Looking for replacement fluorescent tubes? You might be out of luck… But Hacel can help!

Why can’t I find fluorescent tubes anymore?

The international Minamata Convention on Mercury is a global movement to reduce the danger to human health from mercury, a key component of fluorescent tubes. Both the UK and EU are signatories to this Convention and have introduced binding phase-out plans through RoHS and DEFRA respectively.

Fluorescent tubes are typically classified by their wattage and tube shape; T5 is a smaller diameter than T8 and T12 is the largest diameter commonly used.

In the UK, these phase-out dates were staged by type, with the latest being compact fluorescent tubes and T5 on 1st February 2024. T8 and T12 were phased out in late 2023.

What does this mean for you and your business?

If you have a stockpile of tubes, you can continue to use them but must dispose of the tubes according to relevant legislation. Another issue is that spare parts, for example starters, will rapidly become much harder to source. Bear in mind that fluorescent lighting is significantly more expensive to run than LEDs, and energy costs have rarely been higher than today.

So, is it time to review your lighting?

This is a decision for you and your business, but you could genuinely save money as LEDs use less energy, have a longer service life and need less maintenance.

LED lighting systems are typically 80% more efficient than the equivalent fluorescent lights. This can make an almost instant cut in the running costs of your business.

Maintenance costs are another major saving; LED lighting systems are more robust than old-fashioned glass lights, so there is a reduced need for replacement due to breakage. Also, while fluorescent tubes typically last 8,000 hours, LED lighting systems last longer. Most Hacel lighting systems last at least 50,000 hours and some last for 60,000 or even 70,000+ hours!

Add in other advantages, including smart lighting with Bluetooth controls and lighting scenes that can be changed at the touch of a button, and you have a compelling argument.

What do I do next?

Hacel can help!

For over 40 years, Hacel has been one of the UK’s leading designers and manufacturers of high-quality lighting. With our range of smart LED lighting and in-house lighting design services, Hacel is ideally placed to offer you the best advice for your needs.

Our UK carbon-neutral manufacturing facility is ISO 9001 and 14000 accredited with enviable quality and delivery lead times, which, combined with our 5-year warranty, gives you the peace of mind you need in times of change.

For more information, visit www.hacel.co.uk