Philips Philips MAS LEDtube HF 600mm HE 7W 840 T5 with 4000K cool white light
3,5W - 470 lm - 4000K - Dimbaar
17,95
T5 Fluorescent Tubes
For decades, T5 fluorescent lamps have been a familiar sight in various professional and utilitarian environments, from office buildings and shops to warehouses and public spaces. These tubular fluorescent lamps are distinguished by their slim diameter of 16 millimetres (5/8 inch) and their characteristic G5 fitting, where the two pins at each end of the tube are exactly 5 millimetres apart. They are known for their high light output relative to their size, making them very efficient for general lighting.
Traditional T5 fluorescent lamps always operate with an electronic ballast, also known as a high-frequency (HF) ballast. This means they start instantly and without flickering, unlike older fluorescent types that require a starter. This advanced technology made the T5 a more energy-efficient and comfortable alternative at the time.
7 products
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Philips Philips MAS LEDtube HF 600mm HE 7W T5 warm white 830
3,5W - 470 lm - 4000K - Dimbaar15,95 -
Philips Philips MAS LEDtube 900mm HE 11.5W 865 T5 EU 6500K, energy-efficient lighting
3,5W - 470 lm - 4000K - Dimbaar17,95 -
Philips Philips MAS LEDtube 900mm T5 11.5W 4000K cool white high efficiency
3,5W - 470 lm - 4000K - Dimbaar14,95 -
Philips Philips LED tube 900mm HE 11.5W 830 T5 with 1600 lumen and 3000K
3,5W - 470 lm - 4000K - Dimbaar15,95 -
Philips Philips MAS LEDtube HF 1500mm 36W 4000K T5 G5 5600 lumen
3,5W - 470 lm - 4000K - Dimbaar27,95 -
Philips Philips MAS LEDtube 1200mm 16.5W T5 830 warm white efficient lighting
3,5W - 470 lm - 4000K - Dimbaar16,95
The Need for Change: EU Phase-Out of Traditional T5 Fluorescent Tubes
In line with the European Ecodesign Directive and strict regulations on the use of mercury in lighting products, the production and import of traditional T5 fluorescent lamps have been gradually phased out. As of September 2023, most conventional T5 fluorescent lamps are no longer available for new purchase within the European Union. This measure encourages the switch to more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives, with T5 LED tubes becoming the most logical and cost-effective choice.
Why Switch to T5 LED Tubes? The Advantages
Switching from traditional T5 fluorescent tubes to T5 LED tubes offers a wide range of benefits that are significant both financially and operationally. These modern light sources are not just replacements; they represent a significant upgrade for your lighting system.
- Exceptional Energy Savings: T5 LED tubes consume up to 70% less energy than their conventional counterparts, resulting in a drastic reduction in your energy bill. This saving directly contributes to a quick return on your investment.
- Significantly Longer Lifespan: While a traditional T5 lamp lasts an average of 15,000 to 20,000 burning hours, T5 LED tubes excel with a lifespan of 50,000 hours or more. This minimizes the frequency of replacement, reduces maintenance costs, and lessens operational disruptions.
- Instant and Stable Light Output: T5 LED tubes provide 100% of their brightness immediately upon switching on, without any warm-up time or annoying flickering. This creates a more comfortable working environment and prevents eye strain or headaches.
- Environmentally Friendly and Safe: Unlike fluorescent lamps, T5 LED tubes contain no mercury or other harmful substances. This makes them safer to use and simplifies the recycling process, contributing to a healthier planet.
- Improved Light Quality and Versatility: Modern T5 LED tubes offer a high colour rendering index (CRI > 80), ensuring a true-to-life representation of colours. Additionally, they are available in various light colours (Kelvin), from warm white for ambiance to cool white and daylight white for functional applications, and are often dimmable.
Lengths and Replacement Wattages
T5 fluorescent lamps are available in specific lengths, which are linked to their wattage. When switching to T5 LED, it is important to select the correct length and the corresponding replacement wattage. Although the LED version itself has a lower wattage, it provides the same or even higher light output than the traditional lamp it replaces.
The most common lengths of T5 fluorescent lamps, and their typical LED replacements, are shown in the following table:
| Conventional T5 Length (cm) | Conventional T5 Wattage (W) | LED T5 Replacement Wattage (W) | Example Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55 | 14, 24 | 7-10 | Small spaces, decorative lighting |
| 85 | 21, 39 | 10-14 | Kitchens, hallways, showcases |
| 115 | 28, 54 | 12-20 | Offices, showrooms, classrooms |
| 145 | 35, 49, 80 | 20-35 | Large offices, warehouses, production areas |
Installing a T5 LED Tube: Quick and Easy
Replacing your existing T5 fluorescent tubes with energy-efficient T5 LED versions is a very user-friendly process. Because traditional T5 lamps already operate with an electronic ballast (HF ballast), most T5 LED tubes are designed as a direct 1-to-1 replacement. This means that in most cases, you do not need to make any modifications to your fixture.
Follow these steps for a safe and quick installation:
- Switch off the power: Before you begin, it is crucial to completely turn off the power supply to the fixture at the main switch in your fuse box. Safety first.
- Remove the old T5 fluorescent tube: Carefully turn the existing T5 fluorescent tube a quarter turn to release it from the G5 fittings. Then gently pull the tube out of the fixture.
- Insert the new T5 LED tube: Align the pins of the new T5 LED tube with the slots in the G5 fittings of the fixture. Push the tube into the fittings and then turn it a quarter turn until you feel it is securely in place.
- Switch the power back on: After the T5 LED tube is correctly installed, you can turn the power supply back on. Your new LED lighting will immediately light up at full brightness, without any delay.
For a visual demonstration of this process, you can consult the following instruction video: [video: T5 LED tube installation] (Link to installation video).
Essential Technical Specifications of T5 LED Tubes
Besides length and wattage, there are several other crucial technical parameters that determine the performance and suitability of a T5 LED tube. By taking these into account, you can choose the optimal lighting for your specific needs.
- Luminous Flux (Lumens): The Lumen value (lm) indicates how bright a lamp is. The higher the number of Lumens, the more light the tube produces. For general office lighting, a higher Lumen value is often recommended, while a lower value is sufficient for atmospheric applications.
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Light Colour (Kelvin): The colour temperature, expressed in Kelvin (K), determines the ambiance of the light.
- 3000 Kelvin (Warm White): Creates a cosy and relaxed atmosphere, ideal for common areas such as hallways, changing rooms, waiting rooms, or canteens.
- 4000 Kelvin (Cool White): This is a functional, bright light colour that promotes concentration. Extremely suitable for offices, schools, meeting rooms, and showrooms.
- 6500 Kelvin (Daylight White): Mimics natural daylight and is ideal for spaces where detail and precision are important, such as laboratories, workshops, or printing facilities.
- Colour Rendering Index (CRI): The CRI indicates how accurately colours are rendered under the lamp's light (on a scale of 0-100). For most applications, a CRI of 80 or higher is recommended, ensuring realistic colour perception.
- Dimmable Options: Not all T5 LED tubes are dimmable. If you want to be able to adjust the light intensity, specifically select dimmable models and check their compatibility with your dimmer system.
- Lifespan: Although already mentioned, it is important to realise that the long lifespan of T5 LED tubes (up to 50,000 hours) is a key advantage. This means years of worry-free use.
Complex Technical Concepts: The Right T5 LED for Your HF Ballast
The term 'plug-and-play' for T5 LED tubes applies in most cases due to their compatibility with the existing electronic ballast (HF ballast). This is one of the reasons why the switch from T5 to LED is often simpler than with T8, where there is also a conventional (EM) ballast with a starter variant. However, there are nuances.
Some advanced T5 LED tubes are also designed for 'mains-only' connection, which means the ballast must be bypassed or removed, and the lamp is connected directly to the mains voltage (230V). This can lead to even higher efficiency but requires modifications to the fixture's wiring. Always read the product specifications carefully to see if the T5 LED tube is suitable for your type of ballast, or if a direct connection is required/possible. If in doubt, it is advisable to consult a certified electrician. [image: cross-section of a T5 LED tube indicating HF-compatible and direct mains connection]
The Right Choice for the Future: T5 LED
The phase-out of traditional T5 fluorescent lamps marks the end of an era, but at the same time, it opens the door to a more efficient, sustainable, and reliable lighting solution with T5 LED tubes. By investing in this modern technology, you will immediately benefit from significant energy savings, minimal maintenance costs, and improved light quality. The simple installation makes switching to T5 LED a smart and practical decision for any company or institution that wants to be at the forefront of sustainability and efficiency. Many companies have already successfully made this transition and are noticing the positive impact on their business operations.