Get Ready For The Big Switch: Say Goodbye To Fluorescent Tube Lamps

Attention all office and warehouse managers! If you’re using T5 or T8 lamps for your lighting, you’ll want to pay close attention. Starting in August, those bulbs may no longer be available.

To avoid any issues, it’s best to take action and replace them now. Don’t wait until it’s too late!

It’s time to say goodbye to T5 and T8 fluorescent tube lamps. If you’re using these lamps in your office, warehouse, school, factory, or supermarket, you’ll need to start planning to make a switch to more energy-efficient LED bulbs by August 25th, 2023.

While there’s no legal obligation to switch, it’s a smart move that can help you save money and avoid dark spaces and non-functional lights in the future. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at why it’s important to make the switch and how it can benefit your business.

How do I know if I have a T5 or T8 lamp?

If you’re not sure whether you have a T5 or T8 lamp, don’t worry, it’s easy to check. These lamps are long tubes that produce bright, white or warm white lighting, and either T5 or T8 will be stamped on them for you to see. The T stands for Tubular, and the number refers to the diameter; T5 is five eighths of an inch, and T8 is eight – so one inch in diameter.

Can I still use T5 and T8 lamps?

Yes, you can still use them, but from August 25th, 2023, the manufacture and import of T5 and T8 fluorescent tube lamps will be prohibited in the UK. Each of the lamps are likely to come to the end of their life at a different time, so you could be waiting a while before they all go, or working in the dark – which may impact your health and safety standards, and staff workplace comfort and quality too. After September, you may also find yourself in a queue of other people booking in with companies like ours to have T5 and T8 lamps replaced with LED lighting.

How much time and effort is it to change to LED lighting?

Switching to LED lighting is a quick and easy process. LED lighting can be retrofitted in place of T5 and T8 light fittings with ease.

Is it worth changing my T5 or T8 lights to LED?

Yes, definitely! LED lighting is more energy and cost-efficient, which means you will be using less power and paying a lower amount for it too.

It’s not possible to put an exact figure on how much you’ll save, because every premises has a different number of lamps, used for a different amount of time, but we can tell you that LED lighting can be up to around 80% more cost-efficient.

One important point to remember if you do switch is that fluorescent lights like T5 and T8 lamps contain mercury and need to be disposed of properly to avoid any issues for your business.

Why is it all changing?

Here’s a quick history lesson:

1990s: Lighting producers were looking for ways to make fluorescent lamps more energy-efficient. This led to the emergence of T8 technology. Compared to the more common T12 technology, which used larger tubes and more energy, T8 fluorescent tubes were smaller and more efficient.

2000s: The UK government made new energy efficiency rules with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). These rules required energy-efficient lighting, including T8 & T5 fluorescent lamps, in all new commercial buildings. As demand for energy-efficient lamps grew, UK lighting manufacturers switched to T5 technology.

In recent years: Halogen lights have been phased out globally in recent years, including in the UK, due to new energy-efficiency regulations. In 2018, the European Union prohibited the manufacture of halogen lamps and recommended more energy-efficient alternatives. The halogen lamp was popular in the UK because it was affordable and produced bright, white light. However, it had a shorter lifespan and was less energy-efficient than LED lights.

August 25th, 2023: Manufacture of T5 & T8 fluorescent tubes will be prohibited in the UK for both residential and commercial settings to comply with the government’s initiatives to lower greenhouse gas emissions and boost energy efficiency (ECO design and Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) directives). This decision is part of a larger effort to reduce carbon emissions, lower energy use, and promote sustainable living. If businesses and homeowners have spare T5/T8 lamps, they can still use them or replace them if needed.

Why are LED lights better than T5 and T8 lamps?

• Energy Efficiency: LED lights use far less energy than T5/T8 lights, which can save on electricity bills because they use up to 80% less power.
• Longer Lifespan: LED lights have up to a 25-fold longer lifespan than T5/T8 lights, requiring fewer replacements and resulting in lower maintenance costs.
• Cost Savings: The lower energy consumption and longer lifespan of LED lights can result in significant cost savings over time when compared to T5/T8 lights.
• Environmental Advantages: LED lights use less energy and do not contain hazardous materials like mercury, making them more environmentally friendly than T5/T8 lights.
• Versatility: LED lights come in various colour rendering and styles, making them versatile for different applications. They can enhance atmospheres and improve a space’s ambience – unlike their ancestors.

LED lighting is an excellent lighting choice that can save you money, help the environment, and reduce your energy consumption. By switching to LED lighting and lighting controls, you can enjoy brighter lighting, save money on maintenance, and reduce your energy cost and carbon footprint.

Don’t wait until the last minute to replace your T5 and T8 lamps!

Now that you understand the upcoming changes and benefits of switching to LED lighting, take action and request a survey and quote from our experts to make the transition as smooth and cost-effective as possible. By making this switch, you’ll not only reduce your energy consumption and costs but also contribute to a more sustainable future for our planet. Contact us today to schedule your survey and start enjoying the benefits of LED lighting!