
You might think of lighting you have in your life such as those cute little lamps on a table or possibly some chandeliers somewhere. But what about the good old tube light — a fixture in so many homes, offices, and warehouses?
Tube lights have been illuminating our spaces for decades with their streamlined elongated design. They work in many situations, provide lot of light and can cover a large area. And this well, my friend is that one-stop-shop where I have summed all you need to know about these tube lights while introducing the energy-efficient LED magical cousins.
Different Types of TubeLights in India
Different Types of TubeLights in India:
Types of Fluorescent Tubes
First off, we’re taking the old-school route with fluorescent tubes. All tubes of different sizes and types with its unique functionality and benefits.
T2 Fluorescent Tubes

We will start off with T2 fluorescent tubes. At 0.25 inches in diameter, these tiny little tubes are small but mighty when it comes to delivering a whole lot of light! Commonly used for specialty applications such as accent lighting, or in small appliances because the bulbs are quite small and this is nice when you have a need to be more precise with your light. Under kitchen cabinets, where they save space
T4 Fluorescent Tubes

T4 fluorescent tubes are the next up! At 0.5 inches in diameter, these are often used for applications that require slightly lighter than the T2 but without losing the compact bundle size. Most used for Decorative Lighting or in practical applications like Task lighting within office and industrial settings. They give you power and size in one, being an unobvious hero of the tube light kingdom.
T5 Fluorescent Tube

That brings us to the T5 fluorescent tube — you are catching on now, can’t you tell? This number refers to the outside diameter of the tube in eighths of an inch. T5 tubes are popular because they shine brightly, last for an extremely long time, and run on a slim 0.625 inches across (All over the internet). The most common place you find a T5 tube is in non-residential environments such as offices, retail premises, or an industrial shed. We love them for their ability to cast high-output versions in larger spaces without feeling too much like a group of tiny army ants.
T8 Fluorescent Tube

Next, we move on to the big guns with T8 fluorescent tubes – these are the most popular that you will come across. The 1 in. diameter T8, are common workhorse that provides most general lighting needs (from retail to schools). The allure lies in a balance between brightness and energy efficiency that is hard to attain. Also, they are available in different colour temperatures to work according to the mood required. They also last much longer than the smaller tubes, so it can be a good idea to invest in them at some point.
T12 Fluorescent Tube

T12 type of tubes are the looking T8 Tube lighting installed, with a diameter measuring 1.5 inches in width, which is why it was originally considered as standard size lights. Although they have been slowly being phased out due to the inefficiency of their design, there are still some that exist in older buildings and for specialized applications.
If your workplace uses T12s and they are not due for replacement or maintenance, you may wish to consider replacing these with a more energy-efficient type as this style is less effective in lumens per watt use of electricity than other types. That said, they still deliver impressive luminosity which is ideal in a few instances.
This is a High Output (HO)fluorescent tube.
The last of the traditional types that we are going to mention; is what High Output (HO) fluorescent tube. These tubes are naturally made to give out lighter than any regular fluorescent tube. They are typically a little bit longer and thicker, which is better for some of your highest-brightness applications (think sports arenas or warehouses). You will need each watt, but they can easily illuminate large areas with even the slightest energy consumption.
Under this series, we will cover about LED tube lights and types of led tubes.
So with that being said, we have mentioned the fluorescent tubes now moving on to LED tube lights. Not true fluorescent tubes as we know them, these modern cool wonders are cost-effective and eco-friendly replacements for traditional lights. Not only do these last longer, but they also consume much less power. There are a few types of these that you will come across such as:
Type-B; Single-ended wire LED tubes are lines powered.

Who should buy direct wire led tubes If you are making a brand-new setup then one can go with the best-fit choice. These tubes do not need a ballast and connect to your electrical system as normal. While this makes setup easy, it also requires you to directly bypass the ballast that already exists in your different fixture. The brightness and energy efficiency of direct wire LED tubes are often incredible, while some brands offer instant-on flicker-free performance.
HYPERIKON T8/T10/T12 4-Foot LED Tube, and HYPERILLUME Ballast Compatible Retrofit LED Tubes

If you do not want to tamper with your electrical ballast, the best solution is here: electronic ballast-compatible LED tubes. These tubes will work with the ballast that is already in your fixture and therefore they are completely plug-and-play so it makes for a very simple upgrade. You get to perform exactly zero changes in wiring–just take you old ones out and pop these bad boys back in. They are an ideal way to experience LED technology without the permanent installation and costly upgrades.
Hybrid LED Tubes

Double Ended or Hybrid LED tubes Take your Pick! They are compatible with all types of lighting and work on traditional electrical wiring as well as your existing ballast. If you prefer to stick with a more traditional setup or make the complete leap into LED hybrid tube lights are designed for versatility. They are an attractive fixture solution for all different types of facilities looking to make a lighting upgrade with minimal interruption.
Type B (Ballast Compatible T8 LED Tubes)

In the end, we have universal ballast-compatible LED tubes in our LED list. Essentially, they are the jack-of-all-trades in the tube world. Universal compatibility tubes work with many ballast types, whether electronic or magnetic—so you can swap these out and rest easy without worrying too much about breach of code. These qualities make it a suitable option for residential as well as industrial applications and are long-lasting.
FAQs About Different Types of TubeLights in India
What are tube lights?
High Productivity Tube bulbs are cylindrical shape lengthy lighting fixtures which can be combined use with fluorescent lights or LEDs. While they are a staple in commercial and industrial spaces, high bay lighting fixtures have been increasingly used in the context of residential settings.
What is the most efficient type?
In most cases, LED tube lights will be the best choice from an energy-saving perspective. They use less power than in contrast their fluorescent equivalents as well as last longer.
Are Tube lights difficult to install?
How easy Tube Light Installation is, depends on the type of tube light you select. LED Tube Lights: Unlike fluorescent tubes, LED tube lights will need some kind of adaptation to the fixture — often they are designed to be easily replaced.
Are there different colours for a tube light?
Yes, you can select the right tube lights in different colour temperatures including warm yellow tones or cool blue hues for getting a perfect ambiance set up.
What is a Fluorescent Tube?
A fluorescent tube is a low-pressure mercury-vapor gas-discharge lamp that uses fluorescence to produce visible light. They are more used for their workload and powerful lights.
What is the most powerful fluorescent tube?
Brightness is measured in Lumens for fluorescent tubes. Some of the brightest are high-output (HO) fluorescent tubes manufactured far higher than standard level, and on-screen lights.
What is an LED Tube Light?
An LED tube light is a type of full-sized fluorescent lamp that uses electronic ballasts and LEDs to provide lighting. They come with an energy-saving feature, and they also live longer than their traditional fluorescent lights.
In Conclusion, did you take the right path with LED tube lights?
Well, when it comes to energy efficiency, low maintenance, and longevity in lighting solutions then YES! When it comes to talking about commercial as well as residential lighting systems, LED tube lights will top the list.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Tube lights are available in both fluorescent versions and LED selection, they fit for multiple purposes of lighting. For the garage, workplace, or even in that reading corner at home that needs a tube light bulb to illuminate you there is one for all of you out here. Even though traditional fluorescent tube ropes have served as architectural lighting for years, LED tubes are starting to quickly build a legion of fans due to their efficient energy requirements and lower maintenance.
Think about what you need from your lighting first before venturing on to the tube light shopping frenzy. Do you care about energy savings, colour options, or compatibility with existing fixtures? You will find a tube light that suits your needs and at the same time exceeds them (this is also much more likely). One tube at a time, light up your life!