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T8 LED Bulbs vs. Fluorescents: Why LED Is the Better Choice?

January 8, 2025
LED bulb

Tired of flickering lights and sky-high energy bills? LED bulbs consume at least 75% less energy and have a lifespan of up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent lights, as reported by the U.S. Department of Energy. T8 LED bulbs take this efficiency further, offering superior brightness and dependability for homes and businesses.

In this guide, we’ll explore their benefits and provide a step-by-step installation process to upgrade your space effortlessly. Let’s read on further.

What Are T8 LED Bulbs?

T8 LED Bulbs

T8 LED bulbs are a modern lighting solution that replaces traditional fluorescent tubes with better performance, energy efficiency, and longer lifespans. The "T8" refers to the tube's 1-inch diameter (T for tubular and 8 for eighths of an inch).

These slim, efficient lights are ideal for spaces that demand bright, reliable illumination, including offices, warehouses, homes, and various commercial settings.

There are fewer requirements for T8 LED technology compared to others, but one does not need too much convincing in picking the right technology as this type of technology is the most flexible to use.

Such options take into consideration the fact that T8 LEDs make it very easy for you to upgrade your lighting options. Whether you’re redesigning an office or simply upping the lighting around the house or factories, these bulbs provide an easy-to-implement solution that is as smart as it is effective in function.

Varieties of T8 LED Bulbs

t8 LED tube

Regarding the T8 LED bulbs, one will find that various types can be purchased depending on their lighting requirement and choice of placement. From business to industrial, each industry has its reason for needing T8 LED light; for some, they want it installed quickly while others need it for the efficiency it provides.

  • Hybrid T8 LEDs: Highly flexible to handle and use effectively, these bulbs can be connected with or without the ballast, resulting in flexibility.
  • Plug-and-Play T8 LEDs: Compatibility with standard ballasts means that the use of these bulbs does not require rewiring, so your LED upgrade will be done quickly.
  • Ballast Bypass T8 LEDs: Less energy-consuming than the old lamps, these LEDs do not use the old ballast, thus saving energy and bulb life span.

Benefits of T8 LED Bulbs Over Fluorescent Tubes

t8 led light bulb with energy efficiency

Here is why such a transition makes perfect sense, not just for the money but also for the sustainable health of the earth.

  • Energy Efficiency: Compared to regular fluorescent bulbs T8 LEDs consume lesser watts thus saving on electricity consumption and bill.
  • Longer Lifespan: T8 LEDs have a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours, making that product more efficient in replacement and waste.
  • Better Light Quality: LED light from T8 sources is clear without flicker and can include several color temperatures for the most convenient use.
  • Environmentally Friendly: Further, the T8 LEDs do not use any mercury in their construction and therefore help to clear your room as well as the environment.

T8 LED vs. Fluorescent Tubes: A Detailed Comparison

FeatureT8 LED BulbsFluorescent Tubes
Energy ConsumptionUses 18-22 watts for the same brightnessUses 32 watts for similar brightness
Light OutputHigher lumens per watt, brighter lightLower lumens per watt, less efficient light
InstallationPlug-and-play options for easy replacementRequires ballast maintenance and wiring
Cost ComparisonHigher upfront cost, but long-term savings (lower energy use, longer lifespan)Lower upfront costs, but higher long-term costs (more frequent replacements and higher energy bills)
LifespanUp to 50,000 hoursAbout 15,000 hours
Environmental ImpactMercury-free, more eco-friendlyContains mercury, a potentially hazardous

Benefits of LED Lighting

t8 led lighting

Here’s why you should consider making the change:

  • Eco-friendly: LED lights are mercury-free, unlike fluorescent bulbs, making them a safer and more sustainable choice.
  • Longer lifespan: With a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours, LED lights last significantly longer than fluorescent bulbs, reducing the frequency of replacements.
  • Lower energy bills: LED tube lights use less energy while providing equal or superior light output compared to fluorescent tubes.
  • Directional lighting: LED tubes are designed to output light directly from the fixture, eliminating wasted energy and ensuring efficient illumination.
  • Improved light quality: LED tubes provide a brighter, more consistent light with less flicker, making them ideal for workplaces and living areas.
  • Reduced maintenance: Since LED tubes don’t burn out as quickly and require less upkeep, you’ll spend less time on maintenance.
  • Reduced heat emission: LED lights produce less heat, creating a cooler environment and reducing the need for additional cooling in spaces.
  • Flexible installation options: T8 LED tubes offer easy installation with plug-and-play or ballast-bypass options, making upgrades quick and hassle-free.

Tip: LED tube bulbs can provide the same amount of illumination as fluorescent tube bulbs while using less energy and lasting longer. Consider switching to LED for a more efficient and eco-friendly lighting solution.

If you want to learn about Halogen light bulbs vs LED lights, click here to learn more.

How to Choose the Right LED Tube and Bulb

different types of light bulb

Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the perfect LED tube for your needs:

Efficiency: Lumens per Watt (lm/W)

According to a study, T8 LEDs deliver up to 20% more lumens per watt than fluorescent tubes, providing brighter light with lower power consumption.

When selecting LED bulbs, there is one key indicator that has to be evaluated, and that is the efficiency points of lumens per watt (lm/W). The symbol lm/W is the measure of efficiency of the bulb; lm stands for Luminous flux, and W stands for wattage; the greater the lm/W, the better the bulb at changing electricity into light.

Our LED tubes vary from 105 lm/w to 150 lm/watt, depending on the lighting system's required efficiency. Our least efficient LED tube is significant—1,7x more power-effective than an ordinary fluorescent tube and will save you a lot on your energy bills.

Color Temperature

Another essential point that defines the choice of LED tube is the color temperature, as it defines the light temperature in the room. For bright light which is also a stimulating light some tend to look for a 3500K color temperature.

This is ideal for use in workplaces, the kitchen, and other areas that require a fine beam of light. Based on the lighting requirements of your setting you can choose the most suitable color temperature for your comfort and efficiency.

Installation and Support

install led light bulb

Here's what you need to know:

Easy Installation for All LED Tube Styles

When it comes to installing these LED tubes, all the options mentioned above are very easy to install. For ballast-bypass LED tubes, the process is a bit quicker than traditional tubes, and the process takes about an hour.

Such tubes usually take approximately five minutes to install per fixture, and therefore perfect for anyone seeking a quick makeover of their lighting systems.

Ballast-Bypass Installation Variations

  • Double-ended-power ballast-bypass tubes: These LED tubes use the existing lamp holders, simplifying the replacement process even further.
  • Single-ended-power ballast-bypass tubes: While these require replacing the lamp holders, the installation remains quick and easy.

Comprehensive Installation Instructions

To help customers, we offer a comprehensive installation guide for our LED tube bulbs. Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a professional, you will have everything you need to get your new lighting system immediately.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

t8 led bulb: Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Energy-saving and cost-saving are the key benefits that make our LED tubes a smart solution for an upgrade. These LED tubes are specifically developed to deliver a high amount of light with minimum energy usage to decrease energy costs as well as prevent frequent maintenance expenses. The results of switching from conventional measures to LEDs are as good in the long term, both financially and environmentally.

Energy-Efficient and Long-Lasting

The LED tube lights that we offer are designed to give off minimal heat have a very long life and are cost effective for any home or business. In contrast, LED lighting is intentionally engineered to output light directly from the luminaire which reduces energy loss.

Upgrade Your Lighting, Cut Costs

Upgrading to LED tubes means cutting energy costs and reducing the frequency of bulb replacements. By using less power than traditional fluorescent tubes, LED tubes not only save money on electricity but also help lower maintenance costs associated with frequent bulb changes.

Tip: LED tube bulbs can provide the same level of illumination as a fluorescent tube bulb, all while using less energy and lasting longer. Make the switch today and start saving.

LED Brightness and Color Temperature

LED  bulb Brightness and Color Temperature

Brightness and color temperature are important factors for selecting LED tube lights, especially because the varied functions of spaces differ from setting to setting.

Lumens is the quantitative measure of the amount of light that a bulb produces but a higher lumen does not necessarily mean a brighter light. The technology used in LED makes it possible for light produced by the fixture to be directed to the desired area rather than being dispersed. This makes LED tubes a good investment for adequate lighting and less energy consumption in the environment.

Thus, color temperature also has a big influence on how the light feels. For instance, the perception of 3500K color temperature offers a cool tone, which creates more focused energy to be effective in the working areas.

These LED tubes are available in different color temperatures: cool white (3000K), warm white (3500K), natural (4000K), bright (5000K), and daylight (6000K). LED tubes come in different designs and can provide lighting to match the user’s certain atmosphere, whether warm yellow or bright white.

Top Picks for T8 LED Bulbs

When it comes to upgrading your lighting, here are our top picks for T8 LED bulbs:

  • Philips UniversalFit LED Tubes: These highly effective LED tubes are universally applicable for T8 and T12 fluorescent tubes as well as electronic and magnetic ballasts. Ideal for many purposes, they provide installation flexibility and reduce energy consumption, making them suitable for residential and business use.
  • Our High-Quality LED Tubes: We provide our customers with top-notch LED tubes that are energy efficient to ensure that they provide adequate and constant light. The tubes come in 1pk, 5pk, and 25pk to accommodate small or big construction projects.

Our range of LED tubes is available in various packaging options, including 1PK, 5PK, and 25PK, making it simple to find the perfect quantity for your project. Designed for ease of installation, our LED tubes are the ideal solution for those looking to reduce energy consumption and maintenance costs while improving lighting quality. Get started with your LED tube installation today and enjoy a brighter, more efficient space with minimal effort.

Conclusion

At Risun Corp, we bring over 15 years of experience in the lighting industry, specializing in high-quality, energy-efficient LED solutions. As a trusted manufacturer, we are committed to delivering innovative products that meet the diverse needs of both residential and commercial clients. Our LED tube lights are a fantastic way to transition from traditional lighting, providing brighter, longer-lasting illumination while reducing maintenance costs.

Ready to upgrade your lighting system? Request a free consultation or download our product catalog to explore our full range of T8 LED bulbs and find the perfect fit for your project. Let us help you light up your space with efficiency and style. Contact us for more details.

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Risuncorp-AnneWu

About Anne Wu

Hi, I'm the author of this post, and I have been in this field for more than 15 years. If you want to wholesale lighting fixtures or lighting related product, feel free to ask me any questions.

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