T8 led fluorescents

Types of T8 LED Fluorescents

A T8 LED tube light is a cylindrical fluorescent tube with an 8/8 inch or 1 inch diameter. The letter “T” refers to the tubular shape of the tube. These LED bulbs are commonly used for lighting in commercial and residential spaces.

T8 LED fluorescents are popular for their energy efficiency, longevity, and bright light. They come in different types depending on the color temperature, power, and installation method. Here are the major types of T8 LED tubes:

• By Installation Method

  There are two types of T8 LED tubes depending on the installation method. They include:

  Ballast Bypass (Direct Wire) LEDs: These T8 LED tubes are installed by bypassing the existing ballast. The tube is directly wired to the output of the ballast in case it is not bypassed. This kind of installation is not recommended for users who are not qualified. The tubes are more affordable and simpler to install. They also provide higher efficiency and reliability since the ballast is bypassed.

  Ballast Compatible LEDs: These T8 LED tubes are installed by using an electronic T8 ballast that is compatible with the LED technology. They are simple to install since the ballast is already in place. However, they have less efficiency when compared to the bypassed LEDs and they also have additional costs for the ballast.

  By Power:
  There are three types of T8 LED tubes lights depending on power:
  > 25-32W T8 LED tubes: these are replacement tubes for 32W fluorescent lights. They use 25-32W of power and commonly have 1800-4000 lumens.
  > 15-18W T8 LED tubes: These replace 2x 36W fluorescent tubes. They use 15-18W of power and have a typical lumen output of 3000-3500 lumens.
  > 9-10W T8 LED tubes: These replace 2x 18W fluorescent tubes. They use 9-10W of power and have a typical lumen output of 1600-1800 lumens.

  By Color Temperature:
  T8 LED fluorescents also come in different color temperatures. These color temperatures are measured in Kelvin (K). Depending on the color temperature, the lights can appear warm or cool.
  > 4000K: these are neutral white lights that are commonly used in commercial office spaces.
  > 5000K-6500K: these are cool white lights that provide a brighter light and are mostly used in industrial spaces.
  > 3000K-3500K: these are warm lights that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. They are mostly used in residential spaces.

  By Voltage:
  T8 LED tubes also differ in voltage. For instance, the T8 LED 110V is designed for use in countries with a 110V power supply. On the other hand, the T8 LED 220V is designed for use in countries with a 220V power supply.

  By brand:
  Different brands manufacture T8 LED tubes and each brand develops its technology. As a result, the tubes from different brands have different performances. Some of the popular brands include Philips, GE, Sylvania, and Osram.

  In conclusion, T8 LED tubes are an efficient and versatile lighting solution. They are applicable in different settings from industrial to residential applications.

  Functions and features of T8 LED fluorescents

  Fluorescent tubes have several features that provide a variety of benefits for both commercial and residential settings. Here are some key features and their corresponding benefits:

  • Energy Efficiency

    T8 LEDs are more energy-efficient than traditional T12 and T10 fluorescent tubes. They provide higher lumens per watt, which means more light for less energy. This results in lower electricity bills and reduced carbon footprints.

  • Longer Lifespan

    These LED tubes have a long operational life, typically lasting up to 50,000 hours. This is significantly longer than traditional fluorescent tubes, which last about 10,000 hours. Their longevity translates to reduced maintenance and replacement costs and more convenient extended use, which is ideal for areas where constant lighting is needed.

  • Enhanced Brightness

    T8 LED fluorescents provide improved brightness levels, making them more suitable for various applications. They have a higher color rendering index (CRI), which means they render colors more accurately. This feature is particularly important for tasks that require color accuracy, like in art studios and design rooms.

  • Compatibility and Easy Installation

    T8 LED tubes are generally compatible with existing T8 fluorescent fixtures, which makes retrofitting simple and cost-effective. Depending on the design of the LED tube, a ballast bypass or replacement may be required, or the tube may be compatible with an electromagnetic ballast.

  • Dimmability

    Some T8 LED tubes support dimming capabilities. This feature allows users to adjust the brightness levels based on their needs and preferences. This is useful in environments where different light levels are required at different times of the day, like in conference rooms and retail spaces.

  • Versatile Applications

    These LED tubes are versatile and can be used in various applications, including residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They are suitable for use in offices, retail stores, parking garages, hospitals, and more.

  • Minimal UV Emissions

    T8 LED fluorescents emit very little ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This feature is beneficial in environments where UV radiation can cause damage to sensitive materials, like in museums and galleries.

  • Mercury-Free

    These LED tubes are free of mercury, making them more environmentally friendly. This feature simplifies the disposal process and reduces the risk of mercury contamination.

  Scenarios of T8 LED Fluorescents

  T8 LED fluorescents are versatile lighting solutions applicable in various industries and environments. Here are some common usage scenarios:

  • Commercial Office Spaces

    Fluorescent tubes are commonly used in corporate office settings. T8 LED conversion enhances traditional fluorescent lighting, providing bright, consistent illumination. The lights reduce glare and flicker, creating a comfortable workspace for staff. The lights also improve focus and productivity. The LEDs are energy efficient, lowering operational costs. Their long lifespan reduces the frequency of replacements, ensuring minimal disruption in office activities.

  • Retail Stores

    T8 LED lighting is widely used in the backroom storage areas and display sections of retail stores. The bright and uniform lighting improves product visibility and attracts customers. The energy efficiency of the LEDs lowers the operational costs of the store. Their long lifespan and minimal maintenance requirements ensure the store is well-lit throughout.

  • Healthcare Facilities

    T8 LED lights are used in various spaces within medical facilities, including examination rooms, hallways and surgical suites. The neutral and bright white light of the LEDs improves visibility and color accuracy in medical settings. The lighting solutions produce minimal UV radiation, which is beneficial for patient care. The LEDs have adjustable color temperatures, creating a conducive and comfortable environment for patients and medical practitioners.

  • Educational Institutions

    T8 LED lights are used in classrooms, libraries, and administrative offices. The lighting solutions create a conducive environment for learning and studying. Their uniform and bright illumination reduces eye strain and fatigue among students and staff. The energy efficiency of the LEDs lowers the operational costs of educational institutions.

  • Industrial Settings

    T8 LED lights are used in various industrial environments, including warehouses, manufacturing plants, and workshops. The lights provide bright and consistent illumination in large spaces and high ceilings. Their energy efficiency minimizes energy wastage in operations. The long lifespan of the LEDs reduces maintenance and replacement downtime.

  • Hospitality Sector

    T8 LED lights are used in hotels, restaurants, and cafes. The lights create a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests and patrons. The energy efficiency of the LEDs lowers the operational costs of these facilities. Their long lifespan ensures a consistent and reliable lighting experience.

  How to choose T8 LED fluorescents

  • Consider the Color Temperature

    When buying LED tube lights, it is important to consider the color temperature. The color temperature is divided into three categories: warm white, neutral white, and cool white. Warm white has a color temperature of 2700K-3000K and is ideal for residential areas like living rooms and bedrooms. Neutral white, which has a color temperature of 3000K-4000K, is ideal for commercial spaces like meeting rooms. Cool white has a color temperature of 5000K-6500K and is perfect for areas that need illumination, such as hospitals and clinics.

  • Check the CRI

    When buying T8 LED tubes, it is important to check the CRI, which means color rendering index. This index shows how the lights render colors. The index ranges from 0 to 100, with 100 being the natural color. The CRI is important because the color of objects will appear the way they should under lights with a high CRI.

  • Check the Lumens

    The brightness of T8 LED tubes is measured in lumens. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light. When buying T8 LED tube lights, it is good to check the lumens to ensure the desired brightness is achieved.

  • Look for Dimmable Options

    When buying T8 LED tubes, it is important to look for dimmable options. Dimmable T8 LEDs allow the user to change the brightness levels according to their needs.

  • Compatibility with Existing Ballasts

    It is important to ensure that the new T8 LED tubes are compatible with the current fluorescent ballast. This makes it possible to do a direct replacement without any wiring modifications.

  T8 LED Fluorescents Q&A

  Q1: Can you use T8 LED fluorescent bulbs with existing fluorescent ballasts?

  A1: It is not recommended to use T8 LED bulbs with fluorescent ballasts. The LEDs are incompatible with older technology magnetic ballasts and may not work with electronic ballasts. If the LED manufacturers provide a list of compatible ballasts, it is possible to use the combination.

  Q2: Are T8 LED fluorescent tubes dimmable?

  A2: Most T8 LED fluorescent tubes are not dimmable. The manufacturers' specifications should be checked to determine if a certain tube is dimmable. When using dimmable tubes, compatible dimmer switches have to be installed.

  Q3: Do T8 LED tubes contain mercury?

  A3: No, T8 LED tubes do not contain mercury. This makes the tubes more environmentally friendly and safer to use.

  Q4: How does the lifespan of T8 LED tubes compare to traditional fluorescent tubes?

  A4: T8 LED tubes have a longer lifespan than traditional fluorescent tubes. While the average lifespan of fluorescent tubes is 7,000 to 15,000 hours, that of LED tubes is 30,000 to 50,000 hours or more.

  Q5: What are the typical wattage ratings for T8 LED fluorescent tubes?

  A5: The most common T8 LED fluorescent tubes have a wattage of 16 to 32 watts. Nonetheless, actual wattage may vary depending on the length of the tube, manufacturer, and design features.