LED Tube Lights are a type of lighting that use LEDs to produce light, rather than incandescent bulbs. They are also known as LED replacement tubes or LED tube lights.
LED Tube Lights can be used in many different applications and are perfect for kitchens where you need to add some extra brightness and ambiance without spending too much money on a new fixture.
LED tubes are the future of lighting, and they are becoming more popular every day. You might see them in your home or workplace, but they are also used in restaurants, bars and other commercial spaces. If you are interested in getting started with LED tubes, this guide will help explain what makes them so special and how to use them at home or work!
How to Install LED Tubes?
To install LED tube lights, you will need:
Sure, here are the general steps for installing each type of LED tube:
Type A LED Tubes:
- Turn off power to the fixture and remove the old fluorescent tube.
- Insert the type A LED tube into the fixture and secure it in place.
- Turn on power and test the LED tube.
Type B LED Tubes:
- Turn off power to the fixture and remove the old fluorescent tube and ballast.
- Wire the input end of the type B LED tube directly to the fixture's hot and neutral wires.
- Install non-shunted tombstone sockets at the output end of the fixture and connect the output end of the LED tube to the tombstone sockets.
- Turn on power and test the LED tube.
Type C LED Tubes:
- Turn off power to the fixture and remove the old fluorescent tube and ballast.
- Install an external LED driver according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Connect the input end of the LED tube to the driver.
- Install non-shunted tombstone sockets at the output end of the fixture and connect the output end of the LED tube to the tombstone sockets.
- Turn on power and test the LED tube.
It's important to always follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines while installing any type of LED tube.
Where are LED Tubes Used?
LED tubes are used in a wide range of applications. They can be found in homes, offices, hotels and hospitals among others. In fact, they are the main source of light for many people's kitchens!
The main reason that led tubes are so popular is because they are energy efficient. This means that you will save money on your electric bill by using them instead of incandescent bulbs or fluorescent lights (which also use energy). As a result, LED tubes are on their way to replace fluorescent tubes in most commercial places and even homes where you need to switch on the lights for longer periods.
Are LED Tubes Glass or Plastic?
Most LED tubes are made of plastic. However, there are some that are made of glass as well. Although it is not a big difference in terms of quality and durability, the difference has an impact on your budget as well as how much light you can get from each tube.
What is the Difference Between an LED and a Tube Light?
While LED bulbs and LED tube lights run on the same technology, there are some distinct differences between the two fixtures as well. LED bulbs are compact in size in comparison to LED tubes and also have a longer lifespan which can be almost 6 times more than the tubes. LED bulbs also take far less energy than LED tubes for same illuminations, making the former a more energy efficient option.
However, another thing to keep in mind is that both the fixtures have different applications. While LED bulbs can be used for directional lighting, tubes are ideal to light up large spaces such as offices, commercial buildings or even large rooms like the living room or the bedroom.
What are the Types of LED Tubes?
There are 3 types of LED tubes: type A, B and C. The type you choose depends on the application you are looking for.
- Type A LED Tubes:
Definition: Type A LED tubes are designed to be a plug-and-play replacement for traditional fluorescent tubes.
Properties: They are available in a range of lengths, wattages, and color temperatures. Type A LED tubes are compatible with both electronic and magnetic ballasts, making them a convenient retrofitting option.
Advantages: They are easy to install, cost-effective, and offer energy savings of up to 50% compared to traditional fluorescent tubes. They also have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance.
Usage areas: Type A LED tubes are commonly used in commercial and industrial settings, such as office buildings, schools, hospitals, and retail stores.
- Type B LED Tubes:
Definition: Type B LED tubes require the removal of the ballast in the existing fluorescent fixture and are powered directly by the electrical current from the fixture's sockets.
Properties: They are available in a range of lengths, wattages, and colour temperatures. Type B LED tubes can offer higher efficiency and energy savings, as well as increased durability due to the elimination of the ballast.
Advantages: They offer the highest level of energy efficiency, reducing energy consumption by up to 70% compared to traditional fluorescent tubes. They also have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance.
Usage areas: Type B LED tubes are commonly used in commercial and industrial settings, such as warehouses, factories, and parking garages.
- Type C LED Tubes:
Definition: Type C LED tubes require a separate LED driver to operate, which is installed either in the fixture or remotely.
Properties: They are available in a range of lengths, wattages, and colour temperatures. Type C LED tubes offer the highest level of customisation, allowing for advanced control features like dimming and colour tuning.
Advantages: They offer the highest level of control and flexibility, allowing for precise lighting control and customisation. They also have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance.
Usage areas: Type C LED tubes are commonly used in commercial and industrial settings that require advanced lighting control, such as museums, art galleries, and high-end retail stores.
Overall, each type of LED tube offers unique advantages and considerations, depending on the specific lighting application and retrofitting needs.
Types of LED Tubes based on diameter
LED tubes can also be classified based on their diameter, which is an important factor to consider when retrofitting fluorescent fixtures with LED tubes. The most common types of LED tubes based on diameter are:
- T8 LED Tubes: These LED tubes have a diameter of 1 inch (25mm) and are the most commonly used size in commercial and residential lighting applications.
- T5 LED Tubes: These LED tubes have a diameter of 5/8 inch (16mm) and are commonly used in spaces where lower lighting levels are required, such as in display cases and under-cabinet lighting.
- T12 LED Tubes: These LED tubes have a diameter of 1.5 inches (38mm) and are less commonly used in modern lighting applications. They were widely used in the past, but have largely been replaced by T8 LED tubes due to their lower energy efficiency.
Are LED Tubes Good for the Kitchen?
Yes, LED tubes can be a good option for the kitchen. LED tubes offer several benefits over traditional fluorescent tubes, including:
- Energy efficiency: LED tubes use significantly less energy than traditional fluorescent tubes, which can result in lower electricity bills and reduced carbon footprint.
- Long lifespan: LED tubes have a longer lifespan than fluorescent tubes, which means they need to be replaced less frequently.
- Brighter light output: LED tubes provide a brighter and more consistent light output than fluorescent tubes, which can be particularly useful in areas like the kitchen where bright, even lighting is important for food preparation and cooking.
- Instant brightness: Unlike fluorescent tubes, LED tubes provide instant full brightness when turned on, without any flickering or warm-up time.
- No mercury: Fluorescent tubes contain mercury, a toxic substance that can be harmful to the environment and human health if not disposed of properly. LED tubes do not contain mercury, making them a safer and more environmentally friendly option.
When choosing LED tubes for the kitchen, it's important to choose tubes with a colour temperature that suits your needs. For the kitchen, a colour temperature of around 3000K to 4000K is typically recommended as it provides a warm, natural light that is comfortable to work under.
Are LED Tubes Cheaper Than Fluorescent Tubes?
LED tubes convert 95% of their energy used into light, wasting only 5% of it as heat while also using far less power to provide a strong and consistent output at a lower wattage when compared to fluorescent tubes. This makes them better not only for environment but also for your wallet as LED tubes fetch you a far lower energy bill than fluorescent tubes. LED tubes also give you instant brightness and do not take a lot of time to warm up. The light is flicker–free and glare free which means you do not need to worry about replacing the fixtures very frequently. Given the advantages, while LED tubes can have larger upfront costs but are way cheaper than fluorescent tubes in long term.
