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When it comes to lighting, fluorescent lights have been the ‘go-to’ for contractors and electricians for years. But the technology is now outdated and inefficient, leading many to consider making the switch to LED lighting. LEDs are quickly becoming the standard for both indoor and outdoor applications. From residential buildings to office complexes, LED lighting offers a variety of advantages over fluorescent light. In this blog post, we’ll be looking at why electrical contractors and electricians should consider making the switch from fluorescent lighting to LED lighting.
Fluorescent lighting has become the ‘go-to’ option for many commercial and industrial spaces because of its energy saving qualities and affordability. But while it may seem like a great solution, it poses several issues that can cause health problems, productivity loss and environmental hazards.
One of the main issues with fluorescent light is the flicker it produces. This flickering is more than just a minor annoyance – it can have several negative effects on both our physical and mental wellbeing. It can lead to headaches, eye strain, and other health issues for people who may be sensitive to this type of lighting. These symptoms can be extremely debilitating and can make it difficult for people to work or perform other tasks in a brightly lit environment.
Flickering fluorescent lights are also very distracting. In many cases, people find themselves unable to concentrate on the task at hand because the constant flickering of the light is so distracting. This can be particularly problematic for people who need to work in quiet and focused environments, such as students who are studying for exams.
Additionally, fluorescent lighting has been linked to environmental concerns. The bulbs contain mercury, a toxic metal that poses significant risks to human health and the environment. Mercury can enter the environment through the improper disposal of fluorescent lights or the accidental breakage of the bulbs. Once in the environment, mercury can accumulate in soil, water, and air, and can cause a range of health problems such as kidney damage, respiratory failure, and neurological disorders.
Due to the revised Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive, some fluorescent lamps will no longer be available in the UK. Business owners will be required to source alternative lighting solutions and discard their current fluorescent lighting as hazardous waste to be compliant with the new directive.
While fluorescent lighting may seem like an affordable option for businesses, it’s important to consider the potential health, environmental, and aesthetic issues that it can bring. As we move towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future, it’s important for contractors to explore alternative lighting solutions for their customers that are both environmentally friendly and energy-saving.
Electricians have been utilising fluorescent lighting for decades. It’s been a reliable and energy-efficient option, however, the demand for LED lighting has increased as it offers numerous advantages over traditional fluorescent lights.
Firstly, unlike traditional fluorescent lighting that only lasts for around 15,000 hours, LED lighting has an average lifespan of 50,000 – 100,000 hours. This means that end users don’t need to worry about replacing their lighting frequently, reducing maintenance costs, and the time spent replacing bulbs.
Another advantage of LED lighting is the level of customisation that it offers. With LED lighting, the contractor can either adjust or choose the colour temperature, depending on the end users’ preferences. This feature is especially useful for businesses looking to create a specific ambiance in their workplace.
NET LED Lighting’s Carlton T5 and T8 LED Tubes come in a variety of sizes (1ft-6ft) and are now available in three different colour temperatures – 3000K, 4000K and 5500K. These colour temperatures are suitable for various applications. For example, a warmer colour temperature may be suitable for restaurants and residential spaces where a cosy ambiance is required, while cooler colour temperatures are suitable for office and retail spaces, providing optimal illumination without creating an overwhelming effect.
LED lighting is known for its superior performance. Unlike older fluorescent lights that take a while to reach full brightness, LEDs turn on instantly. They don’t flicker or emit noise, which makes them an ideal choice for those with light sensitivities. This is particularly useful for commercial properties and schools that require uniform lighting and consistency.
LED lighting also uses significantly less energy than traditional fluorescent lighting. It requires significantly less energy to operate, and this makes it a great option for any business looking to reduce energy costs. LEDs are up to 80% more efficient than traditional fluorescent lights, meaning they convert more energy into light rather than heat. The less electricity used; the less electricity bills will be!
It’s safer and a more sustainable option than fluorescent lighting. Fluorescent lights contain toxic substances such as mercury and can cause serious environmental issues when disposed of incorrectly. In contrast, LEDs are mercury-free, meaning they don’t harm the environment.
Read on to learn more about the benefits of switching to LED.
Improved product longevity
Efficiency of energy consumption
Easier to install
Higher quality of light
Easily recyclable
One of the most significant benefits of LED lighting is the longevity of the bulbs. Unlike traditional fluorescent bulbs, LEDs can last up to 25 times longer. This extended lifespan can have a significant impact on energy consumption and maintenance costs over time. This durability is made possible by the solid-state construction of LED bulbs, which are made up of semiconductors and light-emitting diodes that don’t burn out or wear down.
The longevity of LED lighting is mainly due to their exceptional energy efficiency. LED bulbs require less energy to produce light and have less heat wastage. Unlike conventional lighting methods that generate a lot of heat, LED bulbs use less heat, making them cooler to the touch, reducing their degradation, and increasing their lifespan.
As society becomes more conscious of their carbon footprint, it’s important to explore alternative solutions to our daily energy consumption.
LED lighting consumes 75% less energy and can last up to 25 times longer. For example, a 60W incandescent light bulb can be replaced with a 10W LED that will emit the same amount of light, while using just a fraction of the energy. This translates to a reduction in energy costs and a significant decrease in the need for frequent light bulb replacements. Not only is this beneficial for businesses looking to cut down on their electricity bills, but it also reduces the demand for electricity, ultimately reducing carbon emissions and our environmental impact.
With fluorescent lighting, contractors may have to spend countless hours tinkering with wiring, ballasts, and various other components.
LED lighting is designed to be simpler and quicker to install.
Let’s take LED Tubes as an example. Unlike fluorescent tubes, they don’t require ballasts or other external devices. This means you can replace your existing fluorescent fixtures with LED ones with ease. All you need to do is remove the old fluorescent tube and pop the new LED tube directly into the existing housing, bypassing the ballast completely.
LED Tubes also offer a more versatile range of installation options. Unlike fluorescent tubes, which have a limited range of applications due to the need for ballasts, LED tubes are much more flexible. You can install them in almost any fixture that accepts standard fluorescent tubes. You can also use them with dimmer switches or Emergency Kits to achieve optimal lighting for any setting.
NET LED’s Carlton T5 and T8 Tubes are compatible with an optional 3H Emergency Kit or a 3H DALI Emergency Kit, ensuring backup power in the event a power failure or emergency.
LED lighting produces a clean, bright, and clear light. Unlike fluorescent light that flickers and emits a harsh, cool-toned light, LEDs have a natural colour rendering index that displays colours more accurately. With a CRI (colour rendering index) of up to 100, LED lighting ensures that objects and people are shown in their true colours. The white light emitted by LEDs can also be customised to meet specific needs, making it possible to select a cooler or warmer hue.
Fluorescent lighting, on the other hand, has been known to cause headaches and eye strain in people who work in environments with such lighting for long periods.
Recycling has become a vital component in keeping our planet healthy, and when it comes to recycling, LED lighting has a clear advantage over fluorescent lighting.
One of the main reasons recycling LED lighting is simpler is because they’re less hazardous to the environment. There are no hazardous substances or toxins in the materials which means they can be disposed of without the need for special handling, unlike fluorescent lights which have hazardous substances such as mercury. To recycle fluorescent lights, it’s essential to use the proper method to avoid exposing the toxic chemicals inside the bulb.
The opportunities presented by the growing demand for LED lighting are vast for electrical contractors and wholesalers alike.
With increased demand for these products – especially considering the impending fluorescent tube ban – wholesalers can increase their revenue, and contractors can grow their business. And with an energy-efficient lighting option, businesses can enjoy significant savings on energy costs while making a positive impact on the environment. Overall, LED lighting represents a huge opportunity for all players in the electrical industry.
So, why not make the switch today?
NET LED have a catalogue of LED lighting all in stock ready for Next Day Delivery when ordered before 6pm. From 3H Emergency to Microwave Sensor, DALI Dimmable and Bluetooth wireless controls… you name it, we’ve got it.
Contact us on 01223 851505 or email us at sales@netled.co.uk for all your energy-saving enquiries.
Alternatively, check out the myNETLED Portal for product specifications, data sheets and installation guides.
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