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LED Tube Lighting vs. Fluorescent Tube Lighting
Energy Focus Blog
THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LED TUBE LIGHTING AND FLUORESCENT TUBE LIGHTING
Unless you work in the lighting industry, you may not be able to tell the difference between tubular LED lighting and tubular fluorescent lighting. The tubes themselves look similar at first glance, but there are major differences between the two types of tubes. We are going to give you an insiders look comparing theEnergy Focus LED tubesto fluorescent tubes.
LED Tube Lighting
Materials
Energy Focus’LED tube lightingutilizes an aluminum backbone, polycarbonate lens, and high-quality electrical components that enable state-of-the-art functionality. Energy Focus LED tubes are designed with non-hazardous materials that are free from lead, mercury, and other toxic components, which makes this tube safe for everyone in the unlikely event that the LED tube should break.
Longevity
Energy Focus LED tubes last much longer than traditional fluorescent tubes. Current LED specification measurements state our LEDs can endure over70,000 hoursof testing. This means an LED tube will pay for itself over time. Energy Focus is confident in the longevity of our tubular products, offering a10-year end-to-end standard warrantyon most of our LED tubes.
Recyclability
Energy Focus’ tubes are recyclable! To be properly processed for recycling, you will need to disassemble the tube. You can drop off the aluminum and plastic at your local recycling center and the electrical components at a computer or e-cycling center. Alternatively, you can send all your tubes back to Energy Focus where we will make sure they are properly recycled.
On average, electrical consumptioncostis 17% ofa company’s budget. LED lighting can cut costs down drastically with its efficiency. For example, our newestT5HO Commercial LED Tuberequires 26 watts (W) and outputs 3334 lumens (lm), translating into about 130 lumens per watt (lm/w)! That’s a lot of light for such low wattage.
Installation
It’s never been easier to switch to LED tubes! By offering theIntellitube®which utilizes a direct-fit installation mode (UL Type-A), Energy Focus makes retrofitting LED tubes that fit in your current fluorescent fixtures that utilize ballasts. Our most common tubular offering utilizes our direct-wire (UL Type-B) installation mode. This type of installation bypasses the ballast, eliminating the additional wattage requirement, and runs the wiring directly into the main line via non-shunted lamp holders that lock the LED tubes in the fixture. Energy Focus also offers tubular LED fixtures for new installations, which are compatible with all of our T8 and T12 LED tubes.
Color Rendering
The most drastic difference you will notice with an LED light is how closely it resembles natural sunlight. This is becauseall spectrums of color are represented in the LED chips, producing the brightest white. In addition, every single color output is replicated seamlessly. The right lighting can help improve focus, productivity and overall health and wellness.
Fluorescent Tube Lighting
Materials
Tubular fluorescent lighting may be made of glass, plastic, metal, and mercury. Mercury is a very hazardous material and can be dangerous toeveryone in the vicinity, should the fluorescent tube break. Since some fluorescent tubes are made of glass, the likelihood of the tube breaking increases, including the risk of exposure to mercury.
Longevity
Fluorescent tubes last anywhere from 3-5 years before a replacement is required but it absolutely depends on the ballast. If the ballast should fail, the fluorescent tube will fail as well. When fluorescent tubes begin to go, they will become blackened and begin to visibly flicker, which may cause headaches, eyestrain, and can be especially harmful to those with photo-sensitive epilepsy.
Recyclability
You should never, ever put a fluorescent tube in the recycling or the garbage. Fluorescent tubes are made with mercury, which is highly toxic, meaning it cannot be recycled and it should not end up in a landfill. You must contact a special company that handles the disposal of hazardous materials to dispose of fluorescent lights properly. This can cost around $0.80 per tube, and if you’re doing an entire warehouse every 3-5 years, this cost adds up quickly.
Efficiency
Do you remember the lumens per watt that Energy Focus’ LED tubes can produce? Well, fluorescent tubes can only produce about 50-100 lumens per watt (lm/w). This is because a lot of the energy that is produced is wasted because it is transformed into heat instead of light. LED tubes remain relatively cool, so the maximum amount of light can be produced, while there is little to no wasteful heat produced.
Installation
Due to the short lifespan of tubular fluorescent lighting, significant maintenance is required. In addition, fluorescent tubes require a ballast for normal operation. The ballast adds an additional maintenance point, as ballasts may also need to be replaced if the fluorescent tube gets too hot, causing damage. If a ballast fails, you will need to call in an electrician to replace the part and install a new ballast to continue normal operation.
Color Rendering
Fluorescent lighting is not flattering lighting. This is due to the fact that the color wavelengths spike at blue, green, and redgenerating a harsher color rendering. Natural sunlight produces smooth color transitions from blue to green to red, something fluorescent artificial lighting cannot mimic.
LED Tube Lighting is the Better Choice
LED tube lighting is the better choice because it lasts about 40,000 hours longer in testing, is more energy efficient, will save you more money, and will leave less impact on the environment.
If you are interested in learning more about our LED offerings, please use ourcontact form.
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As a seasoned expert in lighting technology, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to shed light on the concepts discussed in the provided article about LED Tube Lighting vs. Fluorescent Tube Lighting. My expertise in the field is backed by a comprehensive understanding of the intricate details related to materials, longevity, recyclability, efficiency, installation, and color rendering in the context of lighting solutions.
Let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
LED Tube Lighting
Materials
Energy Focus' LED tube lighting utilizes an aluminum backbone, polycarbonate lens, and high-quality electrical components, ensuring state-of-the-art functionality. Importantly, these materials are non-hazardous, free from lead, mercury, and other toxic components, making the LED tubes safe for users.
Longevity
LED tubes from Energy Focus boast an impressive lifespan, enduring over 70,000 hours of testing. This longevity not only ensures a reliable lighting solution but also contributes to cost savings over time. The confidence in the product's durability is reflected in a 10-year end-to-end standard warranty.
Recyclability
A notable feature of Energy Focus' LED tubes is their recyclability. The tubes can be disassembled for proper recycling, with aluminum and plastic components accepted at local recycling centers, and electrical components processed at computer or e-cycling centers. The company also offers a recycling option for returned tubes.
Efficiency
LED lighting, exemplified by Energy Focus' T5HO Commercial LED Tube, demonstrates remarkable efficiency, requiring only 26 watts while outputting 3334 lumens. This translates to approximately 130 lumens per watt, contributing to substantial energy cost savings for businesses.
Installation
Energy Focus offers multiple installation options, including a direct-fit mode (UL Type-A) for retrofitting into existing fixtures with ballasts. Additionally, a direct-wire mode (UL Type-B) bypasses the ballast, reducing additional wattage requirements. The company also provides tubular LED fixtures for new installations.
Color Rendering
LED lighting excels in color rendering, closely resembling natural sunlight. The LED chips represent all spectrums of color, producing bright white light. This feature not only enhances visibility but also positively impacts focus, productivity, and overall health and wellness.
Fluorescent Tube Lighting
Materials
Tubular fluorescent lighting may consist of glass, plastic, metal, and mercury. The presence of mercury poses a hazard in case of breakage, making proper disposal crucial.
Longevity
Fluorescent tubes have a lifespan of 3-5 years, contingent on the ballast. Failures in the ballast can lead to tube failure, accompanied by visible signs like flickering and blackening.
Recyclability
Due to the hazardous nature of mercury, fluorescent tubes cannot be recycled conventionally. Specialized disposal services are required, incurring additional costs.
Efficiency
Fluorescent tubes exhibit lower efficiency, producing only 50-100 lumens per watt. The transformation of energy into heat rather than light contributes to wasteful energy consumption.
Installation
Maintenance is a significant requirement for fluorescent lighting due to its shorter lifespan. Ballasts, essential for operation, may need replacement, adding to maintenance costs.
Color Rendering
Fluorescent lighting produces less flattering illumination, with color wavelengths spiking at blue, green, and red, resulting in harsh color rendering.
Conclusion
The evidence presented clearly establishes LED tube lighting as the superior choice, offering advantages in longevity, efficiency, recyclability, and color rendering when compared to fluorescent tube lighting. For businesses seeking sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly lighting solutions, Energy Focus' LED tubes emerge as the preferred option.
For further details on Energy Focus' LED offerings, interested parties can use the provided contact information. As an expert, I encourage businesses to consider the long-term benefits and positive impacts on both finances and the environment when making lighting decisions.
