The Education of LED Tube Lights

As we search for cost-effective lighting options, the popularity of T8 LED tubes is surging. However, choosing the right LED tube light can be overwhelming and confusing because of lengths, colors and options available.

In this post, we will break down everything you need to know about LED tube lights and how they can best serve your lighting needs.

Choosing the right length for your LED tube is largely dependent on the application at hand. For example, if you’re looking to replace the fluorescent tube in a desk lamp, you certainly won’t require an 8-foot LED tube!

For some applications, such as lighting a garage, the correct tube length may not be as straightforward to determine. The length of the LED tube directly correlates with the light spread. If you're unsure about the suitable length for your lighting needs refer to this table. It details typical bulb lengths and their recommended uses.

The “T” in T5, T8, T10 and T12 stands for “Tubular”. The following number represents the tube’s diameter in 1/8 of an inch increment. At HomElectrical, T5, T8, T10 and T12 tube models are available for purchase:

• T5 LED tubes measure just 5/8 inches in diameter and are known for their modest light output. This makes it an excellent choice for residential spaces where gentle, subtle illumination is required.
• T8 tubes measure 1 inch in diameter. This tube, perfectly balancing size and brightness is ideal for commercial spaces needing significant, but not extreme light.
• T10 tubes measure 1.25 inches in diameter. This model is preferred for areas like display cases or store lighting that need bright but not overpowering light.
• T12 lights are 1.5 inches in diameter and can produce a high level of brightness. Its large diameter and intense light output make it ideal for industrial settings requiring maximum visibility. Applications such as warehouses, factories, or other large commercial buildings benefit from the use of T12 LED tubes.

Determining Methods of Installation

Choosing the right LED tube light is only half the battle. Understanding the installation method is equally important:

Direct wire LED tube lights are considered the standard for replacing fluorescent bulbs, especially in commercial lighting fixtures. They’re the most efficient option and operate without a power source controller like a ballast. However, a licensed electrician is required to remove the ballast and rewire the fixture for direct line voltage operation.

Traditionally, direct wire LED tube lights are wired at one end. They typically require a specific fixture that uses non-shunted tombstones only. The recent introduction of double-ended LED tube lights has added flexibility to your lighting choices. These are wired at both ends and can be utilized with both non-shunted and shunted sockets.

The process bypasses ballasts by disconnecting the hot, neutral, and socket lead wires. The input wire is then connected to the output wire, connecting the sockets directly to the line voltage.

If rewiring sounds too complicated or daunting, plug-n-play tubes could be your best bet. These tubes are user-friendly and require no rewiring. They operate with the fixture’s existing ballast, provided they are compatible.

Another method is the type C or external driver tubes . This method separates the driver from the LED module to improve lifespan and performance by keeping electronic components cooler. Note that installing Type C External Driver requires the removal of the existing ballast. This is similar to the direct wire method.

The hybrid type A/B allows the light to function with or without an existing ballast, or directly offline voltage. This method is attractive to many due to its quick installation process. It also includes the flexibility to wire from single or double ends of the tube. This ensures seamless transition whether you’re retrofitting existing lights or setting up a new one.

LED bulbs don't produce heat, so their color temperature refers to the color of light produced, not the bulb's actual temperature. The temperature is measured in Kelvin’s and represents the atmosphere you are trying to set.

Warm White

LED lights that fall between the temperatures 2700K and 3000K are your warmer/softer white lights. Perfect for a hospitality environment.

Natural White

LED lights between 3500K – 4100K work well for kitchen and bathroom areas with its white color illumination.

Natural Daylight

LED lights of 5000K - 6500K are ideal for commercial and industrial use because they are similar to natural daylight.

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