Replacing fluorescent lighting with LED: LED tube or new fitting?

Many businesses, workshops and garages still have fluorescent tubes on the ceiling. Fluorescent tubes use a relatively large amount of electricity, start flickering as they age and may no longer be placed on the EU market since 2023. Switching to LED immediately lowers your energy use and usually gives better light as well. There are two ways to do this: you replace only the tubes with LED tubes, or you replace the complete fitting with an LED fitting.

Option 1: replace only the fluorescent tube with an LED tube

An LED tube has the same length and the same G13 base as a T8 fluorescent tube, so it fits the existing fitting. In a fitting with a conventional ballast you also replace the starter with the LED starter supplied with the tube. With electronic ballasts the situation differs per type, and it is often safer to have the ballast removed and connect the LED tube directly to 230 volts. Always have this done by someone qualified to modify electrical installations.

This option makes sense when the existing fittings are still in good condition and you want to switch quickly at low cost.

Option 2: replace the complete fitting

A new LED fitting, such as LED linear lighting or a waterproof tri-proof fitting, is often the better choice when the old fittings are discoloured or outdated. You get a fitting designed specifically for LED, with better heat dissipation, higher efficiency and no old components that can fail. In damp or dusty spaces such as barns, garages and car parks, choose a fitting with at least IP65.

How much do you save with LED?

A 150 cm T8 fluorescent tube uses 58 watts, and together with the ballast it is a little more in practice. An LED tube of the same length gives comparable light at around 22 to 24 watts. That cuts energy use by more than half, and because LED lasts many times longer, you need to replace lamps far less often.

Which colour temperature should you choose?

For workshops, offices and warehouses, K4000 neutral white is the most popular choice because it gives bright, comfortable light to work in. In spaces where colours must be seen accurately, such as a paint shop or a workshop for precision work, choose K5000 to K6000 with a high colour rendering of CRI 90 or more.

Not sure which solution suits your space best? Send us a photo of your current fittings via the chat or by email and we will gladly advise you.

Also see our LED T8 Tubes and LED Tube Luminaires. Not sure which lighting you need? Email us at info@dimay.com and we will be happy to help.