Sustainable Schools

Replace T12 Fluorescent Lighting with T5 Conversion Kits

Fluorescent strip lights are a common feature in all schools, however you may not be aware that recent advances in lighting technology allow you to reduce power consumption by around 50% whilst maintaining the same light output.

Traditionally, strip lights have been fitted with T12 tubes which are 38mm in diameter, or T8 tubes which are 26mm wide.  The latest, most efficient tubes are T5 which are just 16mm in diameter, and can either be retrofitted into existing light fittings with a conversion kit, or installed in a new T5-specific light fitting.  

Benefits

  • A 35W T5 tube and 1W ballast produce the same amount of light as a conventional 58W T12 lamp and 19W ballast - reducing consumption by over 50%.

  • A T5 tube typically lasts 24,000 hours, and loses 5% output in that time.  A T8 tube would last only 9,000 hours and dim by 20%.

  • Longer lifespan means less frequent replacement, resulting in lower maintenance costs

  • Even though these lamps require a conversion kit for conventional light fittings, they can be installed by non-specialist staff in minutes.

Using conversion kits rather than installing T5-specific fittings reduces costs by around 70%.  You can also install clip-on reflectors to further enhance light output.

Summary of actions

  1. If the retrofits kits are to be used, it is recommended that a trial with several fittings is undertaken prior to block replacement.  These kits are available for 1220mm, 1524mm and 1829mm lamp lengths.

  2. If successful consider block replacement of T5 conversion kits or replace when the lamps' output diminishes.

  3. Always replace spent ballasts with the most efficient product i.e. high frequency T5 with controls etc.

  4. Investigate feasibility of single lamp removal in twin fittings, and then retrofitting reflectors to enhance the output of the remaining tube.

For further information, contact Property Services Energy Manager, Alan Dowdell - telephone 01962 847768

Relevant Carbon Trust publications:

CTV021 - Lighting technology overview