• Our LED Tubes use single-sided wiring to increase safety.
  • Please see installation instructions below and contact us if you have further questions.
  • To be installed by a qualified electrician only.

Replacing a fluorescent tube is not only a matter of fitting a new lamp. The tube, ballast, starter, wiring method and powered end must all match.

This guide helps you identify the right tube length, understand single-sided connection, and give your electrician the information needed before work starts.

Safety first: isolate the mains before any work. A qualified electrician must confirm the fitting, remove or bypass the ballast and starter where required, and verify the live and neutral connection before power is restored. Do not rely on a generic diagram if the existing fitting or tube markings differ.

What to check before choosing an LED tube

Match the length

Common replacements include 600mm, 1200mm and 1500mm tubes. Measure the existing tube and fitting rather than choosing by the number of feet in the product title.

Confirm the connection

Check whether the product is designed for direct mains connection and whether the powered end is clearly marked. The product page should agree with the tube and fitting instructions.

Check the light output

Wattage alone does not tell you how much light you will get. Compare lumens, colour temperature and the intended indoor application.

Check the fitting environment

Many LED tubes in this range are IP20 indoor products. Confirm the stated IP rating and installation conditions before using a tube in a damp or exposed area.

Compare LED tube options

600mm Philips T8

Philips 600mm T8 LED tube with frosted finish and G13 cap

8W, 800 lumens and 4000K cool white in a 600mm glass T8 format with a G13 cap. A practical fit for shorter indoor fittings, kitchens, offices and retail displays.

View the 600mm Philips tube

1500mm Elbro Ecoline

Elbro Ecoline 1500mm T8 LED tubes shown side by side

22W, 1920 lumens and 4000K cool white for compatible indoor fittings. The 1500mm format suits longer office, retail, kitchen and general lighting runs.

View the 1500mm Elbro tube

1500mm high-lumen T8

Premium 5ft high-lumen T8 LED tube with white finish and G13 cap

24W and 3600 lumens in a 5ft format with 6000K daylight. It is specified for compatible indoor fittings and direct single-sided mains connection.

View the 5ft high-lumen tube
Option Length Confirmed light data Best starting point
Philips Signify EcoLink 600mm 8W, 800lm, 4000K, G13 Short indoor fittings, desks and counters
Elbro Ecoline 1500mm 22W, 1920lm, 4000K Longer office, retail and kitchen runs
Premium high-lumen T8 1500mm 24W, 3600lm, 6000K Brighter indoor task and general lighting

Installation sequence for a qualified electrician

The exact work depends on the fitting and the tube selected. The sequence below explains the decisions involved; it is not a substitute for the product instructions or an electrician's inspection.

  1. Isolate the mains and verify that the circuit is dead.
  2. Remove the existing fluorescent tube and inspect the fitting.
  3. Confirm whether the ballast and starter must be removed or bypassed for the selected LED tube.
  4. Rewire live and neutral to the correct powered side when the product is designed for single-sided mains connection.
  5. Check the markings on the LED tube, including the powered end and any G13 or fitting requirements.
  6. Fit the tube in the correct orientation, restore power and test the result.

Do not assume every tube uses the same wiring

Single-sided tubes, ballast-compatible tubes and integrated fittings are not interchangeable by appearance alone. If the tube markings, fitting diagram or product instructions do not agree, stop and confirm the correct method before energising the circuit.

Choose the right route for your project

For a single household replacement, start with the exact tube length and connection method. For an office, shop, school or workshop, list the fitting length, required light level, colour temperature and number of tubes before ordering. If you are unsure whether the existing fitting can be converted, send the team a clear photo of the fitting and the tube markings through the Future Light contact page.

Ready to compare tubes?

Browse the T8 and T5 LED tube collection, then check the individual product page for length, connection, voltage, colour temperature and installation details.

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