver linear light bulbs, they work with the driver to reduce energy consumption, maximize life span, and allow use with dimmers. The driver also protects the bulb from power surges or interruptions, making these bulbs ideal for fluorescent-to-LED upgrades in warehouses and industrial sites that experience power fluctuations.

LED UL Type A/B linear lamps are hybrid to operate from an existing fluorescent light fixture's ballast or from a building's AC power. They run from the ballast until it fails, then rewire directly to mains electricity. This eliminates the need to replace the fixture when the ballast burns out, and it spreads the cost of retrofitting over time when upgrading from fluorescent lamps to more energy efficient, longer lasting LEDs. These hybrid light bulbs are commonly used in installations on ceilings less than 10 ft. high because access will be required for rewiring. For proper operation, installers must verify that the light bulbs are compatible with fixture ballasts.