Fluorescent tube  

The fluorescent tube, also (wrongly) called neon, is part of the discharge lamps. Recognizable by its shape, its lighting power depends on its length, with the exception of a particular model. In today's age of energy saving and environmental protection, we are more likely to speak of LED tube, both for domestic and professional use. Zoom on this lighting source, its use, but also practical advice to buy the right model on our online store!

What diameter of LED tube?

Here are the three main types of fluorescent tubes:

• The T4 tube - it measures 12 mm in diameter and is equipped with a G5 base withtwo pins spaced 5 mm apart.
• The T5 tube - it measures 16 mm in diameter and is equipped with a G5 base. It is available in two lengths: 115 and 145 cm.
• The T8 tube - it measures 26 mm in diameter and has a G13 base with two pins spaced 13 mm apart between the two contact pins. It is available in three lengths: 59, 120 and 150 cm.

Good to know

LED tubes offer instant lighting unlike some traditional progressive lighting models!

Comparison Table of LED Tube Light: Length, Model, Power in Watts and Luminous Flux in Lumens

Before purchasing your fluorescent tube from our online store, please take the time to check the power and length of the tube to be replaced.

To learn more about the right lighting power, read our article "Lumens and watts: understanding the difference to choose the right luminaires".

Neon tube model T5

Good to know

For T5 LED tube light model, the power does not depend on the length.

T8 LED Neon Model

T12 LED Neon Model

T4 LED Neon Model

Which neon color for the house?

In reality, we are not talking about the color of light, but about the color temperature, which will create the desired atmosphere in each room. According to its color temperature, a LED light bulb willdeliver a certain tone, which can be red, yellow or blue. This color temperature is expressed in degrees Kelvin and as follows:

• Less than 2000K: low brightness, close to candles
• Warm white : 2200°K - 3200°K : living rooms (ideal for dining room, living room, bedrooms) ;
• Neutral or natural white: 3200°K - 5000°K (ideal for kitchen, bathroom, garage, outside) ;
• Cool white: >5000°K (daylight = approx. 5200K, ideal for outdoors, parking lots, traffic areas)

To choose the right tube, here are our tips :

• From 3200 °K to 5000 °K, a neutral light, if you are looking for a tube for the kitchen or bathroom.

Concerning the bathroom, beware of electrical safety! Our article "IP protection in detail" tells you all about it.

• From 5000 °K to 6500 °K, a cold light tending towards blue, if you are looking for a tube for the passage areas of the house such as corridors. It can also equip the garage or be used to highlight decorative objects or other.

What is a starter?

The LED tube or fluorescent tube is always equipped with a starter. This is a small tube filled with gas and equipped with a contact. Once ignited, it will create an electric arc that will preheat the electrodes of the tube! For long-lasting LED neon lights, we advise you to put a new starter when you change your old tube.