If you swap an old fluorescent tube for LED, you can take advantage of the latter's numerous advantages. In addition to saving energy and protecting your wallet, the LEDs offer a significantly longer lifespan and better light quality. What you should consider when converting from fluorescent to LED, which LED tubes are available and what the difference is between T5 and T8 tubes - you can find out all this in our guide.
Replacing fluorescent tubes with LEDs – what color temperature?
If you exchange a fluorescent tube for LED, it is important that you adjust the brightness and light color of the LED tube to your needs. The color temperature of LED lights is measured on a scale called Kelvin (K). The common spectrum usually ranges from 2400 to 6500 Kelvin. A lower Kelvin value means that the light is perceived as “warm”. Cool white or neutral white usually refers to lamps with a color temperature of approximately 4000K. This color temperature is recommended for conference rooms, utility rooms, work areas and offices. Daylight white corresponds to a color temperature of over 5000 Kelvin. The daylight fluorescent tube variant is best suited for high security areas, garages, parks and exhibition areas. Atlighting marketYou can find all the important light colors to create the right lighting atmosphere for every environment.
How to choose the right LED tube
LED tubes come in so many variations that it's easy to lose track. However, choosing the right LED tube can be done in just three steps:
- Choose the right length (usually 120 or 150 cm).
- Choose the right diameter.
- Determine whether you need a fluorescent lamp with an ECG (electronic) or KVG (conventional) ballast.
Tube length and pin size
To determine whether you need a T8 or T5 LED tube light, remove the old tube light and measure either the diameter of the tube or the distance between the pins. Most LED tubes in modern buildings are compatible with T8 pins. However, newer or recently completed buildings may have the more modern T5 fixture.
T5 models have a diameter of 16mm and the G5 base. The connection pins on each end of a T5 are 5mm apart.
T8 variants have a diameter of 27.5 mm and the G13 socket. The connection pins at each end of a T8 are 13 mm apart.
If T8 and T12 have the same socket (most commonly G13), you can use either as long as you have checked the amperage requirements for the ballast (if applicable).
Which LED tubes are there?
There are basically two main variants of fluorescent tubes:
- Typ 1: with conventional ballast KVG (with starter)
If you have recognized type 1 with a starter, this means that you need an LED fluorescent tube for KVG. For lights with KVG, dummy starters (bridging elements) are included in the purchase. These tubes are extremely easy to install and are therefore also called plug-and-play. - Typ 2: with electronic ballast EVG (without starter)
If no starter is visible, it is almost certainly an electronic ballast. In this case you need an ECG compatible LED fluorescent tube.
The 4 most important reasons why you should replace fluorescent tubes with LEDs
Save electricity– LED tube lights are on average 30% more efficient than fluorescent tubes. 2 fluorescent tubes can be replaced with 1 T8 LED tube. The greater the number of neon tubes replaced, the greater the electricity savings can be.
Longer lifespan– LED tubes last more than 50,000 hours. For comparison, the lifespan of fluorescent tubes is 30,000 hours. LEDs also differ from fluorescent tubes in that they do not flicker.
Brighter, better quality light– LED tubes are not only significantly brighter than fluorescent tubes, but also have a significantly higher color rendering (CRI), which enables the best possible imitation of daylight. Since the LEDs are available in several light spectrums (from cold to warm), different lighting moods can be achieved.
Mercury free, not fragile– Unlike fluorescents, LED tubes do not contain toxic mercury. LED tubes are also very robust and do not break like fluorescent tubes.
