Choosing the Right LED Tube
LED tubes offer an energy-efficient alternative to fluorescent lighting in kitchens, garages, offices, shops and other working spaces. With options from Philips and Bell, you can choose a replacement to suit your fitting, light output and preferred colour temperature.
Before ordering, check the tube format, length, cap type and electrical compatibility. A tube that physically fits is not necessarily suitable for the ballast or wiring inside your existing fitting.
Choose the White Light That Suits Your Space
Colour temperature describes how warm or cool white light appears:
- Warm white: A softer appearance, often preferred for domestic spaces.
- Cool white: A neutral appearance suited to kitchens, garages and many workplaces.
- Daylight: A cooler appearance for customers who prefer a crisp white light.
Check the Kelvin rating on each product, particularly when matching tubes within the same room.
CCT Selectable LED Tubes
CCT selectable tubes give you a choice of white-light colour temperatures in one product. Rather than buying a tube with a single fixed colour temperature, you select the available setting using a switch on the tube, following its instructions.
This gives you flexibility in choosing your lighting's appearance. CCT selection does not change the tube’s electrical compatibility, so the same checks for length, cap type and ballast or mains operation still apply.
Explore Bell CCT LED Tubes →
Why Upgrade from Fluorescent to LED Tubes?
A suitable LED replacement can reduce electricity consumption and provide a longer interval between lamp changes. The savings and rated life depend on the product, the existing lighting and how long it operates each day.
When comparing tubes, look at lumens for light output, watts for power consumption, and the manufacturer’s rated life and warranty. Choosing by wattage alone may not give you the brightness you need.
T5 or T8: Which LED Tube Do You Need?
T5 and T8 describe the tube format. T5 tubes are slimmer and typically use a G5 two-pin cap, while T8 tubes have a wider body and typically use a G13 two-pin cap. They are not interchangeable.
Check the markings on your existing tube and compare them with the replacement product specifications. For T5 replacements, also check whether your existing lamp is a High Efficiency (HE) or High Output (HO) model.
Check the Length Before Ordering
Tube lengths are often described using familiar sizes such as 2ft, 4ft or 5ft. These are useful shopping labels, but the exact dimensions depend on the tube format and how the manufacturer measures it.
Compare the stated millimetre dimensions with your existing tube, checking whether the measurement includes the pins. Don't choose a replacement based on approximate foot length alone.
Match the Tube to Your Fitting
LED tubes use different electrical arrangements. Look for the compatibility stated on each product:
- HF / InstantFit: Designed for use with specified compatible high-frequency electronic ballasts. Check the manufacturer’s compatibility list for your ballast model.
- EM: Designed for suitable electromagnetic ballast installations, usually with the specified LED replacement starter.
- EM/Mains: Supports suitable electromagnetic ballast installations or a direct mains connection, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Mains: Requires the wiring arrangement specified by the manufacturer and may involve bypassing or removing an existing ballast.
- Universal / UN: Supports more than one operating arrangement, but compatibility still needs checking for the individual tube.
A qualified electrician should carry out any alteration to the fitting’s wiring. Follow the instructions supplied with the selected tube. Philips distinguishes between EM, HF and direct mains installations and requires ballast compatibility checks for HF replacements.
