Since they were the most cost- and energy-efficient lights, fluorescent tubes were utilised in offices, warehouses, and other industrial and commercial spaces. Technology keeps improving, and people keep looking for better solutions.
Then came LED technology. LED tube lights are becoming more popular for commercial illumination and other reasons.
Our LED tube installation guide is for those who are contemplating this sort of illumination or have already been convinced of its many benefits.
What Are LED Tube Lights?
LED tubes are flexible, inexpensive, and efficient. Regular T8 LED tubes are 30% more efficient than fluorescent T8 tubes, require less maintenance, and burn out less often. They also have better colour rendering. They also fit into previous light fittings, so replacing fluorescent tubes with LED ones is easy.
Not flickering like fluorescent lighting, LED tubes can have varied colour temperatures. Installing dimmable LED lights is cheaper than other tube types. LEDs are mercury-free and eco-friendly.
LED tube lights come in T5, T8, and T12 sizes. The greater the number, the thicker the lamp. 'T' is one-eighth of an inch, and the following number indicates the light's bulb width in eighths of an inch. The T8 LED light is exactly one inch (8/8ths).
In fluorescent tubes, the lower the number, the more efficient the light. In LEDs, not always.
A Guide to LED Tube Installation
Turn off power. It matters. Otherwise, you risk electrocution at work.
Remove old tube. Disconnect all wires after unplugging the power. Be careful.
Safeguard the old tube. Be careful with fluorescent tubes, which contain mercury and can be toxic if consumed.
Check ballast. All fluorescent tubes feature electrical or magnetic ballasts (magnets buzz or flicker).
Remove electrical ballast. It can damage LED lights if left there. Simply unhook the wires, remove the ballast, and reconnect. Verify the connection is secure and nothing is loose.
Remove magnetic ballasts or bypass them. LED tubes often have starters to simplify installation. If you need to circumvent the magnetic ballast, call an expert to avoid harm.
New LED tube connection. Don't haste when connecting it to the fixture. Better to do it well and slowly. Each LED tube has one live and one neutral connection, thus fitting wires must match. Rewiring a short circuit (both links at one end) requires an expert.
Verify all steps. Before doing so, make sure you followed the instructions and connected everything properly.
Start the electricity. Check its functionality. LED tubes shouldn't flicker or buzz like regular tubes. Repeat the steps or call a professional if you see or hear it.
Dispose of old tubes properly. Fluorescent light tubes contain mercury, so you can't just throw them out. Find local recycling services that handle this garbage. LED tubes can be thrown into your usual bin, although recycling is more eco-friendly.
If you are interested, feel free to contact us https://www.benweilighting.com/contact-us.
