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Fluorescent Lighting

Fluorescent lighting, or traditional fluorescent lamps, used to be the standard in many professional environments such as workshops, warehouses, offices, and schools. 'TL' stands for 'Tubular Lamp' (tube-shaped). Nowadays, we increasingly see a move to more sustainable and efficient LED alternatives like LED tubes and integrated LED battens. This switch brings significant advantages in terms of energy consumption, lifespan, and light quality.

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Understanding T-Lamps: T5, T8, and Battens

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 light distribution.

  • T8 lamps have a diameter of 1 inch (8/8 inch or approximately 2.54 cm). This is the most common diameter and is widely used in a variety of fixtures.
  • T5 lamps are slimmer with a diameter of 5/8 inch (approximately 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 a long, narrow housing, that traditionally accommodates fluorescent tubes. Nowadays, there are also integrated LED battens in which the LED light sources are built directly into the fixture. Thus, it is 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 LED equivalent wattages may vary by manufacturer.

The Shift to LED: Technology and Advantages

The European Union has gradually restricted the production and import of traditional fluorescent lamps, including T5 and T8 tubes. As of September 2023, these lamps are no longer available as new products on the market. This measure was implemented to reduce mercury use and to improve energy efficiency. The transition to LED has thus become a necessity, yet it brings significant advantages.

The Benefits of LED Fluorescent Lighting

Feature Traditional Fluorescent (TL) LED Fluorescent
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 possible flickering) Yes, instant and flicker-free
Light quality (CRI) Variable (often lower) Generally higher (more natural colors)
Shatter resistance Glass tube (fragile) Often unbreakable (plastic or coated glass)
Maintenance Frequent replacement, starters/ballasts Minimal, no starters/ballasts required

Application Areas for Fluorescent Lighting

LED fluorescent lighting is widely applicable. For spaces that require constant lighting, such as production lines or large warehouses, LED tubes offer a stable and energy-efficient solution. In offices, improved light quality contributes to a more pleasant working environment, while in basements or parking garages, the instant start and durability of LED make it a practical choice. Special IP-rated LED battens and tubes can also be used in damp or dusty environments, further increasing their applicability.

Installing and Upgrading Fluorescent 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 fixture present. Performing the installation correctly is important for both performance and safety. Always turn off the power before starting any electrical work.

Type A LED Tubes: Plug-and-Play Installation

Type A LED tubes, also known as 'plug-and-play', are designed to be installed directly in existing fixtures with a conventional (EM) or electronic (HF) ballast. In this case, the ballast remains in place. For EM ballasts, the starter should be replaced with the supplied LED starter.

Advantages: easy installation with no wiring modifications, quick retrofit.

Disadvantages: the ballast continues to consume some power (albeit minimally), potential compatibility issues with certain older ballasts.

Installation steps (for EM fixtures with starter):

  1. Switch off power to the fixture.
  2. Remove the traditional fluorescent tube.
  3. Replace the existing starter with the LED starter.
  4. Insert the new Type A LED tube in the fixture.
  5. Switch 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 fed to one end) or 'double-ended' (power fed to both ends).

Advantages: maximum energy savings (no ballast losses), no issues with ballast compatibility or failure.

Disadvantages: requires fixture wiring modification, generally more complex than plug-and-play, should be performed by a qualified professional.

Installation steps (requires electrical knowledge):

  1. Switch off power to the fixture and check for voltage with a voltmeter.
  2. Remove the traditional fluorescent tube and the ballast.
  3. Adjust the wiring so the tube is connected directly to mains voltage (carefully follow the manufacturer's diagram for single- or double-ended wiring).
  4. Insert the Type B LED tube into the fixture.
  5. Switch power back on and test the lighting.

When modifying wiring or if in doubt about installation, it is advisable to consult a qualified electrician to ensure safety and correct operation.

Integrated LED Battens: A Complete Solution

Integrated LED battens are complete fixtures in which the LED light source and the driver (power component) form a single unit. This type is an excellent choice for new construction or when old, worn-out fluorescent fixtures need total replacement.

Advantages: quick and easy installation, no compatibility issues with old ballasts, robust and often available in dust- and waterproof variants (higher IP ratings possible).

Installation tips:

  1. Switch off power to the power supply.
  2. Mount the batten's fixing brackets to the ceiling or wall.
  3. Connect the batten's wiring to mains power according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  4. Click or slide the batten onto the fixing brackets.
  5. Switch the power back on and check operation.

Key Considerations When Choosing Fluorescent Lighting

Selecting the right fluorescent lighting, whether LED tubes or battens, requires attention to various technical and practical aspects. It's important that the lighting meets the requirements of the specific application and the expectations of the user.

Lighting-Technical Aspects

Term Description Relevance
Light color (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 task lighting or rooms with a lot of daylight.
Lumens (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.
Color Rendering Index (CRI) How true-to-life colors appear under the lamp's light (scale of 0-100). A CRI of 80 or higher is good for most uses. Above 90 is desirable in spaces where color accuracy is important (such as showrooms or graphic companies).
Dimmability The ability to adjust the light intensity. Not all LED tubes and battens are dimmable. Check whether 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 if applicable UL/ETL. These certificates confirm the product meets European safety and environmental standards.
  • Warranty: a longer warranty (for example, 3 or 5 years) offers assurance about the longevity 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 areas, IP20 is usually sufficient. For damp environments such as parking garages or technical rooms, higher IP ratings (IP44, IP65, or IP66) are required.
  • Heat generation: LED lighting produces considerably less heat than traditional fluorescent, contributing to a more comfortable environment and placing less strain on cooling systems.
  • Flicker: LED lamps generally produce flicker-free light, which reduces eye fatigue and can improve concentration—a clear advantage in work environments.

Sustainability and Waste Disposal

Traditional fluorescent lamps contain mercury, a harmful substance for the environment. It is important that these lamps, when reaching end of life, are disposed of responsibly. Take them to a recognized recycling center or a specialized hazardous waste collection point.

LED fluorescent lighting, on the other hand, contains no mercury and has a longer lifespan, reducing waste. The switch to LED is therefore not only a cost-saving measure but also contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly operation.