Fluorescent Tube Lights
We stock a diverse range of standard, specialist, and unusual length fluorescent tubes in a vast choice of wattages, colour temperatures, and cap fitting types. BLT Direct has an expansive catalogue with multiple options in T2 (7mm), T4 (12mm), T5 (15mm), T8 (25mm), and T12 (38mm) versions. We also cover a range of wattages from 4 Watts to 140 Watts, and lengths start at 150mm increasing, to 2400mm. Colour temperatures include cool to warm white, blacklight blue, ultra-violet, and American daylight. We can even source obscure or niche fluorescent bulbs such as germicidal, aquarium, multi-phosphor, photographic, and industrial processing lamps. Browse below to find the perfect fluorescent light for you, a staple of UK lighting for the past 50 years.
What size do fluorescent tubes come in?
Fluorescent tubes have two dimensions; diameter and length. The type of tube is determined by its diameter, with T2 (7mm), T4 (12mm), T5 (15mm), T8 (25mm), T12 (38mm) all available in multiple lengths and wattages. It is essential to check your fluorescent fitting to see what type of tube is compatible with it. BLT Direct stock all types of fluorescent tube lights in lengths ranging from 150mm to 2400mm, giving you options for any sized fitting. BLT Direct also stock a range of colour temperatures for every diameter tube, giving you a limitless choice for fitting and tube combinations.
How long does a fluorescent tube last?
Our fluorescent tubes can last for thousands of hours; on average, around 10-12000 hours is to be expected when used regularly and in an appropriate fitting. Fluorescent tube light bulbs last longer than incandescent bulbs but not as long as LED tubes which can last up to 50,000 hours. With a proven performance record, it is easy to see why fluorescent technology is a staple in UK lighting and are still popular despite LED alternatives.
It is important to note that when replacing your fluorescent bulbs, you must take them to a council recycling centre because they are classified as hazardous waste.
Are fluorescent tubes being phased out?
With the rise of energy-saving, cost effective LED light sources, fluorescent tubes are becoming less and less common, leaving many people are asking if fluorescent technology will eventually be phased out altogether. On 9th June 2021, the UK government released new plans to end the sale of halogen bulbs by September 2021 and fluorescent tubes by 2023. This decision was made to encourage the use of LED equivalents and reduce the carbon footprint created by these types of bulbs. Despite this, BLT Direct stock a large variety of fluorescent tube bulbs in an expansive range of styles with multiple functions including, gourmet, plant growing, and blacklight colours..
How energy-efficient are Fluorescent tubes?
Fluorescent Tubes have been installed in domestic and commercial applications for 50 years or more. With the evolution of energy-saving and LED lamps and energy-saving products, it is sometimes unknown how energy-efficient Fluorescent Tubes are. Fluorescent lights are far more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs because they do not waste energy heating a filament but ionize mercury vapour to create light. For lumen output in the 500 range, it takes about 55 watts for an incandescent bulb to operate, while it takes only 10 watts for a fluorescent bulb to give the same output. A 75-watt incandescent light bulb would be the equivalent of 12 watts of power for a fluorescent lamp.
Can I replace fluorescent tubes with LED?
LED variants of fluorescent tubes are a new, innovative type of lighting that replicates the style of a fluorescent fitting but with energy-efficient LED technology. LED tubes use a semi-conductive material to produce light, a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to fluorescent lighting, which uses mercury vapour to produce photons. LED replacements can be found in every diameter and length of fluorescent tubes, so there is no need to buy new fittings. We also stock LED integrated fittings, removing the need for a tube and lowering replacement costs. Check out our 'LED Fluorescent Tube' range to find these products.
How do I know what fluorescent tube I have?
The simplest place to start identifying your fluorescent tube is by finding out the wattage. This is due to the wattage of the tube generally being associated with the length of the tube. You can also identify the tube by its diameter and length. With this information, you will be able to select the correct fluorescent tube for your fitting. One last consideration is the tube's colour temperature, which is generally denoted by a number, for example, 827 is Warm White, 840 is Cool White, and 835 is White. If you're unsure, please call our customer sales line.
Can I use T8 in place of T12?
T8 fluorescent tubes are 25mm in diameter and T12 fluorescent tubes are 40mm in diameter. However, both fluorescent tubes have the same G13 bi-pin connector end cap. So whilst you can fit a T8 tube into the old-style T12 fitting, it is not ideal due to the aesthetic and size difference. Therefore, it's always best to replace the correct tube in the appropriate fitting.
What size is a T5 tube?
The length of a T5 tube can vary between 150 mm to 1475 mm depending on the wattage. For diameter, they are 15 mm, this makes them the thinnest fluorescent tube compared to T8 and T12 tubes.
