What are the differences between the T8 tubes?


led tube lights
There are many different types of T8 tubes, especially in their length and performance. The Lighting Direct range offers high-quality products from CREST LED. We explain the differences - and similarities - of the T8 tubes and help you to find the one that suits you best.

Key facts at a glance:

T8 tubes have a diameter of 26 mm and a G13 socket
Length and wattage is dependent on each other
Different construction methods: round or oblong
LED tubes offer an efficient alternative and are congruent in the construction, sockets, color temperatures and color rendering values ​​of fluorescent tubes

What is a T8 tube?

T8 tubes are always the same diameter, and usually share the same socket: How to recognize a T8 with a diameter of 26 mm and a G13 socket. The reason for the socket designation is the distance of the contact pins, which are 13 mm apart. This rule of thumb applies to all lamp sockets.
You can put a T8 tube on an electronic ballast without a starter in operation. A conventional ballast additionally requires a starter.

What is the difference between the T8 tubes?


The essential difference is the length of the tubes: this is related to the performance. The shorter the tube, the lower the Watt consumption coupled to this length. This means that you should never choose a different wattage because the tube no longer fits. Always pay attention to the wattage before replacing your tube. The following table gives you a good overview:
wattage
length
14W
37 cm
15W
44 cm
18 W
60 cm
30 W
90 cm
36 W
120 cm
58 W
150 cm
70 W
176.5 cm
In addition, the tubes are available in different color temperatures or with different color rendering values. A high color rendering, for example, has a color code beginning with the number 9, a neutral color temperature such as cold white has a value of 4,000 Kelvin. The warmer the color temperature, the lower its Kelvin value. With our filter function, you can easily select the desired properties.
In addition, the T8 lamps are also available in ring form. These circular tubes have different diameters, have either two G13 or G10q sockets, and have four pins instead of two. Their wattage consumption is always related to their diameter.
The change to LED tubes

Modern LED technology has also been applied to T8 tubes, making it easy to replace your old fluorescent tubes. The base is the same, so you just need to insert the new LED tube into your existing socket. It is important that you pay attention to the wattage to be replaced, as this is again related to the length of the tube.

LED tubes are up to 60% more efficient than fluorescent tubes and have a much higher light output. In addition, they have a lifespan of up to 60,000 hours, cause less maintenance and replacement costs, and their color temperatures and color rendering values ​​are congruent with those of conventional tubes.

The T8 LED tubes are powered by either conventional or electronic ballasts. In a conventional ballast, an additional LED starter is needed. This is always included with your Lighting Direct delivery. You can also use your existing ballast to get your new LED up and running. When selecting the LED you should pay attention to the abbreviation in the name of the tube: ECG or HF stands for an electronic, EM for a conventional ballast. The abbreviation UN states that any kind of ballast can be used. If it is the abbreviation AC, no ballast must be connected.

Another advantage for you and the environment lies in the design of LED tubes: Their cover is usually made of the stable plastic polycarbonate and is unbreakable. In addition, the tubes contain no toxic substances such as mercury. This is present, though in small quantities, as vapor in fluorescent tubes and is detrimental to both humans and the biological cycle. LED tubes, however, are pollutant-free. Further information on the comparison of the bulbs can be found in our blog article.


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