Choose LEDs to Replace Your Commercial Fluorescent Lighting
We take a look at the ban on T5 and T8 fluorescent tube lighting and how opting for LED replacements will make impressive energy savings of up to 85%. Bring lighting upgrades to the top of your to-do list and save 15% on your installation costs by taking advantage of our spring LED offer.
We’ve all experienced the flickering of fluorescent tube lighting. The flick of a switch, followed by a pause and a slight buzzing noise as it springs into action to light a room. Fluorescent lamps have been around for a while. First invented in 1926, by Jacques Risler, a French engineer, these lighting solutions are energy-hungry, have a short life span, and are, most importantly, far from environmentally friendly.
Why is There a Fluorescent Tube Ban?
The phase-out of T5 and T8 fluorescent tube lighting began last year in August, with the final ban for all coming into place recently in February 2024. The decision for the ban has been ‘fuelled’ by the scary impact of the toxic mercury that is found in these particular lamps.
We asked LED specialist Jamie Whitten from Glamox to explain.
“The Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive is part of the UK and EU’s goal to phase out unnecessary toxic chemicals that are harmful to the environment and public health. The consequence is that light sources containing high levels of mercury are now banned, and many buildings will need to upgrade their lighting installation as a result,” explained Jamie.
“T5 and T8 fluorescent tube lights contain high levels of mercury, an element that has a significant negative environmental impact. This has prompted the need for businesses utilising this lighting source to seek an alternative. The logical choice is to replace the banned products with LEDs.”
What Makes LEDs a Good Replacement for Fluorescent Lights?
There are many reasons why today’s LED alternatives are the obvious choice.
The difference between LEDs and T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes will easily become apparent when the lamp is switched on for the first time: The LED will not flicker. There is full brightness in less than a second and the noise level is reduced, because the ballast does not hum.
These benefits, however, are part of a much bigger set of stand-out advantages.
These include:
- Energy Efficient. Less heat, more light, lower energy usage.
- Cost-Effective. Low running costs. Payback within months per lamp.
- Long Lifespan. Durable with minimum maintenance required.
- Environmentally Friendly. No toxic mercury.100% recyclable.
- Superior Quality. Potential to increase productivity & staff wellbeing.
- Versatility. A lighting solution for all. Inside & Out.
Learn more about LED Lighting solutions with Diamond Services.
Three Solutions For Fluorescent Tube Replacement
Now that these fluorescent tubes are banned from sale, many commercial, retail, and industrial units are left with lighting that can no longer be replaced. So, what are the solutions?
- Change the light source only by using LED tubes that can replace the existing T8 or T5 lamps.
Option one is a quick-fix solution with minimum investment and will result in no requirement for ceiling refurbishment. However, there will still be challenges with flicker and colour-shift. Estimated energy savings will be approximately 15%, compared to a full refit which will see savings of up to 85%. You’re also looking at a shorter lifetime, less possibilities for lighting control, and less opportunity to benefit from reduced energy costs.
- Change the complete LED kit (light source and ballast) but keep the housing and the optic.
The second option is to change the light source and the ballast. This is a relatively short installation time achieving minimum energy savings estimated between 40 to 50% and will result in no requirement for ceiling refurbishment. The downside is that investment is higher and lifetime wouldn’t be optimal due to limited heat management. Preparation time is longer, as is payback time.
- Replace the complete luminaire with an LED luminaire 1:1
The third option involves a complete luminaire refit providing a long lifetime, optimum energy savings of up to 85% with short to medium payback time, and full flexibility when using wireless lighting controls. As expected though with a full refit the initial investment is higher and installation will take longer. However, the pros, far outweigh the cons when it comes to the bigger picture and the long-term savings.
Save 15% When Upgrading Fluorescent Lighting
Does your commercial building still use fluorescent lighting? Now is the perfect time to upgrade to more energy efficient LEDs. To help you make the switch, we’re offering a 15% discount on all LED lighting installs for commercial properties.
Just mention LED15 when you contact us and we’ll apply the discount to your quote. The offer is valid for orders placed by 30th June 2024 and includes all the products and installations you’ll need to transform your business premises. Learn more
Get in touch to arrange a no-obligation quote and site survey. Don’t forget to mention LED15 when contacting us.