Tube Lighting
Tube lighting, known in its traditional form as fluorescent lamps, has long been a common light source in numerous professional environments, from workshops and warehouses to offices and schools. The abbreviation 'TL' stands for 'Tubular Lamp', referring to its tube-like construction. With ongoing developments in lighting technology, the focus is increasingly shifting towards more sustainable and efficient alternatives, particularly LED tubes and integrated LED battens. This transition brings significant advantages in terms of energy consumption, lifespan, and light quality.
This page covers the different types of tube lights, the reasons for transitioning to LED technology, and practical installation aspects relevant to the professional.
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Philips Philips MAS LEDtube HF 600mm HE 7W 840 T5 with 4000K cool white light
3,5W - 470 lm - 4000K - Dimbaar17,95 -
Philips Philips MAS LEDtube HF 600mm HE 7W T5 warm white 830
3,5W - 470 lm - 4000K - Dimbaar15,95 -
Philips Philips CorePro LEDtube 1200mm T8 17.7W 4000K 2400 lumen G13 non-dimmable
3,5W - 470 lm - 4000K - Dimbaar5,50 -
Philips Philips MAS LEDtube 900mm HE 11.5W 865 T5 EU 6500K, energy-efficient lighting
3,5W - 470 lm - 4000K - Dimbaar17,95 -
Philips Philips MAS LEDtube 900mm T5 11.5W 4000K cool white high efficiency
3,5W - 470 lm - 4000K - Dimbaar14,95 -
Philips Philips LED tube 900mm HE 11.5W 830 T5 with 1600 lumen and 3000K
3,5W - 470 lm - 4000K - Dimbaar15,95 -
Philips Philips CorePro LEDtube 1500mm 20W 3000K T8 G13
3,5W - 470 lm - 4000K - Dimbaar9,95 -
Philips Philips CorePro LEDtube 1200mm 15.5W T8 3000K warm white
3,5W - 470 lm - 4000K - Dimbaar5,95 -
Philips Philips CorePro LEDtube 600mm T8 8W 3000K with G13 base
3,5W - 470 lm - 4000K - Dimbaar4,50 -
Philips philips mas ledtube hf 1500mm uo 24w 6500k t8 3700 lumen
3,5W - 470 lm - 4000K - Dimbaar19,95 -
Philips Philips LED tube T8 1500mm 24W 4000K 3700 lumen G13 base
3,5W - 470 lm - 4000K - Dimbaar22,95 -
Philips Philips MAS LEDtube HF 1200mm UO 16W830 T8 3000K warm white lighting
3,5W - 470 lm - 4000K - Dimbaar36,30
Understanding Tube Lights: T5, T8, and the Batten
The 'T' in T5 and T8 refers to the tubular shape of the lamp, while the number indicates the diameter of the tube in eighths of an inch. This specification is important for compatibility with fixtures and for light distribution.
- T8 tubes have a diameter of 1 inch (8/8 inch or about 2.54 cm). This is the most common diameter and is widely used in various fixtures.
- T5 tubes are slimmer with a diameter of 5/8 inch (about 1.6 cm). These thinner tubes are often used in fixtures where space is limited or where a more concentrated light beam is desired.
- A batten is a type of fixture, often an elongated housing, that traditionally holds fluorescent tubes. Today, there are also integrated LED battens where the LED light sources are built directly into the fixture. So, it's not a light source itself, but a complete lighting solution.
Comparison of Traditional Fluorescent Tubes and their LED Equivalents
| Type | Diameter | Common lengths (cm) | Typical fluorescent wattage | Typical LED equivalent wattage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T8 | 1 inch (2.54 cm) | 60, 90, 120, 150 | 18W, 30W, 36W, 58W | 8W, 14W, 18W, 24W |
| T5 | 5/8 inch (1.6 cm) | 55, 85, 115, 145 | 14W, 21W, 28W, 35W/49W/80W (HE/HO) | 6W, 10W, 14W, 18W/22W/40W (HE/HO) |
*HE = High Efficiency, HO = High Output. The exact wattages of LED equivalents may vary by manufacturer.
The Shift to LED: Technology and Benefits
The European Union has gradually phased out the production and import of traditional fluorescent lamps, including T5 and T8 tubes. As of September 2023, these lamps are no longer available new on the market. This measure was introduced to reduce the use of mercury and improve energy efficiency. The shift to LED has thus become a necessity, which, however, offers significant advantages.
The Advantages of LED Tube Lighting
| Feature | Traditional Fluorescent | LED Tube |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Consumption | High | Up to 75% lower |
| Lifespan | 7,000 - 15,000 hours | 30,000 - 60,000 hours or more |
| Mercury Present | Yes | No |
| Instant On/Off | No (warm-up time and potential flickering) | Yes, instant and flicker-free |
| Light Quality (CRI) | Variable (often lower) | Generally higher (true-to-life colours) |
| Shatter Resistance | Quartz glass (fragile) | Often unbreakable (plastic or coated glass) |
| Maintenance | Frequent replacement, starters/ballasts | Minimal, no starters/ballasts needed |
Application Areas of Tube Lighting
LED tube lighting is widely applicable. For spaces that require constant light, such as production lines or large warehouses, LED tubes offer a stable and energy-efficient solution. In offices, the improved light quality contributes to a more pleasant working environment, while in basements or parking garages, the instant-on feature and durability of LEDs are practical considerations. Special IP-rated LED battens and tubes can also be used in damp or dusty environments, further expanding their applicability.
Installation and Upgrading Tube Lighting to LED
Upgrading existing fluorescent fixtures to LED technology can be done in several ways, depending on the type of LED tube and the existing fixture. Proper installation is crucial for both performance and safety. Always turn off the power before working on electrical installations.
Type A LED Tubes: Plug-and-Play Installation
Type A LED tubes, also known as 'plug-and-play', are designed to be placed directly into existing fixtures with a conventional (EM) or electronic (HF) ballast. The ballast is kept in place. For EM ballasts, the starter must be replaced with the supplied LED starter.
Advantages: simple installation without wiring modifications, quick conversion.
Disadvantages: the ballast continues to consume power (albeit minimally), potential compatibility issues with some older ballasts.
Installation Steps (for EM fixtures with a starter):
- Turn off the power to the fixture.
- Remove the traditional fluorescent tube.
- Replace the existing starter with the LED starter.
- Insert the new Type A LED tube into the fixture.
- Turn the power back on and test the lighting.
Type B LED Tubes: Direct Wiring (Ballast Bypass)
Type B LED tubes operate directly on mains voltage. This means the existing ballast in the fixture must be removed or bypassed. The tube is connected directly to the 230V power supply. This can be 'single-ended' (power supplied to one side of the tube) or 'double-ended' (power supplied to both sides).
Advantages: maximum energy savings (no ballast consumption), no issues with ballast compatibility or a failing ballast.
Disadvantages: requires rewiring the fixture, generally more complex than plug-and-play, should be performed by a qualified professional.
Installation Steps (requires electrical knowledge):
- Turn off the power to the fixture and check for the presence of voltage with a voltmeter.
- Remove the traditional fluorescent tube and the ballast.
- Modify the wiring so the tube is connected directly to the mains voltage (closely follow the manufacturer's diagram for single- or double-ended wiring).
- Insert the Type B LED tube into the fixture.
- Turn the power back on and test the lighting.
When modifying wiring or if in doubt about the installation, it is advisable to consult a qualified electrician to ensure safety and proper operation.
Integrated LED Battens: A Complete Solution
Integrated LED battens are complete fixtures where the LED light source and the driver (power supply component) form a single unit. This type is an excellent choice for new constructions or when old, worn-out fluorescent fixtures need to be completely replaced.
Advantages: quick and easy installation, no compatibility issues with old ballasts, robust and often dust- and waterproof versions (higher IP ratings possible).
Installation Tips:
- Turn off the power from the power supply.
- Mount the batten's mounting brackets to the ceiling or wall.
- Connect the batten's wiring to the mains voltage according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Click or slide the batten onto the mounting brackets.
- Turn the power back on and check the operation.
Important Considerations When Choosing Tube Lighting
Choosing the right tube lighting, whether it's LED tubes or battens, requires attention to various technical and practical aspects. It is important that the lighting meets the requirements of the specific application and the user's expectations.
Lighting Technical Aspects
| Term | Explanation | Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Light Colour (Kelvin) | Temperature of the light, measured in Kelvin (K). | 2700K-3000K (warm white) for ambiance, 4000K (neutral white) for general use, 6000K-6500K (daylight white) for concentrated work or spaces with a lot of natural daylight. |
| Lumen (Light Output) | Total amount of emitted light, measured in Lumens (lm). | A higher Lumen value means more light. Relevant for the desired brightness of a space. |
| Colour Rendering Index (CRI) | How true-to-life colours are rendered under the light of the lamp (scale of 0-100). | A CRI of 80 or higher is good for most applications. Above 90 is desirable in spaces where colour interpretation is important (e.g., in showrooms or graphic design companies). |
| Dimmability | The ability to adjust the light intensity. | Not all LED tubes and battens are dimmable. Check if a dimmable version is available and compatible with the ballast or driver. |
Practical Matters for the Professional
- Certifications: look for quality marks such as CE, RoHS, and possibly UL/ETL. These certificates confirm that the product complies with European safety and environmental standards.
- Warranty: a longer warranty period (e.g., 3 or 5 years) provides assurance about the lifespan and quality of the product.
- IP Rating (Ingress Protection): this value indicates the degree of protection against dust and water. For dry, dust-free indoor spaces, IP20 is often sufficient. For damp environments like parking garages or technical rooms, higher IP ratings (IP44, IP65, or IP66) are required.
- Heat Generation: LED lighting generates significantly less heat than traditional fluorescent lighting, which contributes to a more comfortable environment and less strain on cooling systems.
- Flicker: LED lamps generally produce flicker-free light, which reduces eye strain and can improve concentration, a clear advantage especially in work environments.
Sustainability and Waste Disposal
Traditional fluorescent lamps contain mercury, a substance harmful to the environment. It is important that these lamps are disposed of responsibly at the end of their life. Hand them in at a certified recycling point or a special collection point for chemical waste.
LED tube lighting, on the other hand, contains no mercury and has a longer lifespan, which reduces the amount of waste. The switch to LED is therefore not only a cost-saving measure but also contributes to more sustainable and environmentally friendly business operations.