Philips Philips LED tube 900mm HE 11.5W 830 T5 with 1600 lumen and 3000K
3,5W - 470 lm - 4000K - Dimbaar
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T5 Fluorescent Tube 85 cm
T5 fluorescent tubes with a length of approximately 85 centimeters are often found in older fixtures, typically in offices, retail stores, and industrial environments. These thin fluorescent lamps, identifiable by their G5 base with a 16 mm diameter, are known for their compact size and efficient light output. Due to recent legislation and an increasing focus on sustainability, the traditional fluorescent T5 tube is becoming less available. The logical next step is to switch to more modern, energy-efficient LED alternatives.
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Switching to LED T5 Lighting: Practical Benefits
Replacing traditional 85cm T5 fluorescent tubes with LED versions offers several significant advantages, both technically and financially. These benefits make the switch attractive for facility managers and installers:
- Significant energy savings: LED T5 tubes use up to 60% less energy than their fluorescent counterparts, while providing the same or even better light output. This directly leads to lower operating costs.
- Longer lifespan: LED technology is known for its long lifespan. While a traditional T5 tube needs replacement after about 15,000 to 20,000 burning hours, an LED T5 tube easily lasts 50,000 hours or more. This means less maintenance and fewer lamp changes.
- Improved light quality: LED T5 tubes provide stable, flicker-free light, which contributes to a more comfortable working environment and less eye strain. Additionally, the color rendering (CRI) is often higher, making colors appear more natural.
- More environmentally friendly: Unlike traditional fluorescent tubes, LED versions do not contain harmful mercury. This makes them safer to use and easier to recycle, contributing to more sustainable business operations.
- Instant brightness: LED tubes deliver full light output immediately upon switching on, with no warm-up time.
Finding a Suitable LED Replacement for 85cm T5 Fluorescent Tubes
The term '85cm T5 fluorescent tube' typically refers to a specific length corresponding to certain wattages of the original T5 High Efficiency (HE) or High Output (HO) tubes. When replacing, it is crucial to choose the correct LED version that matches the existing situation in terms of length and light intensity.
| Original T5 Tube Type | Typical Length (mm) | Common Wattage | Recommended LED Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| T5 HE (High Efficiency) | 849 | 21W or 28W | LED T5 tube with corresponding lumens and a length of approximately 849mm. |
| T5 HO (High Output) | 849 | 35W or 39W | LED T5 tube with a higher lumen output, suitable for the 849mm length. |
When purchasing an LED replacement, always pay attention to the wattage the LED tube replaces, as well as the actual length. This is usually clearly indicated in the product specifications.
Installation of T5 LED Tubes: Key Points for Installers
For installers, it is important to know the best way to switch to LED T5, depending on the type of fixture already in place. T5 fixtures use an electronic ballast (HF ballast), which is different from T8 fixtures that can also work with a conventional (EM) ballast.
Check the Ballast
Most T5 LED tubes are designed to work directly with the existing electronic ballast (HF ballast) in the fixture (Type A LED tubes). This makes installation relatively simple, similar to changing an old lamp:
- Ensure the power supply to the fixture is turned off.
- Remove the old T5 fluorescent tube from the sockets.
- Insert the new LED T5 tube into the sockets.
- Turn the power back on and check its operation.
Always check the compatibility of the LED tube with the specific ballast in the fixture. Consult the LED tube's product manual for this information.
Direct Mains Voltage (Ballast Bypass)
Some T5 LED tubes are suitable for a direct connection to the mains voltage (Type B LED tubes), where the electronic ballast is removed from the fixture. This can lead to slightly higher energy efficiency and eliminates the need to replace a ballast in the future. This method requires modifications to the fixture's wiring and is typically a job for a qualified electrician. There are 'single-ended' (power supply on one side) and 'dual-ended' (power supply on both sides) versions available; pay close attention to the type required by the LED tube.
Technical Specifications for the T5 LED Tube
To make an informed choice when purchasing LED T5 tubes, it is important to look at other technical specifications in addition to length and wattage:
- Lumens (Light Output): This indicates how much light the tube actually produces. Compare the lumen value to ensure sufficient brightness for the space.
- Light Color (Kelvin): The color temperature, expressed in Kelvin (K), influences the atmosphere. Warm white (approx. 3000K) creates a pleasant atmosphere, while cool white (approx. 4000K) or daylight white (approx. 6500K) is more suitable for workspaces where concentration is important.
- Color Rendering Index (CRI): A CRI of 80 or higher means that colors are rendered true to life, which is important in many applications.
- Dimmability: Not all LED T5 tubes are dimmable. If the lighting needs to be flexibly adjustable, look for specifically dimmable LED T5 tubes that are compatible with LED dimmers.
- Lifespan: Although LEDs have a long lifespan, there can be slight differences between products and brands. A longer lifespan (number of burning hours) means less frequent replacement.
[Reference: Check out our blog on LED color temperatures for a detailed explanation.]
Application Areas for T5 Lighting
T5 fluorescent tubes, and now their LED versions, are widely used in situations requiring uniform and efficient lighting over a large area:
- Offices: For general workplace lighting, often in recessed or surface-mounted fixtures.
- Retail stores: For general lighting and to properly illuminate products, especially in aisles and on shelves.
- Schools and educational institutions: For lighting in classrooms and hallways.
- Warehouses and production areas: Where bright and consistent light contributes to safety and productivity.
- Public buildings: Such as libraries, hospitals, and sports facilities.
Responsible Disposal of Old Fluorescent Lamps
Old T5 fluorescent lamps, like other fluorescent lamps, contain a small amount of mercury. It is important not to dispose of them with general waste. Hand them in at a municipal collection point for small chemical waste or at special collection points for lighting waste. By doing so, you contribute to proper recycling and prevent harmful substances from entering the environment.