Fluorescent Tubes

Discover our range of fluorescent tubes online now at Cromwell. We stock a comprehensive range of sizes, colours, and fittings to give you just what you're looking for. Choose from market-leading brands, like GE Lighting® and Philips Lighting®.

What are fluorescent tubes?

A fluorescent light tube is a tube of glass coated with a layer of phosphor on the inside and filled with a low-pressure vapour of mercury and argon gas. At each end of the tube are electrode coils which, when the light is switched on, receive an electric current which causes the gas to react and release a short-wave ultraviolet light, which in turn makes the phosphor coating glow and produce light.

Why buy fluorescent tubes?

Fluorescent tubes provide functional lighting at a low cost and deliver a high output and a long light span.

Where are fluorescent tubes used?

Fluorescent tube lights are used in a range of industries and can be seen in offices, hospitals, commercial buildings and more.

Fluorescent tube types

Fluorescent tubes are available in a range of types and can vary in shape, size, power rating and more...

• T2   -   The smallest of the fluorescent tubes, this type has a 7mm diameter and has a lower mercury content than the others which makes them more environmentally friendly.

• T4   -   At 12mm in diameter, these tubes are more slimline and are great for use where space is limited.

• T5   -   This type of tube has a 16mm diameter and is fairly adaptable featuring in office buildings, schools and even aquariums. It gives the colour temperature most accurate to the description and is extremely energy efficient.

• T8   -   This is a fairly common type of fluorescent tube that appears in offices and commercial settings. They're usually 25mm in diameter and have a high light capacity.

Considerations when choosing fluorescent tubes

• Location - the flicker rate of fluorescent lights has been known to trigger dizziness and anxiety. However, this is less of an issue when used at a height in wide open spaces.

• Size - depending on the size of the area, fluorescent tubes are available in a variety of lengths and thicknesses (as seen above), so even if you have a very tight space available, there's a size available to you.

• Wattage - the wattage on a fluorescent tube is the number located between the F and T on the product code. The amount of light given by each tube will also be affected by the size and the ballast used. For more information, check the lumens output on the product packaging or technical data sheet.

• Colour - fluorescent tubes are available in a range of colour temperatures, including cool white, daylight, natural, warm white and just white. Choose the effect you're going for in your location.

• Eco-credentials - although fluorescent tubes save money, there is an added cost to recycle them due to the Mercury contents.

FAQs

Why do fluorescent lights shift in colour?

Due to the chemical reaction producing the visible light, the longer the electric current burns for, the more the chemicals will fluctuate to cause an imbalance in the gas. This means that over time the lights will start to become dimmer and release light that's less bright than before.

Can I replace my T12 fluorescent tube with a T8?

The T12 fluorescent tubes had the largest diameter and length to the other T-types. They therefore used a larger amount of mercury and more energy to run efficiently. The Environmental Protection Agency therefore advised that the T12s were phased out, with the T8 named as the best replacement. Using a T8 may require the replacement of ballasts if you still have the magnetic ones. An alternative to this is to retrofit LED lighting instead.