LED tubes

LED tubes: Energy-efficient replacement for fluorescent tubes

LED tubes, LED fluorescent tube replacement. Fluorescent tubes are used millions of times in the commercial sector. The standard lengths of 60cm in louvered luminaires and 120cm and 150cm in length are usually used. In conjunction with fluorescent tubes, a starter or ballast is always used. Conventional ballasts in the variants CCG (simple starter) or low-loss ballast (LLB) are very well suited for conversion to LED (fluorescent) tubes.

LED Tubes Which length and diameter

There are 4 common T8 (LED) tube sizes. The most common lengths used in offices are 60cm in grid ceilings / coffered ceilings and 120cm and 150cm in commercial, industrial or storage rooms.

 The 90cm T8-LED tube is less common and is mostly used in furniture or showcases. If existing luminaires are to be replaced, they must be remeasured before purchase. The T8 tubes have a diameter of 26mm. The base / the socket is called G13.

LED Tubes - The price and quality features

This is the criterion for many customers. Single LEDs have long lifetimes between 30,000 and 50,000 hours. This is also usually stated in the product information. The LED tubes also contain electronic components (such as capacitors and triacs). The quality of these components and their processing - for example at the solder joints - have an important influence on the actually expected service life.

Brightness of LED tubes

Normally this has to be calculated exactly in each individual case. For example, we would not offer a 150cm LED tube with a luminous flux of 2500 lumens. With a wider beam angle, a little more.

Investment: Can you really save money with a 30 Euro LED tube lamp compared to a 3 Euro tube?

Yes, especially in companies or businesses with long operating and opening hours. It doesn't matter whether it is a company with 2 or 500 employees. For the efficiency of T8 LED tubes, the daily operating times (operating times or opening times in retail), the considerably longer service life of the LED tubes but also the lower maintenance costs are decisive criteria.

Power saving LED tube: 50% and more are in it.

The following savings are possible with the 4 standard sizes of fluorescent tubes:

Length Current consumption Fluorescent tube Consumption LED tube Savings Field of application

60cm 18Watt / piece* 9 Watt Approx. 50% Louvre luminaires in ceilings

90cm 30 Watt /each* 15 Watt Approx. 50% Frequently used in furniture or showcases

120cm 36 Watt /each* 18-19Watt Approx. 50% office, shop, retail

150cm 58 Watt /each * 22-23 Watt Approx.60% Industry, trade

The classic fluorescent tube is always operated in conjunction with a ballast (low-loss ballast, electronic ballast, conventional ballast). This consumes additional power, which can be up to 15 watts per bulb. When simply replacing the fluorescent lamp with LLB with an LED tube, the ballast unit continues to be operated. It may be more economical to replace the complete luminaire in order to supply the LEDs directly with 230V.

An individual calculation is necessary.

LED tubes made of glass

We no longer sell LED tubes made of glass. The reason for this is the higher risk of breakage in use, a faster loss of luminous flux and less durability in continuous use.

LED Tubes Light colour / Colour temperature:

The light colour is indicated in Kelvin (K). In the commercial sector or office, a neutral white between 4500-5000 Kelvin is usually used. This is perceived as stimulating and less tiring during work. In living rooms or to achieve ambient effects, a warm white light colour (2700-3300 Kelvin) is usually chosen, which has a cosy effect.

In manufacturing, workshops or industry, where precise vision, good contrasts and very bright illumination are often required to ensure faultless work, a light colour from 5500 Kelvin to 6500 Kelvin, known as cold white or daylight white, is often used. This is also considered less tiring and stimulating. In addition, daylight white has a better reproduction of contrasts, which is an additional safety factor at work.

Colour rendering:

Especially when selling, presenting products or working with paints or varnishes, the correct reproduction of colours plays an important role. When purchasing, pay attention to the colour information RA or CRI.  This indicates exactly how colors can be reproduced

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