LED Tube Lights for Commercial Applications

LED tubes are a versatile lighting solution for a variety of commercial environments. They can be installed as part of a retrofit in existing fixtures or mounted directly to a ceiling surface. They are also ideal for areas that require frequent On/Off switching.

This type of tube has electrical connectors on both ends and requires a ballast to function. UL quickly recognized this electric shock hazard and removed the design from the market.

Light Emission

Unlike traditional fluorescent tubes, LED tubes are free of toxic chemicals and have a higher CRI, providing more accurate lighting for businesses. They are also more energy efficient and turn on instantly and reach maximum brightness without delay or flickering. They also offer light bulbs a long life of up to 100,000 hours and save on electricity and maintenance costs, as well as eliminating the wait time and expense associated with fluorescent tube replacement.

Linear LED tubes are a great choice for spaces with long aisles or warehouse bays, as they can evenly illuminate the space and allow workers to see their work clearly. They can be used in new fixtures or retrofitted into existing fluorescent fixtures. In addition, linear LED lights are easy to replace as new technologies emerge with better efficiency or color rendering.

When choosing the type of LED tube to install in your fixture, consider whether you need a ballast compatible tube or one that will connect directly to line voltage. Type A ballast compatible and direct wire LEDs are interchangeable in most fixtures but check the milliamp (mA) requirements to ensure compatibility with your fixture.

If you’re replacing a fixture with an electronic ballast, opt for a type AB universal LED tube that works with either magnetic or electronic ballasts. If you’re installing in a fixture with a remote driver, choose a type C LED tube that will require a separate driver to operate.

Light Distribution

LED tubes provide more even illumination than their traditional counterparts, making them an ideal choice for areas where there’s a lot of activity. They also require less maintenance, and can be used with a variety of controls. In addition, they offer the option to choose a color temperature that fits the desired aesthetic of a space. Choosing the right color temperature for your lighting will ensure that you get the best results from your new LED tube lights.

The main reason why people opt for LED tube lights is because of the energy savings they can offer. This is especially true if they are replacing existing fluorescent bulbs. The difference in energy consumption is significant, and it can easily pay for the cost of the LED light itself.

Another benefit of the LED tube light is its durability. These lights can last for years, and are easy to maintain. The LED circuit boards are protected by a durable housing, which makes it easy to replace damaged parts.

The type of LED tube light that you choose will depend on your requirements and budget. Some are designed to work with existing ballasts, while others have a remote driver built in. You can also find LED tubes with a shunted or non-shunted tombstone, depending on your needs. It’s important to consider all these factors before deciding on an LED tube light for your home or business.

Thermal Management

A key to the longevity of LEDs is managing their operating temperature. Excessive die temperatures shorten the lifespan and reduce luminous efficacy. If the operating temperature of an individual LED exceeds its maximum permissible operating temperature (120-150°C), a non-recoverable effect may occur that ultimately results in complete failure.

Thermal management is achieved through a combination of conduction and convection, utilising the thermal paths of the MCPCB and the heat sink. The MCPCB is an insulating substrate, which functions to carry electrical current while providing thermal connections between the LED and the metal base of the heat sink. Ideally, the dielectric layer of an MCPCB should offer high thermal conductivity and high electrical breakdown strength while also maintaining good adhesion to both copper and aluminum.

The heat sink acts as the main mechanism to pull heat away from the LED module, utilizing its maximized surface area to dissipate power. Ideally, the heat sink should be made from a material with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminium oxide or even better, silicon, which offers significantly higher thermal conductivity than ceramics.

An effective cooling system requires the optimum thermal interface between the MCPCB and the heat sink, as well as the TIM and the LED. The choice of adhesive should also be taken into account, which should not only have good adhesion strength, but must also have a low thermal resistance to ensure rapid and effective heat transfer between the LED and the TIM.

Safety

LED tube light circuit boards must be properly cooled to ensure their long life. This can be done by providing adequate airflow through the fixture, using breathable materials in fixture covers and managing output current levels to avoid overheating. It is also advisable to regularly check all connections between cables and terminals to reduce the likelihood of electrical problems down the road.

For installations that require a quick upgrade to LED technology, the led tube best option is a tube that includes the driver within the bulb. This allows for easy replacement by anyone without the need for an electrician. This type of LED tube can also be modified in the future to accommodate a different color temperature or lumen output.

A second installation method is a tube that has an external driver circuit board. This is best for large retrofit projects, as it bypasses the fixture’s ballast and provides direct line voltage to the sockets. However, it should be noted that this technique may void the UL rating of the original fixture.

Finally, a hybrid tube can be installed in fixtures that have both an electronic ballast and magnetic ballast. This type of tube is a good choice for older fluorescent luminaires that are due for an update, as it will not interfere with the existing electronics in the fixture.