LED Tube Lights are sometimes erroneously called "LED fluorescent tubes". An LED tube light is actually an LED bulb that is designed to resemble a fluorescent tube light in its dimensions and fixture options. The similarities end with the shape.
These type of lights are based on cutting edge solid-state lighting technology while fluorescent tubes are powered by a technology that is at least a generation old. LEDs have taken advantage of the phosphor technology developed to help improve the performance of fluorescent tubes and have successfully leapfrogged several years worth of development that goes into improving any lighting technology. Today LED tube lights deliver equal or better lighting performance with only a fraction of the energy consumption of the traditional fluorescent tube lights.
Advantage LED tube lights
Bye-bye replacement hassles - Fluorescent tubes last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs but LED tubes last 10 times more than their fluorescent counterparts do. Example– Wal-Mart signage.
Heat output and air-conditioning loads – When used in an indoor setting the temperatures are up to 2 degrees cooler under LED tube lights. This directly translates to a lower heat load on HVAC equipment and additional power savings. Example– Wal-Mart see-through refrigerators.
Cost – It is cheaper to buy and maintain than fluorescent tubes. In select applications requiring forklifts a single replacement event can make a LED tube the lower sot alternative. LED work out to be the cheaper alternative in routine applications too.
Visual comfort –LED tube lights are instant on and their light is flicker free and not susceptible to waning over time.
Safety – Fluorescent tube light disposal is a leading cause of mercury pollution, phosphors are an additional hazard in the event of a broken tube light and operating temperatures are sufficient to cause minor burns.
Compatibility with intelligent lighting controls – LEDs are not prone to on off cycling. It is also possible to alter the light output from LEDs or to program them to switch on or off in any desired pattern without compromising their life or performance. This makes them the ideal choice for pairing with futuristic intelligent control systems. LED tubes are thus the ideal choice for offices and warehouses alike. Example– data centers, offices of IT companies and retail warehouses.
Low temperature warehouse operation – Fluorescent tubes lose their steam when ambient temperatures fall. Therefore, many cold storage facilities or low temperature warehousing facilities are forced to rely on halogen or HID lamps. The power costs are therefore proportionately and unacceptably high. Additionally in cold storage conditions, it is not unusual to come across wet floors. Replacing burnt out bulbs in this environment can be risky and requires highly trained personnel and specialized equipment.
