Replacing Energized Fluorescent Luminaires With LED Lamps Could Pose Hazard, Says UL

UL warned building owners, installers and consumers Tuesday that installing double-ended direct replacement LED lamps in energized luminaires powered by magnetic 40-watt ballasts could pose a shock hazard. Recent UL tests showed that luminaires with magnetic ballasts intended for F40T12 fluorescent lamps may pose a risk of electric shock during installation of LED lamps intended for direct substitution of a fluorescent lamp while the circuit is energized, it said. UL hasn't received reports of persons receiving an electric shock while replacing lamps on the older magnetic 40-watt ballasts, which have not been sold for many years, but “given their prior widespread use, these magnetic ballasts may still be in service in some older installations,” it said. The safety organization recommends all luminaires be de-energized during lamp installation or replacement.