T5 LED Tube 115 cm

Switching to LED T5 115cm: a sustainable choice

With the phase-out of traditional T5 fluorescent lamps, switching to LED is not just a matter of modernization, but also of financial and ecological responsibility. LED T5 115cm tubes offer significant advantages that make them a wise investment for any business or homeowner:

• Lower energy costs: LED T5 tubes consume a fraction of the energy compared to their predecessors. Where a traditional 28W or 54W T5 lamp consumes a lot of energy, a comparable LED tube often only needs 16W to 26W. This translates directly into noticeable savings on your energy bill.
• Longer lifespan: The lifespan of LED T5 tubes is much longer than that of traditional fluorescent lamps, often 50,000 operating hours or more. This means less frequent replacement and a reduction in maintenance costs.
• Better light, instantly available: LED lighting turns on to full brightness immediately, with no warm-up time or annoying flicker. This contributes to a more comfortable and productive working environment.
• Environmentally friendly: Unlike traditional fluorescent lamps, LED T5 tubes contain no mercury or other harmful substances, making them a safer and greener option for both installation and recycling.

Choose the right 115cm LED T5 tube

When selecting the right 115cm LED T5 tube, it's important to look beyond just the length. Various specifications determine the suitability for your application. Below you will find the most relevant features:

Wattage and light output (Lumen)

While wattage indicates how much energy a lamp consumes, Lumen tells you about the amount of light emitted. For an adequate replacement of your old T5 lamp, focus on the Lumen value.

*HE stands for High Efficiency, HO for High Output. The exact Lumen value may vary by manufacturer.

Light colour (Kelvin) and colour rendering (CRI)

The atmosphere and functionality of the lighting are strongly determined by the light colour and colour rendering.

• 3000 Kelvin (warm white): Creates a cosy and inviting atmosphere, often chosen for canteens, hallways, and reception areas.
• 4000 Kelvin (neutral white): This is a bright, functional light colour, widely applicable in offices, showrooms, kitchens, and schools where good work light is desired.
• 6000-6500 Kelvin (daylight white): Provides a very bright, daylight-like light and is suitable for workshops, laboratories, printing houses, or locations where colour details are important.

A high Colour Rendering Index (CRI) of 80 or higher ensures that colours are rendered naturally under the light, an important aspect in environments where visual accuracy is crucial.

Practical installation of 115cm T5 LED tubes

The installation of LED T5 115cm tubes can be done in different ways, depending on the type of fixture you have. T5 fixtures almost always use an electronic high-frequency (HF) ballast and do not require a separate starter. The choice of LED tube depends on whether you want to keep or remove the existing ballast.

Type A: Installation with existing HF ballast (plug-and-play)

1. Turn off the power supply to the fixture for safety.
2. Turn the old T5 fluorescent lamp a quarter turn and remove it.
3. Insert the new 115cm LED T5 tube into the socket. Turn it a quarter turn until it is securely in place.
4. Turn the power back on and check its operation.

This method is quick and requires no modifications to the wiring. However, the lifespan of the LED tube can be affected by the condition of the ballast.

Type B: Installation directly on 230V (ballast bypass)

1. Turn off and secure the power supply to the fixture. This is crucial for your safety.
2. Remove the old T5 fluorescent lamp.
3. Open the fixture and locate the electronic ballast. This is a component to which the wires from the sockets run.
4. Cut the wires leading to the ballast and remove the ballast.
5. Rewire the fixture's sockets so that the LED T5 tube can be connected directly to the 230V mains voltage. The exact wiring may vary per type of 'direct-to-mains' LED tube (single-ended or double-ended power). Always follow the LED tube manufacturer's instructions carefully.
6. Insert the new 115cm LED T5 tube. Note the indicated input side if the tube is single-ended powered.
7. Turn the power back on and test the lighting.

Modifying the wiring in the fixture requires basic knowledge of electricity. If in doubt, it is advisable to hire a qualified electrician. You are responsible for the safety of the installation.

Where to use 115cm T5 LED lighting?

Thanks to their versatility and efficiency, 115cm T5 LED tubes are suitable for a wide range of applications:

• Commercial spaces: Offices, shops, supermarkets, and car dealerships, where bright, uniform lighting improves productivity and the customer experience.
• Industrial environments: Workshops, warehouses, production halls, and garages benefit from the robust construction and high light output for tasks requiring precision.
• Educational institutions and healthcare: Schools, universities, hospitals, and laboratories use T5 LEDs to create a bright and comfortable learning or working environment.
• Public buildings: Halls, corridors, and public transport facilities benefit from the long lifespan and low energy consumption.

A future-proof lighting choice

Choosing 115cm T5 LED tubes is equivalent to choosing modernity, efficiency, and sustainability. These lamps not only offer a substantial reduction in energy and maintenance costs but also contribute to a more pleasant and safer environment, adapted to today's lighting requirements. With the right knowledge of specifications and installation methods, you can confidently make the switch and leverage the many benefits of this technology.