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.


The LED tubes sold by LEDVANCE meet all requirements contained in the relevant safety standard DIN EN 62776 (“Double-capped LED lamps designed to retrofit linear fluorescent lamps – safety standards”). This compliance is documented by certification from the German Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies, or VDE, the abbreviation of its German name. Results of the key tests: The LED tubes are safe to use and operate, just like conventional fluorescent tubes: o Protection against accidental touching of current-carrying components o Compliance with clearance and creepage distances o Security of lamp pins during installation of the lamps Approval for use in the G13 and G5 bases in terms of lamp weight and dimensions The LED tubes sold by LEDVANCE are included in the risk-free group (RG0) for photobiological safety. This means that they pose no risk to your skin or eyes. In any case, a risk assessment of existing luminaires should be carried out. This also applies if you were to replace a traditional tube. This checklist can be used as an assistance: www.ledvance.com/ecg-compatibility

No, all LEDVANCE LED tubes are certified and meet safety requirements from the safety regulation IEC62776 for double-encapsulated socket light source. The LED tube is not electrified until it is inserted into the holder and twisted. There is no power from one side to the other when you insert only one side.

This must be carried out by a qualified electrician. To convert an existing luminaire or lighting system to LED lamps, it is necessary to assess the condition of the luminaire to determine whether existing housings and components are suitable. If installation instructions are followed and no significant changes in line with the EU Blue Guide (2022) are made to the performance, application or construction of the existing luminaire, the existing CE marking of the luminaire remains valid and a new CE declaration of conformity is not required. For every conversion a risk analysis has to be conducted and documented. This checklist can be used as an assistance:  www.ledvance.com/ecg-compatibility
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. 


Lower connected load: LED tubes use significantly less energy than conventional fluorescent lamps. Increased efficiency: With less luminous flux, LED tubes can produce the same or higher illumination levels than fluorescent lamps. Thanks to the lower connected load, significantly higher levels of efficiency, up to 210 lm/W, can be achieved. -> Both effects can reduce energy use by up to 72 % and, thus, energy costs. Longer service life: The service life of the LED tubes sold by LEDVANCE is up to ten times longer than that of conventional fluorescent lamps. As a result, they require less maintenance. Sustainability: existing and functional luminaires can remain in service through the use of LED tubes.
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.

Due to its design, a LED tube produces directed light unlike fluorescent lighting, which is omnidirectional. As a result, light distribution can vary due to the existing luminaire's geometry. For simple bar and open luminaires, few differences can generally be perceived. The lighting metric that is relevant for the user is the illumination level, which is measured on the “working plane” (e.g. on the work surface). The light produced by the LED tubes is directed at the target object and optimally illuminates it. Losses resulting from unwanted light spill can even be minimized as a result.

All LEDVANCE LED tubes are tested according to EMC regulations. Independent studies have been carried out and it appears that all tested CE-marked LED tubes did not interfere with other electronics. For luminaires with ECG, compatibility of existing driver and selected LED lamp must be checked in our compatibility list: www.ledvance.com/ecg-compatibility.
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.