A T5 LED tube is an energy-efficient replacement for traditional T5 fluorescent lamps (TL tubes) and is often used in applications where a compact, efficient light source is required, such as in offices, workshops and shops.
Features of a T5 LED tube:
✅ Energy efficient – T5 LED tubes consume significantly less power than traditional T5 fluorescent tubes, often up to 50% less .
✅ Long lifespan – A T5 LED tube often has 30,000 to 50,000 hours of operation , much longer than a conventional T5 fluorescent tube.
✅ Instant full light – LED tubes immediately provide full light output without the warm-up time or flickering that often occurs with fluorescent lamps.
✅ Environmentally friendly – T5 LED tubes contain no mercury and are completely recyclable.
✅ Various light colours – Available in different light colours, such as 3000K (warm white) , 4000K (neutral white) and 6500K (cold white) .
Types of T5 LED tubes:
- Retrofit T5 LED tube – This can easily be installed in existing T5 fixtures. The ballast may need to be replaced or removed, depending on the type of LED tube you choose.
- Direct to 230V T5 LED tube – Some T5 LED tubes are designed to connect directly to the mains circuit, so you don't need a ballast.
- T5 LED tube with electronic ballast – For fixtures that already have an electronic ballast (ECG) , you can easily replace the old T5 fluorescent tube with an LED version.
Installing a T5 LED tube:
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For retrofitting (old T5 luminaires with conventional ballast)
- Replace the old T5 fluorescent tube with the T5 LED tube.
- You may need to replace the starter with an LED starter that comes with the tube.
- In some cases, the ballast will need to be removed or replaced with an LED driver, depending on the tube you choose.
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For luminaires with electronic ballast
- Remove the old T5 fluorescent tube and replace it with the T5 LED tube.
- In most cases, the electronic ballast can remain in place, and the LED tube will work directly with this system.
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Directly on 230V
- Remove the ballast and connect the T5 LED tube directly to 230V (L and N).
Common sizes of T5 LED tubes:
- 30 cm (T5-8) : 4W to 6W
- 60 cm (T5-16) : 8W to 10W
- 120 cm (T5-28) : 14W to 18W
Advantages of T5 LED tubes :
- Less energy consumption and lower costs in the long term.
- Fast payback period due to low energy consumption.
- Higher light output per watt, which provides better lighting.
- Compatibility with existing fixtures (in most cases) makes them easy to install without major modifications.