If you're looking to replace an existing fluorescent tube with modern LED technology, choosing a compatible T8 LED tube is essential. Sometimes referred to as an LED fluorescent tube, the more accurate term is LED tube, as the light is produced using LED technology rather than fluorescent lighting.

T8 LED tubes commonly use a G13 base, featuring two pins at each end of the tube. When choosing a replacement, check the base, exact tube length and the type of control gear used inside the existing fitting.

At EGLO, you'll find T8 LED tubes with G13 bases in common nominal sizes of 60cm, 120cm and 150cm, alongside standard and higher-efficiency options and selected models with integrated sensor functionality.

Before replacing an existing fluorescent tube, always confirm that the new LED tube is electrically and physically compatible with the fitting. Matching the size and G13 base alone is not enough.

Which LED Tube Fits Your Existing Light Fitting?

When replacing a fluorescent tube, start by checking the specifications of the existing lamp and fitting.

Important factors include:

• Tube type: confirm that the existing lamp is a compatible T8 tube

• Base: check that it uses a G13 lamp holder

• Length: compare the exact dimensions rather than relying solely on the nominal 60, 120 or 150cm description

• Ballast type: identify the control gear used by the existing fitting

• Starter: check whether the luminaire uses a conventional starter

• Light colour: select a colour temperature appropriate for the space

If the fitting uses an electromagnetic ballast with a starter, selected EGLO T8 LED tubes can be used with the appropriate LED starter supplied for the product.

These models should not automatically be assumed to work with an electronic ballast.

Because fluorescent fittings can contain different types of control gear, check the product instructions carefully before installation. If you're unsure which ballast your existing luminaire uses, have it checked by a suitably qualified electrician.

EGLO LED Tubes in 60, 120 & 150cm

The correct LED tube length depends on the dimensions of the fluorescent tube being replaced and the fitting in which it is installed.

EGLO offers T8 LED tubes in three commonly used nominal lengths:

• 60cm

• 120cm

• 150cm

Depending on the product, actual tube dimensions may be approximately 590 mm, 1,214 mm or 1,514 mm.

These nominal descriptions are useful when identifying a replacement, but always compare the exact dimensions of the original and replacement lamps before purchasing.

60cm LED Tubes

A 60cm T8 LED tube is suitable for compatible fittings that currently use a shorter fluorescent tube of the corresponding size.

Selected EGLO 60cm models have an actual length of approximately 590mm, a diameter of around 28mm and a G13 base.

Different versions may vary in brightness, efficiency and colour temperature, so check the individual product specifications to ensure the new tube provides the lighting effect you require.

Compact T8 tubes can be useful in smaller utility areas, garages, workshops and other fittings where a shorter linear light source is required.

120cm LED Tubes

The 120cm LED tube is one of the most commonly used T8 replacement formats.

Selected EGLO models have an actual length of approximately 1,214mm and use a G13 base.

Depending on the product, 120cm LED tubes are available with different:

• Lumen outputs

• Colour temperatures

• Energy efficiency classes

• Construction types

• Sensor functions

Standard and Expert Premium versions allow you to choose according to the required brightness, efficiency and application.

Selected 120cm models are also available with an integrated motion sensor, providing automatic activation without requiring a separate sensor within the fitting.

150cm LED Tubes

A 150cm T8 LED tube is designed for compatible longer fluorescent fittings.

Selected EGLO versions measure approximately 1,514mm in actual length and use the standard G13 base.

Different models are available with varying light outputs and colour temperatures, making it possible to choose between warmer illumination and clearer functional lighting depending on the intended space.

Higher-output Expert Premium versions are also available for applications where increased illumination is required.

Selected 150cm LED tubes include integrated sensor functionality for automatic lighting control.

Expert Premium LED Tubes: Three Key Benefits

Selected EGLO Expert Premium LED tubes combine the familiar T8 format with additional features designed for demanding applications.

Depending on the model, benefits include improved efficiency, additional physical protection and integrated sensor technology.

1. Shatter-Resistant Plastic Coating

Selected Expert Premium T8 LED tubes feature a protective plastic coating around the tube.

This provides additional protection against breakage compared with an unprotected glass tube and can make the lamp a more robust option for selected applications.

Shatter-resistant should not be interpreted as completely unbreakable. The tube must still be handled, installed and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions.

2. Improved Energy Efficiency

Selected Expert Premium T8 LED tubes achieve a better energy efficiency class than standard versions within the range.

Greater luminous efficacy means more visible light can be produced for a given amount of electrical power.

When comparing products, look at both:

• Lumens: the amount of visible light produced

• Watts: the amount of electrical power consumed

This provides a more useful indication of efficiency than comparing wattage alone.

Always check the individual product's current energy label and technical specifications, as performance varies between models and lengths.

3. LED Tubes With Integrated Motion Sensors

Selected Expert Premium models feature an integrated motion sensor within the LED tube itself.

When movement is detected according to the product's sensor settings, the light can activate automatically.

This may be useful in areas such as:

• Garages

• Utility rooms

• Storage areas

• Workshops

• Corridors

• Other intermittently occupied spaces

Because the sensor is integrated into the replacement lamp, a separate external motion detector may not be required for the intended function.

Detection behaviour and installation requirements vary by product, so always check the relevant technical specifications.

Replacing A T8 Fluorescent Tube With LED

Replacing a fluorescent tube with an LED tube requires more than simply choosing a lamp that appears to be the same size.

Use the following checks before installation:

1. Check the tube type and base: Confirm that the existing fitting and replacement tube use the appropriate T8 format and G13 base.

2. Compare the exact length: Match the replacement to the existing nominal 60, 120 or 150 cm format and confirm the precise dimensions.

3. Identify the control gear: Determine whether the existing fitting uses an electromagnetic or electronic ballast.

4. Check for a starter: If the fitting uses a conventional starter, confirm that the chosen LED tube is designed for this configuration and use the appropriate LED starter where specified.

5. Check electrical compatibility: Do not assume that a T8 LED tube is suitable simply because the base and dimensions match.

6. Choose the brightness: Compare lumen output according to the level of illumination required.

7. Choose the colour temperature: Select the available light colour that best suits the room and intended use.

8. Follow the installation instructions: Always install the LED tube according to the manufacturer's guidance.

Switch off and isolate the electrical supply before replacing or working on a lamp.

If you're unsure about the type of ballast, wiring configuration or compatibility of the fitting, seek advice from a suitably qualified electrician rather than modifying the luminaire yourself.

Choosing The Right Colour Temperature

T8 LED tubes are commonly used in functional spaces, so colour temperature can have a noticeable effect on the appearance of the room.

Depending on the individual product, options may include:

• Warm white – around 3,000 K: softer illumination for areas where a warmer appearance is preferred

• Neutral white – around 4,000 K: clear and versatile illumination for many functional spaces

• Cooler daylight white – around 6,000–6,500 K: a cooler, crisper lighting effect where available

For garages, workshops, utility spaces and similar areas, neutral white around 4,000 K is a popular choice because it provides a clear and functional appearance.

Always check which colour temperatures are available for the specific tube length and model you are considering.

Where Are T8 LED Tubes Used?

T8 LED tubes can be used in a variety of compatible linear light fittings.

Typical applications may include:

• Garages

• Workshops

• Utility rooms

• Storage spaces

• Corridors

• Offices and work areas

• Other suitable commercial or residential spaces

The correct tube will depend on the existing fitting and the level and type of illumination required.

For spaces where lights are frequently switched according to occupancy, selected tubes with integrated motion sensors may provide additional convenience.