Fluorescent Tubes
The most common lengths for T8 LED Tubes are 60cm, 90cm, 120cm and 150cm. For T5 LED Tubes this concerns 55cm, 85cm, 115cm and 145cm. Switching to LED? Then always check the length of your current fluorescent lighting. Do you want to know more? Then read our blog! 
The colour code is a combination of colour rendering (CRI) and light colour (Kelvin). The first number indicates the colour rendering (1 = very poor colour rendering, 9 = maximum colour fastness). The second and third number contains the light colour. Example: the colour code 830 consists of good colour rendering (8) and warm white light (3000K).
Every bulb or fixture has an energy efficiency class A to G. Energy label A is the most efficient and G the least. LED lighting is the most sustainable lighting technique. Even if a LED bulb is rated E or lower, they still save 70% of energy compared to conventional lighting with the same energy label. Why is it the same label then? To motivate LED brands to get even more durable.
Our all-in warranty is fully included in the product price and covers both hidden defects and technical defects of the product that occurred before delivery. The warranty period differs per product and ranges from 1 year to a maximum of 5 years.
Where can you apply fluorescent tubes?
Fluorescent tubes can be used in a wide variety of applications - both in the private and commercial sector. Thanks to their high light output they can illuminate a large surface. Fluorescent tubes are mainly used in areas such as kitchens, gymnasiums, corridors, sheds and car parks. Fluorescent tubes are also ideal for use in waterproof fluorescent luminaires (battens), as several luminaires in this category have suitable protection classes to function as waterproof fluorescent lights in wet rooms or outdoors.
| Private use | Commercial use |
| Basements | Parking garages |
| Sheds and garages | Office and sales premises |
| Laundry rooms | Warehouses and industrial halls |
| Bathrooms | Kitchens |
Which fluorescent tubes are available?
Since these light sources are very flexible concerning application areas, fluorescent tubes are available in various lengths, wattages and in different fittings (lamp bases). For your convenience, we have made a handy classification of all our fluorescent tubes; based on the diameter of the fitting. At Any-Lamp, you will find the following fluorescent tubes:
- Mini tubes → These compact T5 fluorescent tubes have a G5 base and a diameter of 16 mm.
- T5 fluorescent tubes → These tubes have a G5 fitting, whereby the two pins are exactly 5 mm apart. The fluorescent tubes of 1500 mm have a diameter of 16 mm.
- T8 (TL-D) fluorescent tubes → Have a G13 lamp base and are available in lengths up to 177 cm. The diameter of these TL-D fluorescent tubes is 26 mm.
- T12 tubes → Are available at Any-Lamp for lengths up to 1500 mm. The tubes have a diameter of 38 mm and a G13 fitting.
In addition to the fluorescent lighting mentioned above, you will also find special light sources, such as T9 (TL-E) fluorescent tubes circular, in our product range. Are you looking for these circular fluorescent tubes? You can view them by clicking on this link. Would you like to buy a fluorescent tube in a certain length? Like 600 mm or 1200 mm? With the filter menu on the left, you are able to only display the tubes in the length that you need.
What colour temperatures do fluorescent tubes emit?
Fluorescent lighting is not only available in the four classic colour temperatures: extra warm white, warm white, cool white and daylight white. You will also find fluorescent products in the light colour ultraviolet, such as UV-C fluorescent tubes. These fluorescent tubes are especially suitable for ponds and healthcare facilities. Be aware though! UV-C lights generate intense UV radiation which can cause serious injuries to the skin and eyes. Avoid skin and eye contact in case of an open or unprotected product. You are also able to obtain so-called black light fluorescent tubes. These can for example be used as show and disco lights or for use in electronic insect traps. Furthermore, there are also some coloured tubes in our assortment: red, blue, yellow and green.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of fluorescent lighting?
Are you planning to buy fluorescent lighting? These lights have a number of advantages and disadvantages. When you compare them, you are better off using a fluorescent tubes led replacement. These are not only more energy efficient and sustainable, but also better for the climate / environment. In the chart below we have listed the main advantages and disadvantages of fluorescent lighting.
| Advantages fluorescent lighting | Disadvantages fluorescent lighting |
| Wide range of options, such as lengths and colours. | Fluorescent lighting contains toxic substances such as mercury, argon and krypton. |
| Easy to recycle. | The light flickers at start-up, which may cause inconvenience. |
| Lasts 20,000 hours on average. | Fluorescent tubes consume a lot of energy, relatively speaking. |
| A high light output. | Fluorescent tubes are made of glass and are therefore fragile. |
How does a fluorescent tube work?
Fluorescent tubes lights are also known as low-pressure discharge lamps. A noble gas is needed to fill them: argon, neon, krypton or helium. The inside of a fluorescent tube is coated with fluorescent material, which causes the light to fluoresce. In addition, the mercury vapour serves to emit UV radiation, which is converted into light due to the coating. A heated glowing cathode in the vacuum of the glass tube emits electrons and ignites the gas filling. This requires a high ignition voltage, which is provided by a ballast. The ignited gas acts as an electrical conductor and a so-called low-pressure plasma is formed in the fluorescent tube. This emits light when the atoms of the mercury are excited by the electrons. The resulting UV light is converted into white light by the coating.
Are there any differences between fluorescent lighting and neon lighting?
A fluorescent tube that only contains neon is called a neon tube. These lights are nowadays hardly ever produced. However, the term neon tube still exists and is sometimes used in a misleading way for all fluorescent tubes. Neon is associated with a cold and always flickering light, which is generally not the case with fluorescent tubes. Therefore, the term fluorescent tube characterizes these low pressure discharge lamps better and more accurately.
Do I need a starter for my fluorescent tube?
Fluorescent lighting with a conventional ballast always requires a starter, which provides the ignition. The use of a starter extends the life of a fluorescent tube by more than 20%! The starter is screwed directly into the socket with its two pins. You will find suitable starters for fluorescent tubes in our category ‘Starters for Fluorescent Tubes’. Good to know! When buying a starter, look carefully at the wattage of your fluorescent tube. This way you can be sure that the starter is also suitable for the corresponding fluorescent tube.
Will fluorescent lighting be phased out?
Yes, fluorescent tubes are being phased out. Since the 1st of September 2021, the first fluorescent tube products will not be produced anymore: T2 and T12. In September 2023 all T8 fluorescent tubes will be phased out. Why is fluorescent lighting being phased out? They do not meet the conditions of the Ecodesign measures. A high energy consumption, the presence of mercury and the low recycling rate are the three main reasons for this. A fluorescent tube is generally not handed in at the correct collection points, but is instead simply thrown away. This causes the mercury of the tubes to end up in the environment. Do you still have old fluorescent tubes at home? Hand them in and choose an environmentally friendly LED fluorescent tube as a replacement! Want to know more about this topic? Read our blog ‘Phasing out bulbs in 2021: This is what you should pay attention to!’.
Where can I hand in my old fluorescent tubes?
A fluorescent tube contains toxic substances such as mercury. Therefore, they should under no circumstances be thrown in the household waste. You can always return old fluorescent tubes to the local recycling centre. Do you have a large amount of fluorescent tubes left after switching to LED? Then contact a local waste processor.
Can I easily replace fluorescent tubes for LED tubes?
Yes, you can! The switch from fluorescent lighting to LED fluorescent lighting is very easy. For each conventional tube there is a suitable LED replacement with the same fitting, colour temperature, length and many other characteristics. In addition, there are the typical benefits of LED, such as a higher number of lumens (more powerful and brighter light), a longer lifespan and the possibility of environmentally conscious recycling. The choice is yours. Are you curious about our assortment of LED fluorescent tubes? Click here to view all products.