Glass LED T8 Tubes: Direct Fluorescent Replacement Without Complications
Glass LED T8 tubes replace the fluorescent tube without building work or modifications, because they fit into the same batten and use the same standard G13 cap, although the doubt that most holds back the purchase is still the type of connection.
Why glass LED T8 tubes outperform the fluorescent
Direct fluorescent replacement proves economically more profitable than keeping traditional fluorescent tubes, because it does not require work on the ceiling or a professional electrical installation.
Energy savings and the end of constant maintenance
The energy saving of an LED tube is around 50 per cent compared with the equivalent fluorescent, so a glass LED T8 tube of 18W provides the luminosity of a 36W fluorescent, while the lm per watt efficiency actually determines the perceptible luminous flux.
The amount of light emitted depends on the chip and the diffuser, and the service life of an LED tube reaches approximately 50,000 hours, far beyond a fluorescent lamp or incandescent bulbs, which is why the LED T8 tube as a fluorescent replacement appeals to companies with numerous lighting points switched on.
Greater transparency and light quality than polycarbonate
The glass versus polycarbonate LED tube debate is settled at the diffuser, since a high transparency glass LED tube makes better use of the chip lumens and the high luminosity LED T8 tube incorporates glass, with a beam angle that spreads the light intensity.
These LED products also offer a CRI colour rendering above 80, so the visible light reproduces colours faithfully.
Available lengths and wattages
60cm 120cm and 150cm depending on your installation
There are several types of LED tube, and glass T8 tubes reproduce the measurements of the fluorescent, so the 60 120 150cm lengths cover practically any batten on the market, with the glass LED T8 tube of 60cm replacing the 18W fluorescent, the 120cm LED T8 tube being the most requested size and the 150cm LED T8 tube reserved for industrial warehouses.
The available colour temperature ranges from warm white 3000K up to 6500K, a temperature range sufficient for workshop and warehouse, while the price of an LED T8 tube depends on the length and the chip.
What you should know about direct connection before installing
Tubes with and without the need to adapt the starter
Glass LED T8 tubes are inserted by turning in the same way even though the internal circuit is different, so a direct connection LED T8 tube without a starter works as soon as you fit the bridge included in the box, and a flicker free LED T8 tube depends on the internal driver, because the G13 cap of the LED T8 tube remains the traditional standard.
Compatibility with waterproof battens causes no problems if you respect the measurement, because a 120cm LED T8 tube for a waterproof batten fits into any IP65 unit, and in large installations the LED T8 tube for offices and warehouses is replaced in batches to offer uniform lighting, while the long life LED T8 tube pays off in high mounted luminaires.
As a fixed light source it replaces LED bulbs and screw fitting LED lamps within the same lighting system, and if you are renovating the installation it is worth considering the waterproof LED battens or the LED tube accessories.
Frequently asked questions about glass LED T8 tubes
Can I replace my fluorescent with an LED T8 without changing the starter?
The starter must always be removed and in its place you fit the bridge included in the box, while if your batten has electronic ballasts you will need to bypass or remove them beforehand.
What is the difference between glass and polycarbonate in an LED tube?
Glass lets more luminosity through and keeps its transparency over the years, while polycarbonate is lighter and more resistant, although the cheaper versions yellow progressively.
What tube length do I need for my waterproof batten?
You need exactly the length the fluorescent you are replacing had, and it is worth measuring the old tube from end to end.
Are LED T8 tubes compatible with any batten?
They are compatible with practically all of them provided they have a G13 cap, the traditional fluorescent standard, and you only need to check whether the batten still has a ballast.
How much do you save by switching from fluorescent to an LED tube?
Around half the electricity consumption, plus what you no longer spend on replacements and labour, so the investment is recovered quickly.
Are glass tubes more fragile than polycarbonate ones?
They withstand knocks less well during transport and assembly, although once permanently installed they no longer represent a risk because nobody handles them.