10 Reasons to Call Time on Fluorescent Tubes

As the company celebrates its 10 Year Anniversary this year,
Saima Shafi, Co-Founder of LED Eco Lights,
explains 10 reasons why LED tubes are replacing
traditional fluorescent tubes as the first choice lighting option

For almost 50 years, fluorescent tubes have been a reliable and effective means of lighting an enormous range of domestic, commercial and industrial environments. Applications are almost limitless from the home to the classroom, from the office to the hospital, from the shop to the restaurant and beyond.

This universal acceptance of and reliance on fluorescent tubes was based, understandably, on good performance, reliability, availability and the lack of any feasible alternative. However, the first few years of the 21st Century heralded a challenge to the all-conquering fluorescent tube with the arrival and development of LED lighting technology. Here we take a look at the many reasons why LED tube technology has now surpassed its fluorescent predecessor.

T8 Performance – When comparing the performance of LED tubes and traditional tubes it’s worth looking at the T8 fluorescent – the world’s most popular and widespread lighting work horse. Providing a realistic output of 80–90 lumens per watt, the T8 is easily overshadowed by its LED rival which can now achieve up to a massive 140 lumens per watt. In practical terms, this means that a 100 watt fluorescent tube can be replaced by a 35 watt LED tube to ensure not only excellent illumination but also cost efficient performance. In April 2012, the EU withdrew the 8ft fluorescent tube (T12) as part of its phase out of energy hungry lamps, legislating for us all to implement more energy efficient alternatives, and making them difficult to purchase, as if in gentle persuasion to LED and other low energy alternatives. Due to the rapid development of LED tube technology, there are now T5 LED tubes readily available that can deliver further savings against their fluoro counterparts.

Technology – To better explain the performance characteristics of LED tubes, it is useful to consider the technological features and advantages. Today’s LED tubes incorporate a balanced mix of LED chips, drivers, thermal management devices, cooling devices and lenses to provide unrivalled lighting. Furthermore, this level of light is delivered in a ‘directed’ way. As opposed to a 360° glare of light, LED tubes offer light beams from 60° to 120° to deliver light exactly where it is needed, at the right intensity and with no light wastage.

 

Reliability – Fluorescent tubes have been relied upon in numerous applications and environments for decades. However, with no viable alternative for most of this time, we have learned to put up with troublesome flickering, often accompanied by a rhythmic and annoying humming sound. Add to that the seemingly endless failure of starter motors and the unsightly blackened tube ends. By contrast, technologically advanced LED tubes suffer none of these problems and are proven to offer a lifetime up to ten times that of fluorescents. The average lifespan of a conventional T8 tube is 10,000 – 15,000 hours compared to 50,000 achievable from LED tubes.

Energy Saving – It’s no exaggeration to say that the single most significant fact regarding LED lighting is its potential to help users achieve huge energy savings. Reductions in energy costs by switching to LED tube lights can range from a minimum 50% up to 90% depending on the application. These savings then translate to extremely short payback times so, at the very least, the argument to consider LED tubes is compelling.

Switching Cycles – It’s well known that traditional fluorescent tubes do not respond well to frequent switching cycles. They do not appreciate being switched on and off within three hours. This means that they are totally unsuitable for integration with occupancy sensors and intelligent fittings that constantly dim down and brighten up. As a result, the tubes deteriorate quickly and working life spans are shortened considerably. Also, tubes become blackened and the light output is seriously affected.

Environment – One of the unsung benefits of LED lighting manufacture is the extensive use of green technology and components. This results in not only extremely lower energy consumption but also significantly reduced carbon emissions. In contrast to traditional fluorescent tubes, LED tubes are readily recyclable as they contain no hazardous gases and there are a number of UK schemes offering free collection. In the last ten years, over 100,000 tonnes of lamps, luminaires and LED tubes have been recycled.

Cost – It’s true to say that the cost of raw materials used in all manufacturing scenarios falls in line with increased production volumes. This relationship is particularly true in new technologies such as LED tubes. As a result, initial purchase prices continue to fall which means that, combined with dramatically reduced energy and maintenance costs, payback periods are now extremely short.

Purchase Options – In recognition of the step of faith required to persuade users to specify LED tubes in place of fluorescent tubes, reputable suppliers will allow customers to ‘try before you buy’. This enables them to accurately gauge performance plus energy and carbon savings before embarking on a full scale installation. Additionally, financial schemes are available to enable users to pay for LED installations in stages using monies saved, thereby eliminating the need for any capital outlay.

Health and Safety – A principal advantage of LED tubes is the lack of mercury and other harmful gases that are found in traditional fluorescent tubes. This is why such tubes are classified as hazardous waste requiring immediate cleaning of the surrounding area in the event of a breakage. Fluorescent tubes can also produce a flicker related to an unnoticeable frequency of 100Hz to 120Hz which can cause problems for individuals who are sensitive to this frequency. In such cases, resultant health problems can include migraines and, in severe cases, major issues for those suffering with epilepsy, autism, vertigo and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Guarantee – A reputable supplier will be keen to show existing LED tubes installations to potential customers and provide details of energy and carbon savings for comparison against those featuring fluorescent tubes. Furthermore, LED tube manufacturers will offer genuine guarantees for their products based on actual performance data over many years which are unmatchable by suppliers of fluorescents. However, beware of any supplier who’s been trading for a few months but is happy to match, or even beat, the lengthy and comprehensive guarantees offered by his much more experienced and longer established competitors.

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