TL T5 115 cm

Switching to LED T5 115cm: a sustainable choice

With the phase-out of traditional T5 fluorescent tubes, switching to LED is not only a matter of modernization but also of financial and ecological responsibility. LED T5 115cm tubes offer significant advantages that make them a wise investment for any business or homeowner:

• Lower energy costs: LED T5 tubes use only a fraction of the energy compared to their predecessors. While a traditional 28W or 54W T5 lamp consumes a lot of energy, a comparable LED tube often requires only 16W to 26W. This translates directly into noticeable savings on your electricity bill.
• Longer lifespan: The lifespan of LED T5 tubes is much longer than that of traditional fluorescent lamps, often 50,000 hours or more. This means less frequent replacement and a reduction in maintenance costs.
• Better light, instantly available: LED lighting reaches full brightness immediately, with no warm-up time or annoying flicker. This contributes to a more comfortable and productive work environment.
• Environmentally friendly: Unlike traditional fluorescent tubes, LED T5 tubes contain no mercury or other harmful substances, making them a safer and greener option for both installation and recycling.

Choosing the right 115cm LED T5 tube

When selecting the right 115 centimeter LED T5 tube, it's important to look beyond just the length. Various specifications determine suitability for your application. Below you'll find the most relevant characteristics:

Wattage and light output (Lumen)

While wattage indicates how much energy a lamp consumes, Lumen tells you about the amount of light emitted. To adequately replace your old T5 lamp, look at the Lumen value.

*HE stands for High Efficiency, HO for High Output. The exact Lumen value may vary by manufacturer.

Light color (Kelvin) and color rendering (CRI)

The mood and functionality of the lighting are strongly determined by the light color and color rendering.

• 3000 Kelvin (warm white): Creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere, often chosen for canteens, hallways, and reception areas.
• 4000 Kelvin (neutral white): A bright, functional light color, widely used in offices, showrooms, kitchens, and schools where good work lighting is desired.
• 6000-6500 Kelvin (daylight white): Provides a very bright, daylight-like light suitable for workshops, laboratories, print shops, or locations where color details are important.

A high Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 80 or above ensures that colors are rendered naturally under the light, which is important in environments where visual accuracy is crucial.

Practical installation of 115cm T5 LED tubes

Installing LED T5 115cm tubes can be done in various ways, depending on the type of fixture you have. T5 fixtures almost always use an electronic high-frequency (HF) ballast and do not require a separate starter. Your choice depends on whether you wish to keep or remove the existing ballast.

Type A: Installation with existing HF ballast (plug-and-play)

1. Turn off the power to the fixture for safety.
2. Twist the old T5 fluorescent lamp a quarter turn and remove it.
3. Insert the new 115cm LED T5 tube into the socket. Turn it a quarter turn until it is securely in place.
4. Turn the power back on and check that it works.

This method is quick and requires no changes to the wiring. However, the lifespan of the LED tube may be affected by the condition of the ballast.

Type B: Installation directly on 230V (ballast bypass)

1. Turn off and secure the power supply to the fixture. This is crucial for your safety.
2. Remove the old T5 fluorescent lamp.
3. Open the fixture and locate the electronic ballast. This is the component where the wires from the sockets lead to.
4. Cut the wires going to the ballast and remove the ballast.
5. Rewire the sockets of the fixture so the LED T5 tube can be connected directly to 230V mains voltage. The exact wiring may differ per type of 'direct-to-mains' LED tube (single- or double-ended). Always follow the LED tube manufacturer's instructions closely.
6. Insert the new 115cm LED T5 tube. Pay attention to the designated input side if the tube requires single-ended power.
7. Turn the power back on and test the lighting.