LED Tubes vs Fluorescent Tubes

Externally, the difference between the two may not even be perceived. It is not unusual, since the significant differences between both led lighting and lighting systems are, above all, indoors:

• Fluorescent tubes are the most widespread 'bulbs,' although their use has begun to decline sharply due to the apparent advantages of their rival LED. The fluorescent tube is made of thin glass, inside which are various chemicals called phosphors, which should not be confused with phosphorus from the chemical table. These matches are responsible for emitting light when they receive ultraviolet radiation. Mercury and argon or neon can also be found inside the tube. Finally, at the end of the cell are the tungsten filaments, which, when heated, are responsible for ionizing the gases.
• One LED tube is a Somewhat more straightforward concept to understand. It is a piece of electronic equipment that, as its name indicates, has LEDs inside. An electronic driver is the one in charge of converting the alternating current into the direct current so that the LEDs emit light. They are manufactured in the standard measurements that the market demands, so there is no problem when making changes.

What components do each type of tube has?

The parts of a fluorescent tube can be summarized into three: the machine itself, inside which are all the chemical components that are responsible for giving light, the ballast, and the primer.

If we make a comparison of LED tubes vs. fluorescent tubes, reviewing the fundamental parts that make up each one makes sense for a particular reason: in LED tubes the need to use the ballast and the primer disappears, which are replaced by other types of elements:

1. Connections: LED tubes are connected by pins, just like Fluorescent tubes. They are the ones that transmit the electric current to achieve lighting.
2. Diffuser: there are two options since they can be either Polycarbonate or glass. If you are looking for more shock resistant LED tubes with better light diffusion, the best option is those with polycarbonate diffusers. Depending on the type of tube chosen, the diffuser can also be opal or transparent.
3. Heatsink: is the part of an LED tube that is responsible. For eliminating the heat that is produced during startup. The most common on the market are those that have an aluminum diffuser, although there are also heat-dissipating pastes.

          

What types of tubes can you find it?

The classification of the tubes is governed by the type of bushing they use and two specific names share both types of cells, but with the differences in operation that have already been mentioned:

• T8 tubes:

They are the most popular, perhaps because of the first fluorescent T8s date from 1981. The most significant change concerning previous machines (the so-called T12) was the replacement of the electronic ballast by the magnetic one. Now you can change the old fluorescent T8 tubes for LED tubes. The location does not matter since they are designed to be installed anywhere, although they are especially useful for industrial use and in garages.

• T5 tubes:

 In the case of fluorescent tubes, they also work with an electronic ballast. Both instances were born an evolution of T8, but in the case of LED tubes, the weight is dispensed with, and they are created with a narrower morphology, perfect for installing where there is no space to spare.

• 2G11 tubes:

 This type of cells, specific to LEDs, are characterized by having four pins instead of two. Due to their characteristics, it is easy to find them in domestic kitchens, or even industrial facilities.

• G10q tubes:

 They are also specific LED tubes, although, by the technical name, they are not the best known. These are circular tubes; perfect when what you are looking for is a 360º light distribution.