
The T8 fluorescent tube with a length of 60 cm is a common light source in a variety of professional environments. From workshops to warehouses and from offices to schools, the 60 cm T8 tube has provided reliable and functional lighting for years. These tubes are characterized by their G13 socket, with a pin distance of 13mm and a tube diameter of 26mm.
Replacing a conventional 60 cm T8 fluorescent tube with an LED version is often a simple procedure. This transition offers immediate benefits in terms of energy consumption and lifespan. A traditional 60 cm T8 fluorescent lamp typically uses 18 Watts. LED equivalents usually range from 8 to 10 Watts, resulting in an immediate energy saving of approximately 50% or more.
Below is an overview of the most common specifications:
Specification | Traditional T8 (60cm) | LED T8 (60cm) Replacement |
---|---|---|
Length | 60 cm | 60 cm |
Wattage | 18W | 8W - 10W (depending on model) |
Socket | G13 | G13 |
Lifespan | approx. 15,000 - 20,000 hours | approx. 30,000 - 60,000 hours |
Energy Saving vs Traditional | N/A | around 50% or more |
Mercury-Free | No | Yes |
When installing a 60 cm LED T8 tube in an existing fixture, there are two primary methods, depending on the type of LED tube and the existing ballast. It's crucial to choose the correct method to prevent damage to the lamp and fixture and to ensure safety.
Many 60 cm LED T8 tubes are designed as 'plug & play' (often referred to as Type A). This means they can be placed directly into a fixture with a working electronic ballast (EVSA) or a conventional ballast (CVSA) and starter. Installation is generally straightforward:
This method is quick and does not require any wiring modification. Pay close attention to the LED tube’s compatibility with the type of ballast in your fixture.
An alternative method is the 'ballast bypass' (often referred to as Type B). In this installation, the existing ballast is completely removed from the fixture and the LED tube is connected directly to the 230V mains supply. This eliminates the ballast’s energy use and potential failure point, resulting in even greater efficiency and lifespan for the LED tube.
This installation method requires basic knowledge of electrical wiring and may take more time. It is recommended to have this installation performed by a qualified electrician to ensure safety and correct operation.
With ballast bypass LED tubes, there are often 'single-ended' (power supply on one side) and 'dual-ended' (power supply on both sides) variants. Check the specifications of the LED tube for the proper wiring method.
In addition to the installation method, there are various technical specifications that are important when choosing the right 60 cm LED T8 tube for your project:
This depends on the type of fixture and the LED tube. If it’s a 'plug & play' LED tube and your fixture has a compatible electronic ballast, this is often possible. For fixtures with a starter, you must also replace the starter with an LED starter. For optimal efficiency and to eliminate the ballast as a potential source of malfunction, direct connection (ballast bypass) is an alternative, but it requires wiring modifications.
Fixtures with a conventional ballast always have a separate starter that you can replace. Fixtures with an electronic ballast do not have a starter and the light switches on immediately without flickering.
The lifespan of a 60cm LED T8 tube varies, but is generally much longer than that of traditional fluorescent tubes. Many LED versions have an expected lifetime of 30,000 to 60,000 hours. This is on average 2 to 3 times longer than conventional versions.
LED T8 tubes consume significantly less energy than their traditional counterparts for the same light output. By replacing an 18W fluorescent tube with an 8–10W LED version, you achieve a direct energy saving of at least 50%. The longer lifespan also reduces replacement and maintenance costs.
The 60 cm T8 LED tube is an efficient and sustainable solution for replacing outdated fluorescent lighting. By paying attention to the right specifications and installation method, you ensure a reliable and energy-efficient lighting solution for your work or commercial space.