When it comes to choosing the right fluorescent tube for your space, it can seem overwhelming. LED tube lights however, offer a range of benefits that can transform your lighting experience. In this article, we guide you through the key considerations when choosing an LED tube light, so you can find the perfect match for your needs.
Benefits of an LED Tube Light:
If you are looking for an efficient and eco-friendly lighting solution, then LED tubes are the perfect choice. This advanced lighting technology offers a range of benefits that not only reduce your energy consumption, but also improve the overall lighting experience.
- Energy efficiency: One of the most notable advantages of LED tube lights is their impressive energy efficiency.They consume significantly less energy than traditional fluorescent tubes, resulting in lower energy costs in the long run. This efficiency makes LED fluorescent tubes a sustainable choice for both home use and commercial applications.
- Longer Lifespan: LED fluorescent tubes last much longer than conventional fluorescent tubes. With a lifespan that is many times longer, you have to invest in replacements less often, which is not only cost-effective but also contributes to waste reduction.
- Environmentally Friendly: Unlike traditional fluorescent tubes, LED fluorescent tubes do not contain harmful substances such as mercury. This makes them environmentally friendly and safer for both people and the environment. By switching to LED, you actively contribute to a greener planet.
- Instant and Full Brightness: LED tube lights provide instant and full brightness as soon as they are turned on, without the warm-up time often associated with traditional fluorescent lighting. This ensures an immediate improvement in visibility and increases productivity in various applications.
- Customizable Light Colors: Another advantage of LED tube lights is the ability to adjust the light color to specific needs. Whether you prefer warm white light for a cozy home atmosphere or cool daylight for a productive work environment, LED tube lights offer flexibility in light temperature.
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| View all LED Tube Lights |
What should you consider when purchasing an LED tube light?
When considering the switch to LED tube lights, there are several crucial factors to keep in mind to make the right choice. Below, we have listed a number of points you should take into consideration. We have also included an image to give you a clear picture of how traditional and new fluorescent fixtures connect with an LED tube light.
1. LED tube light base/fitting:
Check the base of your existing fixture. LED tube lights are available in various base types, and it is essential to ensure that the new tubes are compatible with your current fixtures.This allows you to switch effortlessly without any additional adjustments. The most common fluorescent tube fittings are G13 (thick fluorescent tube) and G5 (thin fluorescent tube).
2. Old wattages and lengths T.O.V. LED fluorescent tubes:
The correct length of LED fluorescent tube also depends on the wattage of the conventional fluorescent tube. By comparing this data with the old wattages, you can make an informed choice for an LED fluorescent tube that meets your lighting needs.
Old conventional fluorescent tube wattages:
- Conventional fluorescent 60CM = 18 Watt
- Conventional fluorescent 90CM = 28 Watt
- Conventional fluorescent 120CM = 36 Watt
- Conventional fluorescent 150CM = 58 Watt
New LED fluorescent tube wattages:
- LED fluorescent tube 60CM = 8 Watt
- LED fluorescent tube 90CM = 14 Watt
- LED fluorescent tube 105CM = 14 Watt
- LED fluorescent tube 120CM = 18 Watt
- LED fluorescent tube 150CM = 24 Watt
3. Existing fluorescent fixture with or without starters
Determine whether your current fixture has a starter or not.If your current fluorescent fixture has a starter, you can easily replace it with an LED tube light. Screw an LED starter into the fixture and then attach the LED tube light into the fixture. Some LED tube lights do not require a starter; if you want to install an LED tube light in such a fixture, you will either need to buy a new LED fluorescent fixture or convert your current fluorescent fixture. You can read how to convert an old fluorescent fixture in our blog article "How to connect LED tube lighting" which offers valuable tips for a smooth installation.
4. Light colors and color codes:
Understand the transition from old to new color codes to avoid confusion when selecting the desired light temperature. A clear understanding of these codes simplifies the process of finding the perfect LED tube light.
- 827 = 2700K – Warm white, this light color is suitable for homes and retail.
- 830 = 3000K – Warm white, this light color is suitable for homes and retail.
- 840 = 4000K – Natural whitethis light color is suitable for halls, stairwells, meeting rooms, offices, schools, warehouses, hair salons, stables, supermarkets, and hardware stores.
- 850 = 5000K – Daylightthis light color is suitable for warehouses, riding arenas, sports halls, workshops.
- 860 = 6000K – Daylight white, this light color is suitable for warehouses, workshops, car garages, laboratories, operating rooms, treatment rooms, print shops, storage facilities, or other spaces where bright white light is desired.
- 865 = 6500K – Daylight white, this light color is suitable for warehouses, workshops, car garages, laboratories, operating rooms, treatment rooms, printing houses, storage facilities, or other spaces where bright white light is desired.
5. Connection method for old and new LED fluorescent tubes:
Take the time to understand the connection method. With old fluorescent fixtures, you have two connection methods. 1. Conventional ballast – Works with LED starter (direct one-to-one replacement of fluorescent tube) 2. Electronic ballast – Does NOT work with LED starter (reconversion of fluorescent fixture) LED fluorescent tubes are powered on one side, which differs from traditional tubes that receive power on both sides.Depending on your fixture, you may need to use a starter or modify the fixture.
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| Fluorescent tube with conventional/magnetic ballast |
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| Fluorescent fixture with electronic ballast |
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| LED fluorescent tube connection |
Which LED tube length is suitable for your space?
To help you determine the ideal length for your space, we have put together a convenient overview:
| Fluorescent Tube Length | Application | Required Light Output | Fixture Mounting Height | Mounting | Light Color Advice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 cm | Under kitchen cabinets, displays, wardrobes, pantries | 500-550 lumens | <1.5meter | Rooms <1.5m – Single LED Tube
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3000K – Warm white 4000K – Natural white |
| 60 cm | Small shed, above small workbench, bicycle shed, storage room | 1050 lumens | >2 – 2.5 meters | Rooms >2m – Single LED tube Rooms >2.5m – Double fluorescent tube
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4000K – Natural white 6000K – Daylight white |
| 90 cm | Hallways, bicycle shed, small storage | 1450 lumens | <2 – 3 meters | Spaces <2m – Single fluorescent tube Spaces >3m – Double fluorescent tube
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4000K – Natural white |
| 120 cm | Larger sheds, storage rooms, smaller warehouses, stables, bicycle shed | 2000 lumens | >3 – 3.5 meters | Spaces <3 m – Single fluorescent tube Spaces >3.5 m – Double LED Tube
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5000K – Daylight or 6000K – Daylight White |
| 150 cm | Large barns, high warehouses, industrial halls, stables, storage | 2650 lumens | >3.5 – 4.5 meters | Spaces >3.5m – Single LED Tube Spaces >4.5m+ – Double LED Tube
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5000K – Daylight or 6000K – Daylight White |
Choosing an LED Tube
Want to be sure you choose the right LED tube for your situation? Watch the explanatory video below about the different LED tubes. It explains which applications each LED tube is suitable for.If you have any questions, feel free to contact us!
