faq

The range of LED tubes used as retrofits for fluorescent lamps is constantly expanding. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about LED tubes.

You will find detailed technical data, installation instructions and compatibility lists in our online catalog.

After conversion, the provided warning label should be fixed to the luminaire to prevent this from happening. LEDVANCE also recommends to install a fuse during rewiring that will create breaks in the circuit in case a traditional tube is inserted. This will prevent the traditional tube from being damaged. Without a fuse, the fluorescent tube will be left in a preheating phase with a current of 1 A through the filaments and which will cause the coil in the fluorescent tube to break and emit a crackling sound. Beyond this sound and the coil breaking, there is no risk.
 
Yes! However, the service life of LED tubes is shortened by increased temperatures and the stated Tc max for the respective lamp should not be exceeded. For major replacements in tight luminaires (e.g. IP65) or in multi-lamp luminaires with less than 5 cm distance between lamps, a test installation and measurement of Tc is recommended during normal operation for approximately 3 hours. Ledvance can help with this.
When using LEDVANCE LED TUBE T8 EM or UN (LED lamps) in compensated luminaires, the capacitors used have a different effect than with fluorescent lamps: the power factor of the compensated luminaires deteriorates compared to operation with fluorescent lamps and the so-called reactive power is significantly increased. If necessary, this can lead to an increase in energy costs for the user (in particular, this depends on whether a reactive-current meter is installed and how the total power consumption is defined).
The number of LEDVANCE LED TUBE T8 EM or UN that can be operated simultaneously on the same circuit breaker is limited. When operating in compensated luminaires, this number is significantly lower than when operating in non-compensated luminaires. The maximum possible number of LEDVANCE LED TUBE T8 EM or UN in compensated luminaires on a circuit breaker can be found in the product data sheet in the download area for the respective product (www.ledvance.com/ledtube).
In order to avoid the before mentioned undesired effects (increased reactive power and low maximum number of lamps which can be the operated at the same time), the capacitor can be removed from the luminaire. This is a modification of the luminaire so please check question 3). 
The HF LED lamps can be damaged, but there is no other risk beyond that.
No! Replacements carried out in accordance with assembly instructions and regulations will not present any risk of fire. LEDVANCE LED tubes meet the safety standard EN 62776:2015. 
It is important to check whether the existing luminaire is equipped with a CCG (conventional control gear and starter) or an ECG (electronic control gear). In the case of an ECG, compatibility of driver and selected LED lamp must be checked in the list: www.ledvance.com/ecg-compatibility  
In addition to risk assessment of existing luminaires, attention should also be paid to the temperature conditions. In very tight luminaires or multi-lamp luminaires, approved ambient and case temperatures (Ta/Tc) for the selected LED lamps can be exceeded quickly. This will lead to extremely reduced lifetime and loss of warranty.
Ta and Tc information can be found on the data sheet of the respective products.
Only direct replacement of fluorescent tube with LED tube (Retrofit). Conversion to AC mains or other changes to the existing luminaire must be performed by a qualified electrician.
The person who performs the exchange is responsible for all changes made to the luminaire. 

This is an assessment that must be made from installation to installation.
Criteria such as:
  • Are the components of the luminaire in good condition?
  • Ownership: are there different owners and operators of the building?
  • Are there unresolved issues about what will happen in the near future with the building? e.g. planned rehab, remodeling or changing any tenancy.
  • Economic conditions, it is usually more affordable to replace the tube than to replace the entire luminaire. This can also have a sustainability perspective.
The light source supplier offers the warranty for the LED tube. The warranty for luminaire will in many cases already be expired (older than 5 years) or will normally expire by inserting LED lamps or conversion to 230 V AC.