What is LED T8 Tube Light?
Basic Definition of T8 Tube Light;
LED T8 tube is an LED replacement for traditional fluorescent T8 lamps.
- T: Tubular lamp
-
8: The diameter in 1/8 inch
T8 = 8 × 1/8 inch = 1 inch ≈ 26 mm outer diameterBase standard: G13 (two-pin socket)
Compare with similar tubes:T5 (16mm, slimmer), T10 (31mm), T12 (38mm, older big fluorescent)
Common Standard Sizes
- 2ft / 0.6 m
- 3ft / 0.9 m
- 4ft / 1.2 m (most widely used)
- 5ft / 1.5 m
Two core classification ways
1. By power feeding
-
Double-ended power (dual end)
Power connected to both tube ends. Most common for ballast bypass installation.
-
Single-ended power (single end)
Live + Neutral both wired on only one end of the tube.
2. By working mode
-
Type A (Plug & Play)
Directly install into existing fixture with electronic ballast. No rewiring.Disadvantage: Shorter lifespan, higher heat.
-
Type B (Ballast Bypass / Direct Wire)
You remove the old fluorescent ballast, connect AC mains directly to the tube.Recommended: Longer life, lower failure rate, save more power.
-
Type A+B (Dual mode)
Can work with ballast OR direct mains, more flexible but more expensive.
| Type | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Type A | Direct-fit, easy install. Works best with new ballasts. | Budget retrofits |
| Type B | Ballast bypass; connects directly for improved reliability. | Long-term upgrades |
| Type A/B Hybrid | Auto heat-sensor shutoff for extra safety. | Fire risk environments |
| Type C | External driver, supports dimming and shock-free operation. | Premium, dimmable lighting |
Main Structure
- Shell: Glass tube / Aluminum + PC frosted cover
- Internal: LED SMD chips + built-in constant current driver
- End caps: G13 metal pins
Advantages over old fluorescent T8
- Save 40%~60% electricity
- No flickering (good eyesight)
- No mercury, eco-friendly
- Instant full brightness (no warm-up delay)
- Longer service life (30,000–50,000 hours)
Typical Usage
Offices, supermarkets, factories, warehouses, parking lots, classrooms, retail shops.
How to Choose the Right LED T8 Tube Light?
1. Confirm Tube Size & Base
T8 = diameter 26mm, standard G13 two-pin base
- Common lengths:
0.6m (2ft), 0.9m (3ft), 1.2m (4ft, most popular), 1.5m (5ft)
Match the length of your old fluorescent tube directly.
2. Two Main Types (Critical!)
A. Single-ended power (Single End Input)
Power feeds only from one end of the tube.
B. Double-ended power (Dual End Input)
Power connects both tube ends (same as traditional fluorescent).
Do NOT mix them up with your existing fixture wiring.
3. Ballast Compatibility
-
Ballast bypass type (Direct Line / No Ballast)
Best choice: Remove old fluorescent ballast, connect mains voltage straight to tube.Lower failure rate, save energy.
-
Ballast compatible (Plug & Play)
Works with existing electronic ballast; no wiring modification.Short service life, higher cost.
Recommend: Bypass ballast if you can rewire.
4. Wattage & Brightness (Lumen)
Reference for 1.2m T8:
- 12W ≈ 1200–1400lm (replaces 36W fluorescent)
- 14W–18W ≈ 1600–2000lm (brighter for warehouse/shop)
Rule: Aim for ≥100lm/W high efficiency.
5. Color Temperature (CCT)
- 3000K Warm White: Restaurant, hotel, home
- 4000K Neutral White: Office, supermarket (most versatile)
- 5000K–6500K Cool Daylight: Factory, garage, warehouse
6. CRI Color Rendering Index
- CRI >80: Standard for offices
- CRI >90: Shops, clothing stores, places requiring true color
7. Housing Material
- Glass T8: Good light transmission, fragile
- Plastic/PC cover + aluminum body: Shatterproof, safer for public areas
8. Extra Features to consider
- Voltage: AC85–265V wide voltage (suitable for most regions)
- Dimmable: Only select if you have a dimmer driver
- IP rating: IP20 indoor normal; IP44 for damp locations (carport, balcony)
Quick Selection Checklist
- Measure length → 2. Check wiring: single/double end power → 3. Decide bypass ballast or plug-and-play
- Select lumen/watt → 4. Pick CCT → 5. Confirm CRI and housing
