If you have been putting off replacing your old lighting, now is the time to pay attention. The popular T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes, widely used in industry and in office buildings, have been definitively stopped in the European Union. From the end of August 2023 they are being gradually withdrawn from circulation in line with the European Commission’s ecodesign and RoHS directives. What exactly does the ban cover, when does it apply, and what will replace fluorescent tubes?
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In spring 2022 the European Commission revised the RoHS directive (Restriction of Hazardous Substances), which restricts the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, including the mercury in fluorescent lamps. The aim is to phase out unsustainable light sources, which include linear T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes. Since 24 August 2023 they may therefore no longer be manufactured in or imported into the EU. Only stock placed on the market before that date may still be sold.
Now is the right time to replace your lighting
Many companies, however, still use T8 fluorescent tubes. The ban therefore affects many businesses, which have to switch to alternative lighting solutions. If you are one of them, sooner or later you will have to look for new light sources. What are your options?
- Replace the fluorescent tubes with LED tubes.
- Replace inefficient light sources with energy-saving LED lighting.
Apart from other drawbacks (which you can read more about here), using LED tubes may require modifying the internal wiring of the luminaire, which means it will no longer comply with the relevant safety standards and technical regulations. That is why LED luminaires appear to be the more suitable lighting solution for commercial buildings, industrial premises, offices, retail spaces and other public places.
What are the benefits of LED lighting?
✓ High energy efficiency
Compared with other light sources, LEDs consume very little energy. You can save up to 80 % of the energy previously consumed by fluorescent lamps.
✓ Long service life
LEDs have a 2 to 4 times longer service life than fluorescent lighting.
✓ Cost-effectiveness
The initial investment in LED luminaires is somewhat higher than in conventional fluorescent fittings. However, the combination of a significantly longer service life and better efficiency means that your investment in LED lighting will pay for itself within a few years.
→ See our case study on lighting a hall in Partizánske.
✓ Instant start
LED luminaires switch on instantly at full output without any delay or flicker, unlike traditional fluorescent tubes, which may need several seconds to reach full brightness.
✓ Environmental friendliness
LED lighting contains fewer harmful substances, such as mercury and other toxic compounds, which are found in some types of fluorescent tubes. This makes LED lighting the more environmentally friendly choice.
Important: Because of their composition, fluorescent lamps are classed as hazardous electrical waste and must not be put in ordinary household waste. They need to be taken to a recycling centre or to a take-back point (shops selling electrical equipment or lighting).
✓ Versatility
Last but not least, LED sources are available in a range of light intensities. LED lighting is also easy to dim and can be integrated into smart control systems that allow brightness, colour and schedules to be adjusted as needed.
What options do we offer?
Replacing fluorescent lighting with LED luminaires is a step in the right direction for your business. And although it is a forced change, we can still see it as an opportunity to think longer term – how to cut costs, increase energy efficiency and improve the quality of your lighting. This is clearly good for your company’s finances and contributes to a more sustainable approach in your business. So let us look at the solutions we can offer you.
① Offices and retail spaces
Offices and retail spaces are dynamic environments where productivity, comfort and efficiency play a key role. And while fluorescent lighting can often create cold, unpleasant light, LED luminaires provide bright, balanced light that comes close to daylight and can increase your employees’ productivity and well-being and minimise eye strain.
Light quality is supported by a high colour rendering index (CRI), which ensures faithful and accurate colour rendering. This is important in an office environment where employees work with various documents and visual material.
From our range, for office lighting we recommend the following as a replacement for a 4 × 18 W recessed modular luminaire:
| PRIUS LED panel | PYTA LED panel |
| 60 × 60 cm | 60 × 60 cm |
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As a replacement for a 2 × 36 W surface-mounted luminaire we offer:
| LÍVIA LED linear luminaire | PYTA LED panel |
| 120 cm | 120 × 30 cm / 120 × 60 cm |
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Tip: If you replaced all the linear fluorescent tubes in your office with LEDs, you could use 60 % less energy for lighting. Write to us and we will be happy to prepare a payback calculation for you.
② Production and warehouse spaces
Industrial, production and warehouse halls have specific lighting requirements in terms of work processes, safety and efficiency. They often require extensive and uniform lighting to minimise shadowed areas and ensure safety when handling goods.
LED luminaires provide consistent, flicker-free light, which improves visibility and working conditions and reduces eye strain and the risk of workplace accidents. The right light distribution, in turn, ensures that light gets where it is needed and minimises unwanted glare on surfaces. This is particularly important for certain activities, especially in production.
LED lighting can be integrated into control systems, which makes it possible to adjust the lighting according to working hours, current needs or the contribution of daylight.
See the reference project here →
For lighting industrial premises, as a replacement for a 2 x 36 W (120 cm) or 2 x 58 W (150 cm) dustproof luminaire, you can use these LED linear industrial luminaires:
As we have shown, LED luminaires open the door to a brighter, more economical and more sustainable future for industry, warehousing, production and retail spaces. If you are considering replacing your lighting but are not sure which luminaire would suit your needs, or you would like to know how much you could save by switching to LED, do not hesitate to get in touch. We will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the right lighting.
Sources:
www.watt24.com/en/guide/fluorescent-tubes-ban-2023-all-you-need-to-know/
www.auralight.com/fi/discover-us/t8-and-t5-phase-out
www.facilitatemagazine.com/content/know-how/explainers/2023/02/28/how-respond-governments-ban-fluorescent-lighting
