Shunted vs non-Shunted sockets – The Difference

When it comes to replacing LED linear tubes, it is very important to know the type of socket or “tombstone” connection your existing lights have. Currently, there are two major sockets that are available for linear tube lights: shunted and non-shunted.

Understanding the difference between these two types of socket/tombstones is not difficult but it is important. Using the incorrect type may cause an electrical short and a fire hazard that may lead to significant problems later.  Therefore, it is essential to know what type of socket or tombstones or lamp holder your existing lamps use.

The Difference:
Shunted sockets have internally connected electrical contacts inside. This provides a single track for the electrical current to travel from the ballast, through the tombstones, or sockets, and to the lamp’s pins. A simple way to remember this is to think about the electrical contacts being “joined” or “connected” when we refer to shunted sockets.

Non-Shunted sockets, on the other hand, have separate contacts creating two tracks for the electrical current to travel. A simple way to remember this is to think about the electrical contacts that are “separated” or “not joined” together.

Shunted sockets receive voltage through a single set of wires and spread it to two contacts.
Non-shunted sockets send voltage to each of the contacts, through two wiring tracks. 

NaturaLED tubes T8 both U-bend and Linear are available in Universal design that will work with Shunted and Non-Shunted sockets. Below are our latest LED T8 tubes that are available for purchase. For more details; please contact our sales representative in your area.

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