When finding the fittest and most suitable lighting for your space, either home or office, there are many options. But the most basic choice is between LED tube lights or fluorescent tube lights.
People familiar with the different lighting fixtures or who work in the lighting industry are aware of the difference and the benefits of fluorescent lighting and LED lighting. This article will tell you why many people prefer LED tube lights as the best lighting fixture for their spaces.
If you just had to install a new lighting system in a new space, the process is not that complex. But, replacing the whole lighting system for the renovation of the area is a daunting process.
Moreover, you also have to select the tube lights as per the installation spaces. Like commercial spaces, where standard linear fixtures are used, LED T5 and LED T8 would be a good option. For home spaces, using the type A LED tube lighting fixture is better than fluorescent ones.
So now, let us see the advantage of fluorescent light LED replacement, and how LED lighting fixture is superior to the rest.
Higher Longevity
Since the invention of LED technology, the products infused with it seem to last longer. And the one reason that traditional fluorescent tube lights are now outdated is due to the prolonged usage life of the LED tube lights. So the longevity of buying LED lighting fixtures is definitely worth the money.
Compared with fluorescent tubes, the LED tubes have an average longevity of more than 50,000 hours, about 15,000 hours for standard fluorescent lights. The LED lighting also offers 50% plus energy efficiency. In addition, it provides better and clear light illumination and is also mercury-free.
Whereas the fluorescent tubes get blackened after extended usage and need to be replaced regularly.
Advanced Materials
You would know that the LED lights are non-irritable to the eyes. This is because the LED tube lights are designed to be safe for everyone to use, and even if it breaks, it is not toxic. These tubes are made using non-hazardous materials like polycarbonate lenses, high-quality electrical components, and an aluminum backbone. These materials are free from mercury, lead, and any other toxic elements that could be found in fluorescent tube lights.
The standard safety measures are taken in making LED tubes to help improve state-of-the-art functionality.
Whereas fluorescent lights are likely made using mercury, plastic, metal, and glass. There lies a risk of mercury exposure if it breaks. Fluorescent lights also cause eyestrain, headaches and generate heat.
Saves electricity/ More Efficient
If you don’t know any better, fluorescent lights consume way more electricity than ever. But the LED tubes are energy-efficient and also have other benefits like heat reduction due to low wattage. For instance, you can replace the T12 fluorescent bulbs with T8 LED bulbs as per your lighting requirement.
LED tubes produce maximum light and remain comparatively cool with no heat emission.
Recyclable tubes
Most of the LED lights are recyclable after dissembling the tube. You can remove the aluminum part and plastic part and send them to the recycling center. And other electrical components at the e-cycling center.
But when you need to dispose of a fluorescent tube, you cannot make the mistake of tossing it in the garbage or recycling. This is because fluorescent lights are harmful as it contains hazardous material. Thus, it cannot be recycled.
Color illumination
The significant difference that you can notice with naked eyes is the color of light. LED tubes illuminate brighter, seamless, and transparent white light similar to natural sunlight. The white light produced by LED tubes is due to multiple color spectrums in the LED chips. Therefore, the right LED tube selection can enable improved productivity and focus along with health safety.
Moreover, many advanced and new LED tube lights now have a light dimming option to improve the light compatibility for the users.
Whereas, we all are aware that the lighting of fluorescent tubes is not flattering at all. Because it generates a harsher light which is not pleasant to the eyes.
Installation
Switching LED tubes are accessible without any risk of electric shocks. But it would help if you were careful how they operate, whether the LED tube lights are plug-and-play, hybrid, or direct-wired.
While retrofitting LED tube lights, you should first remove the fluorescent light fixture by completely removing the ballast fixture from the ceiling. And this task is better handled by electricians or someone with electrical knowledge. The existing ballast must be removed since LED lights do no use it.
However, many of the new LED tube lights are now compatible with ballast than the early ones. So simple replacement with a new LED tube without re-wiring will do the lighting fixture.
But note that, incorrect LED tube installation could risk premature failures, fire-hazards, and short-circuits. So, when you look for LED tube lights, see that the electrical configuration is compatible with the existing fluorescent fixture.