The main problem with 8’ fluorescent tubes is that they use an enormous 100w of power per tube (add 10% for the ballast). Because of their superior light output they are often mounted in higher locations in warehouses and production workshops; this makes replacing them (they are not known for their longevity) awkward, time-consuming and expensive.

Unfortunately 8’ CFL tubes are becoming increasingly hard to source and increasingly expensive to buy.

We recently supplied a Long Eaton warehouse with a quantity of refurbished 8’ luminaires pre-fitted with low-energy 42w LED tubes. The LED tubes are guaranteed for 5 years, and with the lower power requirement (but improved lighting levels) they will save the client a whopping £2800 per year in electricity. Plus a lot less hassle changing and replacing each time a CFL goes down!