In the early 2000s standard (IEC/EN62776) declared LED tubes the safest replacement for T8 fluorescent tubes. Ever since, the market has replaced G5 and G13 fluorescent bases with LED tubes. When choosing an efficient lighting setup for your workspace or home environment one certainly wont overlook the economic and chic benefits of LED tubes. They are comparatively economic, available in a variety of designs, can be retrofitted and safer to use.
Benefits of LED tubes:
These are produced using medium or low powered leds so their operating temperature is very low as compared to traditional lighting technologies.
They are made up of durable plastic and aluminium so there is zero risk of shattering.
They have a luminous efficacy of 150lm/w so they fulfill general lighting needs.
Unlike fluorescent tubes they do not contain any harmful chemicals like mercury so they are safer for the ecosystem and allow recycling.
They are a direct lighting source unlike most of the 360 power sources, which allows them to be mounted into ceilings directly over the surface which needs extra light.
They exhibit better colour quality.retro fit led tubes
Retro-fit led tubes:
The replaceable G5 and G13 bases are called retro fit led tubes. With a certain difference in design and function LEDs are quite compatible with retro-fit fixtures. We should know that there are 2 different types of bulbs compatible with different fixtures, which are:
- UL Type A: direct replacements T8 tubes are specified under this type, they are easier to install and do not require rewiring of the old fixture. Although they are less efficient as compared to UL Type B when it comes to working and maintenance. They are compatible with magnetic ballast.
- UL Type B: also known as direct wire led T8 tube lights, specified under this type operate without an external ballast, the existing ballast is rewired and integrated with LED components. They could be both single or double ended with live and neutral contacts.
Retro-fit led tubes certainly have a higher upfront cost but they are much cheaper to maintain because they cut out the frequent maintenance cost of bulb or ballast replacement.
There is a third kind of LED tube specification under UL Type C which is much more of a direct upgrade and does not require an old fixture so it can be fixed in new places. It is much flexible and durable but costly as it comes with a separate LED driver which is connected between the tube and electrical supply.
Complications: although this sounds much of an easy task but without prior knowledge about your pre existing fixture or the type of specification you chose to upgrade it with you can face technical difficulties while upgrading or using it. Each type of LED bulb is compatible with a certain kind of fixture. It depends on the components if it requires bypassing or removing the ballast and even then there is a hazard associated with retro fit led lights not being able to maintain the heat flow due to older components which is a potential risk.
The core photometric specifications of LED tube lights make them a smart choice in certain spaces which need a variety of colour so as they are operational above 80CRI they cast better colour hues and have better luminous flux as they cast light in direct beams.
LED tube lights are certainly the standard now and their resourcefulness has made them the viable choice in recent times.
The Magazine 