White Paper. LED Tube Lights Fluorescent Lamps

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1 White Paper Tube Light Sources LED Tube Lights Fluorescent Lamps CONTENT Fluorescent Lamps Definition LED Tube Lights - Definition Comparison Chart Payback Example Summary Fluorescent Lamps - Definition Fluorescent lamps belong to the category of low intensity discharge lamps. Different types are available, but they all have in common to emit light based on electrons that excite phosphors. Fluorescent lamps are glass tubes with a fluorescent coating on the inside of the glass. UV light in produced by the mercury vapor inside as soon as voltage is applied. The UV light is converted into visible light by the phosphor coating of the glass. Copyright MyLEDLightingGuide.com All Rights Reserved 1

2 Fluorescent lamps have been long time the best light source on the market. They are efficient light sources with up to 100lm/W. Their lifetime is quite long (maximum 25,000h). They are available in different color temperatures and shapes likes tubes, round, bulbs or u-shaped lamps. They are dimmable and emit diffuse light, which is a good feature for general lighting purposes but not for spotlights. The radiation angle is 360, compared to most radiation angles of luminaires that are downward focused, the upward light has to be redirected and this is always connected to losses in efficiency. Fluorescent tubes work best in surroundings between 20 C and 40 C. Temperatures lower than 10 C and higher than 50 C effect the efficiency. The setup of a fluorescent lamp is not resistant to shocks and vibrations. The supply with alternating current (AC) is causing the lamp to flicker according to the country with 50Hz or 60Hz. Flicker can lead to headache and accidents when it is effecting the visibility of rotating parts of a machine. ADVANTAGE Efficient light source till 100lm/W Lifetime quite long 25,000h Diffuse light for general lighting purposes Low production costs (glass tubes) Different color temperatures Dimmable DISADVANTAGE Flicker can lead to headache and accidents Radiation angle 360 LED Tube Lights - Definition LED Tube Light Sources have been invented as energy saving solution to replace conventional fluorescent lamps. Linear LED Modules are combined to a standard fluorescent tube size. The housing down part is acting as heat-sink as well as protection and includes the internal power supply. The housing upper part is made of polycarbonate to cover the LED Module. A LED tube light source uses standard fluorescent socket connections. Copyright MyLEDLightingGuide.com All Rights Reserved 2

3 LED tube light sources consume less energy than traditional fluorescent lamps. The maintenance and connected costs are reduced dramatically regarding LED lifetime. Conventional fluorescent lamps contain glass that is not allowed in special applications like food-preparation and kitchens. LEDs are applicable in areas with exposition to shock and vibrations. LED solutions are mercury free and produce no ultraviolet radiation. The radiation angle is 120 till 180 to focus the light directly to the area where it is needed. ADVANTAGE Efficient light source till 140lm/W Lifetime 30,000h 100,000h Different color temperatures Diffuse light for general lighting purposes No mercury Dimmable Spotlight for accent lighting No UV light Comparison Chart Light Source Ø lm/w * Ø lm * Lifetime dimm CCT * CRI * CFL ,000h 20,000h Yes 2500K 8000K Fluorescent lamps LED ,000h 20,000h Yes 2700K 8000K (per LED LED Chip consists of several LEDs) 30,000h 100,000h Yes 2700K 7500K * Explanation Ølm/W average luminous flux [lm] compared to input power [W] Ølm total luminous flux of the light source [lm] CCT (Correlated) Color Temperature [K] CRI Color Rendering Index Why can LED tube light sources with 2000lm replace a fluorescent tube with 2800lm and more? The answer can be found in the radiation angle and efficiency of the light source. The fluorescent tube produces more light but the light is emitted in 360 around the tube. Illuminate a desk by a fluorescent tube luminaire, the light needs to be guided downwards. The Copyright MyLEDLightingGuide.com All Rights Reserved 3

4 fluorescent tubes luminous flux, that is emitted into the upper part of the tube is redirected downwards. This process is connected to losses in total luminous flux of about 20% till 30%. The light intensity distribution curve of the luminaire is important too. Good optical designs support the efficiency of the luminaire. The light is directed where it is needed. Not to speak about the energy efficient replacement concerning the power. LED solutions provide 2000lm by 15W till 19W already. Fluorescent tubes, depending on the type, need 30W till 40W to generate this amount of luminous flux. Lower Effciency Payback Example 360 Radiation Angle Shorter Lifetime High Operation Costs! The high maintenance costs are one main reason for LED lighting solutions. The lifetime is tremendously higher and the costs for replacing or repairing the lamps minimized to zero. The Copyright MyLEDLightingGuide.com All Rights Reserved 4

5 only point making the taste of LED lighting installations sour are the investments at the beginning. But the following graph is making the decision sweet again. The payback time lies under two years! It is one year and three months for the 18W LED solution and less than one year for the 9W and 12W version. Visit MyLEDlightingguide.com and discuss options as well as products and solutions with our lighting experts. Summary The advantage of LED Tube Light Sources over Fluorescent Lamps is obvious. Fluorescent lamps have been the best choice till high power LED light sources pushed them on the second place. Regarding energy efficient lighting solutions and ecological footprints, the decision is clearly a LED one. The advantages are outstanding. The investment is higher but amortization rates of around one year leave no doubt. LED is the future now. Copyright MyLEDLightingGuide.com All Rights Reserved 5