Do LED Grow Lights Need a Ballast?

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: October 12, 2021 References

Light-emitting diode (LED) lights are growing in popularity due to their superb efficiency. They provide equal if not better light quality than other lightbulbs while using 75% less energy and lasting 25 times longer than fluorescent lights.^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source
U.S. Department of Energy
Official site for the U.S. Department of Energy, which provides resources related to energy safety, conservation, and efficiency
Go to source} For this reason, LED grow lights are a popular choice for agricultural purposes. You may have heard that some grow lights need a device called a ballast, which controls the flow of electricity so that each light gets the right amount of power. But is a ballast necessary for LED grow lights? Don't worry—we've answered all of your top questions about using LED grow lights, including whether or not you'll need a ballast.

Question 1

Question 1 of 7:
What is a ballast?

1
A ballast is a device that regulates the flow of electricity to other devices. In the case of grow lights, the ballast makes sure that the lights get enough voltage to start up and run, but not too much voltage, which would cause the lights to burn out, if not damage them.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Question 2

Question 2 of 7:
Do LED grow lights need a ballast?

1
LED grow lights do not need a ballast, unlike most other grow lights. This is because each LED bulb has a component called a driver that performs the function of a ballast automatically. Some LED drivers are built into the lamps, while others are external and connected to the light fixture.^{[3]
X
Research source}

Question 3

Question 3 of 7:
What do you need for LED lights?

1
LED lights need only direct current (DC). They can be plugged into any standard electrical outlet. When you purchase integrated LED lights for agriculture, everything you need should be included in the package. No additional components are required.^{[4]
X
Research source}

Question 4

Question 4 of 7:
Should I remove a pre-existing ballast when installing LED lights?

1
Ballast compatibility depends on the type of LED light. Direct fit, or Type A, LED lights work with the current ballast if there is one, so you do not need to remove the ballast. Ballast bypass, or Type B LEDs do require that the ballast be removed.^{[5]
X
Research source}

Question 5

Question 5 of 7:
Why use LED grow lights?

1
They keep your electricity bill down and help the environment. Also, LEDs lack some of the flaws of other lights like fluorescent lights. Unlike LEDs, fluorescent lights contain mercury, which is harmful to the environment, and because of that, fluorescent lights require a special disposal process. LEDs also have a much longer lifespan than incandescent lights because incandescent lights have filaments that can burn out, while LEDs don’t.^{[6]
X
Research source}

Question 6

Question 6 of 7:
How long should I leave LED grow lights on?

1
The amount of light exposure needed each day depends on the type of plant. However, if you’re using LED grow lights and other artificial light sources, your plants will need more time in the light than they would if you were using natural light (the sun.) Check the specifications of each type of plant you are growing.^{[7]
X
Research source}

Question 7

Question 7 of 7:
How do I maintain my LED grow lights?

1
LED lights are relatively low-maintenance. However, like all things, they get dirty over time. You should regularly clean your LEDs of dust and other particles to ensure the best light quality. To clean an LED grow light, you can use a can of pressurized air to blow dust out of the nooks and crannies that are difficult to reach, wipe the metal surface (NOT the light shield, which is the glass screen) with a little 3% hydrogen peroxide on a non-abrasive cloth, and wipe the light shield with a little glass cleaner solution on another non-abrasive cloth.^{[8]
X
Research source}