LED fluorescent lighting: the complete guide to switching

LED fluorescent lighting is the smart replacement for traditional fluorescent tubes. It saves energy, lasts longer, and provides instant, bright, flicker-free light. In this comprehensive guide, we explain what LED fluorescent tubes are, what to look for when choosing them, how to install them safely, and how much you can save. Along the way, we link to relevant categories and products so you can quickly find the right LED fluorescent tubes and LED fluorescent fixtures quickly.

LED fluorescent lighting consists of LED tubes in the format of classic fluorescent tubes, usually T8 (G13 fitting) or T5 (G5 fitting). They fit into many existing fixtures and are available in lengths such as 60 cm, 120 cm, and 150 cm. Instead of mercury and a gas discharge, an LED fluorescent tube uses efficient LEDs with an integrated driver. This makes them more energy-efficient, more durable, and better for the environment.

Why switch to LED fluorescent tubes?

• Immediate savings: up to 50–70% less consumption than conventional fluorescent tubes, with additional savings if the ballast is no longer required.
• Long service life: often 30,000–50,000 burning hours and less maintenance.
• Better light: instant start-up, virtually flicker-free, high luminous efficacy (e.g., 140–170 lm/W).
• Safer and more environmentally friendly: no mercury, lower heat generation.
• Better light quality: choose color temperatures (3000K/4000K/6500K) and high CRI for true-to-life colors.

Which LED tube is right for your application?

Length, fitting, and power supply side

Choose the same length and fitting as your current tube. T8 (G13) is the most common, T5 (G5) is slimmer. Pay attention to the power supply side of the LED tube: single-ended (power supply on one side) or double-ended (power supply on both sides). Our LED tube category helps you filter by size and type. For waterproof or new installations, a suitable LED tube fixture is often the best choice. Light color and color rendering (CRI)

• 3000K (warm white): catering, hospitality, atmospheric spaces.
• 4000K (neutral white): offices, schools, retail, warehouses.
• 6500K (daylight white): workshops, inspection, logistics.

Preferably choose CRI ≥80; for critical visual tasks CRI ≥90. Take a look at a popular neutral white tube, for example: LED TL tube 150cm 23W 4000K.

Light output and efficiency

Pay attention to lumens (total light output) and lumens per watt (efficiency). A good 150 cm LED tube often delivers 3000+ lumens at 20–25W (≈140–160 lm/W). As a guideline:

• Replacement for 18W TL-D (60 cm): LED 8–10W.
• Replacement for 36W TL-D (120 cm): LED 16–20W.
• Replacement for 58W TL-D (150 cm): LED 22–26W.

Looking for a cool daylight color? Take a look at LED TL tube 120cm 18W 6500K.

Compatibility: EM, HF, or directly on 230V

• EM (conventional ballast with starter): use LED tubes that are suitable for EM and replace the starter with an LED starter (dummy starter).
• HF (electronic ballast): choose an HF-compatible LED tube or bypass the ballast and connect the tube directly to 230V according to the manufacturer's diagram.
• Directly to 230V: in new or converted fixtures, this is the most efficient and trouble-free option.

Environment: IP rating, impact resistance, and temperature

In damp or dusty areas, choose a waterproof fixture with LED tubes, preferably IP65 and higher impact resistance (IK08/IK10). View our waterproof LED TL fixture IP65 150cm for warehouses, parking garages, and production areas.

Installation: how to do it safely and correctly

Scenario 1: Existing fixture with starter (EM)

• Turn off the power.
• Remove the old fluorescent tube and starter.
• Install an LED starter (dummy) and mount the LED fluorescent tube according to the indicated power supply side.
• Switch on and test.

Scenario 2: Fixture with electronic ballast (HF)

• Only use HF-compatible LED tubes - or
• Have the ballast professionally bypassed and connect the tube directly to 230V (single- or double-ended according to the datasheet). This provides the best efficiency and reliability.

Scenario 3: New or waterproof fixture

• Choose a complete LED TL fixture or a waterproof set such as IP65 LED TL fixture 150cm.
• Install according to the manual, connect to 230V, and use the correct tube length/power.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Incorrect connection (single- vs double-ended): always check the marking on the tube and the diagram in the manual.
• Leaving the HF ballast in place with a non-compatible tube: may cause flickering or malfunctions. Choose HF-compatible or bypass the ballast.
• Not replacing the starter with an LED starter for EM: the tube does not light up or flickers.
• Incorrect color temperature: adjust 3000K/4000K/6500K to the room and task.
• Insufficient IP/IK in demanding environments: use a waterproof fixture with the correct IP class.

Savings example: what are the benefits?

Replace a fixture with 2×58W fluorescent + approx. 10W ballast loss (≈126W total) with 2×24W LED fluorescent (≈48W). Savings: 78W. At 2,000 burning hours/year, you save 156 kWh. At €0.35/kWh, that is approx. €54.60 per year per fixture. In larger projects, this quickly adds up and you often recoup the investment within 1–2 years.

Sustainability and legislation

Due to stricter European regulations (including RoHS), conventional fluorescent tubes are being phased out. LED fluorescent lighting is mercury-free, energy-efficient, and therefore future-proof. Upgrade in good time to avoid supply risks and downtime and benefit immediately from lower energy costs.

Recommended LED fluorescent lighting products and categories

• Category: LED fluorescent tubes (T8 & T5)
• LED fluorescent tube 150cm 23W 4000K
• LED fluorescent tube 120cm 18W 6500K
• Category: LED TL fixtures
• Waterproof LED TL fixture IP65 150cm
• LED starter (dummy) for EM fixtures

Frequently asked questions about LED fluorescent lighting

Can I replace any fluorescent tube 1-for-1 with an LED fluorescent tube?

Yes, almost always. However, check the fitting (T8/T5), length, type of ballast (EM/HF), and the power supply side (single/double-ended). Always use an LED starter with EM and a compatible tube or bypass with HF.

Can I dim LED fluorescent tubes?

Only if the tube and driver are suitable for this. Standard LED fluorescent tubes are usually not dimmable. Check the product specifications or choose a suitable fixture with a dimmable driver.

Which is better: separate LED fluorescent tubes or a complete LED fixture?

A tube is ideal for quick retrofitting. For maximum efficiency, reliability, and neat cabling, a complete LED fluorescent fixture is the best long-term solution, especially in humid or intensive environments.

Ready to upgrade to LED fluorescent lighting?

View our full range of LED fluorescent tubes and choose the right LED fluorescent fixture for your project. Need help with selection or conversion? Contact us – we are happy to advise you and ensure that you save quickly and safely.