Pay later within 30 days
Return up to 60 days later
Ordered before 7:00 PM, shipped the same day
Free shipping on orders over 49,-
Fitting
Color
Dimensions
Dimmable
Nee
Ja
IP Rating
Brand

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.

Batten
Batten
109 products
Filters
Fitting
Color
Dimensions
Dimmable
Nee
Ja
IP Rating
Brand
Shopping cart

Your cart is empty

No idea where to start? Try these categories:

Light Sources Luminaires Installation Material Other
Total Including VAT
0,00
  • Pay later within 30 days
  • Return up to 60 days later
  • Ordered before 7:00 PM, shipped the same day
  • Free shipping on orders over 49,-

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.