Why choose 105 centimeter LED T8 tubes?
Replacing traditional 38 Watt fluorescent tubes with their LED equivalents of 105 centimeters offers several tangible benefits. These advantages are immediately noticeable in business operations and support a more sustainable workflow.
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Lower energy costs: a 105 centimeter LED T8 tube consumes significantly less power than a 38 Watt fluorescent lamp. This results in substantial savings on your energy bill—think reductions of up to 70% per lamp.
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Extended lifespan: while a traditional fluorescent lamp lasts around 20,000 hours, LED T8 tubes easily reach between 30,000 and 75,000 operating hours. This minimizes the frequency of replacements and the associated labor costs.
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Improved light quality: LED technology provides instant full light output without warm-up time or flickering, contributing to a more stable and pleasant working environment.
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Less maintenance: the longer lifespan and more robust construction of LED tubes result in fewer failures and thus fewer maintenance moments. This is especially valuable in large installations where accessibility may be challenging.
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Mercury-free: unlike fluorescent lamps, LED T8 tubes contain no mercury, making them a more environmentally friendly option and simplifying waste processing.
Practical installation of a 105 centimeter T8 LED tube
The installation of a 105 centimeter LED T8 tube may vary depending on the type of fixture. It is important to choose the correct method to ensure safe and functional lighting. There are two common types of LED T8 replacement tubes:
Type A: Installation with existing conventional ballast (EM)
- Switch off power to the fixture completely before starting any work.
- Remove the old 105 centimeter fluorescent tube and the starter.
- Insert the supplied LED starter into the starter holder.
- Place the new 105 centimeter LED T8 tube in the fixture and rotate it a quarter turn to lock into the G13 socket.
- Switch the power back on and check the operation.
Installer's note: Always check the compatibility of the LED tube with the existing ballast. While many LED tubes are directly interchangeable, efficiency can be further improved by removing the ballast.
Type B: Direct mains connection
- Turn off power to the fixture completely. This is a crucial step for your safety.
- Remove the old 105 centimeter fluorescent tube and the starter.
- Disconnect the existing ballast and remove it from the fixture. (Refer to the fixture's wiring diagram.)
- Rewire the fixture so that the 105 centimeter LED tube is connected directly to 230V mains power. Depending on the LED tube, this may require a ‘single-ended’ (power on one side) or ‘dual-ended’ (power on both sides) connection.
- Insert the 105 centimeter LED T8 tube into the fixture.
- Carefully check the wiring before restoring power.
- Switch the power back on.