Compared to traditional fluorescent tube lights, LED tube lights consume less power, last several times longer, and do not contain toxic mercury. These advantages are driving the widespread use of LED tubes in homes, stores, factories, etc.
However, with many LED tubes available on the market, choosing the ideal LED tube is not an easy task. Here's information about how to choose the right LED tube.
What are LED Tube Lights？
LED tube lights or long light bulbs are tubular LED lamps designed to replace traditional fluorescent tubes. They use an array of light-emitting diodes rather than gas discharge. So they can emit bright light with lower power consumption.
LED tubes generate low heat, start instantly (no warm-up delay), and are generally flicker-free. In addition, they don’t contain toxic substances such as mercury, and are more resistant to breakage.
Size and Shape Matter for the Installation Environment
The sizes of LED tubes should match existing lamps; otherwise, this may affect tube installation. Size mainly focuses on diameter, length, and shape.
The "T" stands for "tubular," and the number represents the diameter in eighths of an inch. For example, a T8 tube has a diameter of 8/8 inches (1.0 inches), a T5 tube has a diameter of 5/8 inches, and a T12 tube has a diameter of 12/8 inches (1.5 inches).
Tube lengths vary, with 2 feet, 4 feet, and 8 feet being the most common.
In addition to straight tubes, there are also U-shaped LED tubes. These are suitable for fixtures that require two tubes (usually office recessed fixtures). And there are high-output versions (T5HO, T8HO) for special applications.
Applications affect the selection of Tube Light Size
The 4-foot-long T8 is the most common size in practical applications, so it is popular in offices, classrooms and retail stores.
Although the T5 is slender, it still has high lumen output capabilities. It is often used in newer energy-saving lighting systems, such as cabinets, cooktops, or exhibits.
As the oldest and thickest type, the T12 is usually used in old buildings or large spaces, such as warehouses, factories, gymnasiums, and large parking lots. Among them, the 8-foot-long T12 is common in large facilities that need high-bay lighting.
Materials and Build Quality
High-quality LED tubes have a sturdy structure and good heat dissipation design. Pay attention to the following materials and components:
LED tubes should have an aluminum body or tube heat sink. Aluminum has excellent thermal conductivity and can carry away the heat generated by the LED. This can reduce operating temperatures and extend the tube life.
Polycarbonate (PC) is recommended as the shell (diffuser) material. Compared with fragile plastic lights, PC shells are shatterproof, lighter and more transparent. Some PC shells are also fire-resistant to ensure safety.
Pay attention to the surface quality of the tube light. High-quality tubes have durable, well-sealed end fittings and connectors. Avoid tubes that feel fragile or have obvious gaps.
Dimming & Color-Tuning in LED Tube Lights
A typical example of this function is the RGB LED tube light. It allows you to select any color in the spectrum through a controller or app, providing a full-color effect.
RGB tube lights are often seen on roadside signs, display screens, and retail store windows to attract passers-by and build brand image.
If you want to add personalized lighting design to your residential or commercial space, RGB LEDs are perfect for your requirements. It is also an important tool for landscape lighting.
Lumen Output is the Basic Selection Requirement
Brightness is measured in lumens, which is used to measure total light output. Each LED tube can produce thousands of lumens. We can check the lumen output on the tube specification.
The larger the tube light, the brighter it is. If you pay more attention to visual comfort, you can choose T5 lights to effectively reduce glare.
Certifications to Look For
Choosing certified products ensures safety and quality. Look for these key marks:
- UL (or ETL) — Products are certified to North American safety standards, indicating that the design has been evaluated for fire and electrical safety.
- DLC (Design Lights Consortium) — Commercial LED lighting certification, indicating high performance and energy efficiency, is often a requirement for utility subsidies in the US.
- CE Mark — Required for products sold in Europe. The CE mark indicates that the product meets EU safety and performance requirements.
- RoHS Compliant — Restricts the use of specific hazardous substances (such as lead and mercury), ensuring that the product is safer for people and the environment.
Other marks, such as Energy Star (for efficiency) or FCC (for electromagnetic compliance), may also be useful. But UL/DLC/CE/RoHS are generally the core indicators of high-quality, exportable LED tube lights. Of course, it depends on the region you are concerned about.
When choosing high-quality LED tubes, we should consider their size, brightness and materials. It is recommended to pay attention to the tube applications, so we can decide whether dimming and color adjustment functions are required. Finally, must check what quality certifications the tube lights have.
Choosing the ideal LED tube light is a straightforward process when you know what to look for.
