Double Tube Light Connection Diagram and Wiring

Hi, in this article, we are going to see the Double Tube Light Connection Diagram and Wiring Procedure. The double tube light connection is a wiring setup used for connecting two fluorescent tube lights, where two tubes are connected in series to a single ballast or electronic ballast, or two tubes are connected in parallel with their own ballasts. However, we know that in traditional fluorescent lighting systems, a starter is used to initiate the flow of current through the gas inside the tube. But in modern electronic ballast systems, a starter is not required. Here, we have shown the wiring diagram with both ballasts and starters.

Double Tube Light Connection in Series

Here, in the below wiring diagram, you can see the connection diagram of two tube lights in series.

Connection Description

Here, both of the tube lights used their own starters but they share a single ballast. You can see, the phase wire from the power source is connected to the ballast. Now the output of the ballast is connected to the Tube Light 1. The other terminal of the Tube Light 1 is connected to the Tube Light 2. Finally, the other terminal of the Tube Light 2 is connected to the neutral of the power source. Thus the whole circuit is completed.

Double Tube Light Connection in Parallel

Here, in the below wiring diagram, you can see the connection diagram of two tube lights in parallel.

Connection Description

As you can see in the above wiring diagram, here both of the tube lights used their own starters and ballasts. You can see, the phase wire from the power source is connected to the input of both ballasts. Now the output of the ballast 1 is connected to the Tube Light 1. And the output of the ballast 2 is connected to the Tube Light 2. Finally, the another terminal of Tube Lights 1 and 2 are connected to the neutral of the power source. Thus the whole circuit is completed.

Tube Light Series Connection VS Parallel Connection

In a series connection, the voltage requirement across the circuit increases with each added tube light, so the series connection of multiple tube lights is more suitable for high-voltage applications. On the other hand, In a parallel connection, each tube light receives the same voltage, so the voltage requirement across the circuit is low which is why the parallel connection of multiple tube lights is more practical for low-voltage applications. 

Also, note that Parallel connections are preferred for reliability, as the failure of one tube light does not affect the operation of the others but in series connections, if one tube light fails, the entire series circuit will be interrupted. Anyway, the choice between a series and parallel connection depends on the specific requirements of the lighting system, the voltage available, and other factors.

Let's understand with Examples.

Let's assume we have 3 Tube lights with specifications: Voltage (V) = 20V, Current (I) = 0.5A

Series Connection Calculations:

Total Voltage (V) = Voltage of one tube light × Number of tube lights

V = 20V × 3 = 60V

Total Current (I) = Current of one tube light

I = 0.5A

In this series connection, all three tube lights are connected end-to-end. The total voltage requirement across the whole series combination is 60V, and the total current is 0.5A. If one tube light fails, the entire circuit will be interrupted and all three lights will turned off.

Parallel Connection Calculations:

Total Voltage (V) = Voltage of one tube light

V = 20V

Total Current (I) = Current of one tube light × Number of tube lights

I = 0.5A × 3 = 1.5A

In this parallel connection, each tube light is connected across the power source. The total voltage requirement across the whole parallel circuit is 20V, and the total current is the sum of the currents through each parallel path (1.5A). If one tube light fails, the other two continue to operate independently.

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