{"title":"LED tube fixture","description":"\u003cp\u003eA LED tube light fitting is the linear support that holds the tube, fixes it to the wall or ceiling and powers it. The choice comes down to three points: the tube family (T5 or T8), the exact length of the support and the protection rating the room requires.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#role\"\u003eRole and uses of a fitting\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#t5-t8\"\u003eT5 or T8, which length\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#etanche\"\u003eWhen to go for a sealed version\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#garage\"\u003eGarage, workshop, basement\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#installer\"\u003eReplacing a fluorescent tube with an LED tube\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#cuisine-bain\"\u003eKitchen and bathroom\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#couleur\"\u003eLight colour\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#entretien\"\u003eChoosing and maintaining\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"role\"\u003eWhat is an LED tube light fitting and what is it for?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe linear support does three things: it holds the tube, it powers it and it protects it. The bare version, a simple profile with its sockets, is used in a dry room, under a cabinet or on a hallway ceiling. The version with a diffuser adds a translucent cover that softens the light and stops dust settling on the tube.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree uses come up again and again: lighting a worktop, lighting the inside of a cupboard or alcove, and making circulation safe in a hallway or on a staircase. In all three cases, you want even light along the whole length, not a bright spot in the middle. To see where the family sits in the catalogue, browse \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/luminaire\"\u003eour selection of light fittings\u003c\/a\u003e, then \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/reglettes-led\"\u003eall the LED fittings\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"t5-t8\"\u003eLED tube light fitting T5 or T8: what are the differences and which length should you choose?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe T8 is the tube everyone knows: about 26 mm in diameter, G13 socket, and two reference lengths, 1200 mm and 1500 mm. The T5 is slimmer, with its own smaller socket, and is intended for short formats. In both cases, the fitting must be exactly the length of the tube: a 120 cm support will not take a 150 cm tube.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ccaption\u003eWhich tube for which fitting: T5, T8 and lengths\u003c\/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTube type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSocket\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCommon lengths\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhere to use it\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat to check\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eT5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSocket dedicated to T5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShort and compact formats\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUnder-cabinet, alcove, furniture\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThe exact length of the fitting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eT8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eG13\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1200 mm (120 cm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGarage, workshop, cellar, storeroom\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThe tube must be LED or compatible with the ballast\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eT8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eG13\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1500 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLong runs, workshop, aisle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThe fixing centres on the ceiling\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFluorescent tube replaced by an LED tube\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eG13, identical to the original tube\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSame length as the tube removed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRenovating an existing fitting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBallast to be removed or tube designed for ballast\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLED tube light fitting T8 1200 mm: for which room?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 120 cm covers the length of a garage worktop, a storeroom or a cellar aisle, with continuous light. It is the simplest format to connect to an existing lighting circuit, in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/reglettes-led-220v\"\u003e220V versions\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLED tube light fitting T8 1500 mm and T5: when should you prefer them?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 1500 mm serves long spans, a wide workshop or a long aisle, provided you plan two spaced fixing points. The T5 remains the choice for alcoves and furniture, where bulk matters more than the lit area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"etanche\"\u003eSealed LED tube light fitting: when should you choose one?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs soon as there is moisture, splashes or dust, the diffuser and the seals change everything: they isolate the tube and stop water collecting on the contacts. The IP rating on the data sheet gives the real level, without any guesswork. A dry room is fine with IP20, a bathroom needs at least IP44, an exposed canopy goes up to IP65.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ccaption\u003eWhich protection rating for which room\u003c\/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRoom or space\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRecommended rating\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eType of fitting\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTypical use\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eKitchen, under-cabinet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIP20\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare fitting under a cabinet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLighting the worktop\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLiving room, hallway, bedroom\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIP20\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWall or ceiling fitting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIndirect accent light\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBathroom\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIP44 minimum\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSealed fitting with diffuser\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMirror, vanity unit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGarage, workshop, cellar\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIP20 to IP44\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFitting with diffuser\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTask lighting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSheltered outdoor, canopy\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIP65\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSealed fitting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFacade, covered terrace\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIP65 LED fittings: from which room should you go sealed?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGoing sealed is decided at the first risk of wetting: regular steam, jet washing, cellar condensation. The \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/reglettes-led-ip65\"\u003emodels rated IP65\u003c\/a\u003e withstand splashes, which makes them useful under a canopy or in a plant room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSealed LED tube light fitting: damp interior, cellar, garage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a cellar, moisture mainly attacks the sockets and the ballast. A \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/reglettes-led-etanches\"\u003esealed fitting\u003c\/a\u003e protects these sensitive areas, and a model intended \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/reglettes-led-d-exterieur\"\u003efor outdoor use\u003c\/a\u003e avoids unpleasant surprises. Under a canopy, go for the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/reglettes-led-d-exterieur-etanches\"\u003esealed outdoor\u003c\/a\u003e range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"garage\"\u003eWhich LED tube light fitting should you choose for a garage, a workshop or a basement?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe criterion is not power but consistency: continuous light along the whole length of the worktop avoids shadow zones between two sources. In a garage, place the fitting along the axis of the bench rather than in the centre of the room. A diffuser limits glare when you look up. For a work surface, two short supports spread out light better than a single long one badly positioned.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a workshop, first look at the mounting height and the clear space above the bench: \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/reglettes-led-pour-atelier\"\u003efittings designed for workshops\u003c\/a\u003e are fixed to the ceiling or surface-mounted. If the room is mainly a thoroughfare, a model \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/reglettes-led-a-detecteur-de-mouvement\"\u003ewith a presence detector\u003c\/a\u003e avoids lighting an empty room. And for a garage, compare the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/reglettes-led-pour-garage\"\u003esolutions for lighting a garage\u003c\/a\u003e before deciding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"installer\"\u003eHow do you install an LED tube on an old fitting?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSwitch off the power at the breaker, remove the fluorescent tube, check the condition of the socket and locate the ballast. Either you fit an LED tube designed to work with that ballast, or you remove the ballast before mounting a standard LED tube. Refit, restore the power, test. If the support is cracked, yellowed or poorly fixed, replacing it costs less in peace of mind than adapting it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eConverting a fluorescent fitting to LED: what to check first\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree checks: the socket (G13 for a T8), the length of the tube relative to the support, and the possible presence of a starter. A starter still in place on an LED tube not designed for it causes flickering or failure to light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBallast, starter, G13 socket: the procedure\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLocate the metal box housed in the profile: that is the ballast. Remove it only if the tube is sold to work without it. In doubt, a complete new fitting is more predictable than an adaptation. The \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/reglettes-led-220v\"\u003e220V versions\u003c\/a\u003e connect to the lighting circuit, while the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/reglettes-led-rechargeables\"\u003erechargeable fittings\u003c\/a\u003e are installed without wiring, which settles the question in a cupboard or a cellar with no socket.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"cuisine-bain\"\u003eLED tube light fitting in the kitchen and bathroom: which light should you install?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the kitchen, the under-cabinet fitting lights the worktop without casting the shadow of your hands. Choose a neutral white, around 4000 K, which renders food and stainless steel without yellowing them. In the bathroom, the protection rating comes before style: a sealed model with diffuser resists steam and remains suitable near the mirror.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUnder-cabinet fitting: the light that serves a modern kitchen decor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA matt front, a light worktop and a continuous line of light under the wall units: this detail is often what holds together a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/reglettes-led-pour-salle-de-bain\"\u003ewell-considered atmosphere\u003c\/a\u003e in the room. The grazing light highlights the material of the worktop and serves a kitchen decoration without adding an object to the wall. For a modern kitchen decor, prefer a slim profile, placed as close as possible to the front.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBathroom: the protection rating before style\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbove a mirror or a vanity unit, moisture is permanent. A \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/reglette-etanche\"\u003esealed fitting with diffuser\u003c\/a\u003e protects the tube and spreads even light on the face, without harsh reflection. The \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/reglettes-led-pour-salle-de-bain\"\u003ebathroom models\u003c\/a\u003e are fixed to the wall or under the wall unit, away from direct splashes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"couleur\"\u003eWhich light colour for a fitting in a living room or kitchen?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe colour temperature decides the atmosphere before anything else. Around 3000 K, warm white relaxes and flatters wood. Around 4000 K, neutral white stays faithful on a worktop or a mirror. At 6000 K and above, cool white adds contrast in a garage or a storeroom, but hardens faces in a living room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWarm white or neutral white: which result in a living room?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a living room, a warm white creates a soft light for the evening. If the room also serves as a desk corner or dining area, a neutral white avoids a mismatch with the other sources. A \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/reglette-murale\"\u003ewall fitting\u003c\/a\u003e placed high gives indirect light that suits this use well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy does colour rendering matter more than power?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA tube that renders colours poorly dulls wood, greys fabrics and distorts the shade of food. Better a moderate but faithful light than a high output that misrepresents materials. Check this rendering on the tube data sheet before making your choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"entretien\"\u003eWhat is the best LED fitting and how do you maintain it?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe right fitting is the one that takes the tube you have already chosen, in the right length, with the protection rating of the room. You compare the socket, the fixing, the presence of a diffuser and the ease of changing the tube. A simple, well-fixed model lasts longer than a sophisticated one badly installed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat distinguishes an entry-level fitting from a durable model\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLook at the thickness of the profile, the quality of the fixing clips and the presence of seals on the diffuser. A support correctly screwed into solid material does not move; a support placed on a hollow partition without a suitable plug ends up vibrating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCleaning the diffuser and changing the tube\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSwitch off the power, dust the diffuser with a soft non-abrasive cloth, without aggressive products on the plastic. To change the tube, rotate it a quarter turn in its sockets. A tube that blackens at the ends should be replaced, the support stays in place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSecure payment, tracked delivery, returns and Designix customer service: you can order with confidence, and come back to our team if the length or the protection rating does not match your room. To compare the families before choosing, go back to \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaire\"\u003ethe Designix lighting department\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWhat is the best LED fitting?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eThere is no single model: the right fitting takes the tube you have already chosen, in the right length, with a protection rating suited to the room. You compare the socket, the fixing, the presence of a diffuser and the ease of changing the tube. A simple, well-installed model is often enough.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eCan you convert a fluorescent fitting to LED?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, provided the socket matches the LED tube chosen and the power supply is handled correctly. A fitting with a ballast requires either a compatible tube or removal of the ballast. If the support is cracked, yellowed or poorly fixed, replacing the whole fitting is safer than adapting it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWhich fitting for a T8 1200 mm LED tube?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 1200 mm T8 tube fits a G13 socket and corresponds to a fitting of about 120 cm. It is chosen for a garage, a workshop, a cellar or a storeroom, as a bare fitting in a dry room and as a sealed version with diffuser as soon as there is moisture or dust.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWhich light colour for a living room?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn a living room, a warm white creates a soft, restful light, suited to the evening and to warm materials such as wood. A neutral white is better for a through space that also serves as a desk corner or dining area. What matters is the match between the fitting and the other sources in the room.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eDoes a 220V LED tube light fitting plug into a socket?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eA fitting designed for 220V is powered from the mains, generally connected to the lighting circuit rather than to a free socket. Connection requires switching off the power and respecting the wire markings. Rechargeable models, on the other hand, are installed without wiring and are recharged.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"CollectionPage\",\"name\":\"LED tube light fitting: the guide to choosing, installing and maintaining\",\"description\":\"LED tube light fitting: choose between T5 and T8, 1200 or 1500 mm length, G13 socket, IP protection rating and temperature, with Designix advice.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/reglette-pour-tube-led\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"name\":\"Designix\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\"},\"speakable\":{\"@type\":\"SpeakableSpecification\",\"cssSelector\":[\"h1\",\"h2\"]}},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Lighting\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/luminaire\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Fitting\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/reglette\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"LED tube light fitting: the guide to choosing, installing and maintaining\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/reglette-pour-tube-led\"}]},{\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the best LED fitting?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"There is no single model: the right fitting is the one that takes the tube you have already chosen, in the right length, with a protection rating suited to the room. You compare the socket, the fixing, the presence of a diffuser and the ease of changing the tube. A simple, well-installed model is often enough.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How do you install an LED tube on an old fitting?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Switch off the power at the breaker, remove the fluorescent tube, check the condition of the socket and locate the ballast. Either you take an LED tube designed to work with that ballast, or you remove the ballast before fitting a standard LED tube. Refit, restore the power and test.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can you convert a fluorescent fitting to LED?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes, provided the socket matches the LED tube chosen and the power supply is handled correctly. A fitting with a ballast requires either a compatible tube or removal of the ballast. If the support is cracked, yellowed or poorly fixed, replacing the whole fitting is safer than adapting it.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which fitting for a T8 1200 mm LED tube?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The 1200 mm T8 tube fits a G13 socket and corresponds to a fitting of about 120 cm. It is chosen for a garage, a workshop, a cellar or a storeroom, as a bare fitting in a dry room and as a sealed version with diffuser as soon as there is moisture or dust.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Sealed LED tube light fitting: when should you choose one?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"As soon as the room has moisture, splashes or a dusty atmosphere: bathroom, cellar, garage, workshop, sheltered outdoor area. The diffuser protects the tube and softens the light. The protection rating on the data sheet indicates the real level, with no need to guess.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which light colour for a living room?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"In a living room, a warm white creates a soft, restful light, suited to the evening and to warm materials such as wood. A neutral white is better for a through space that also serves as a desk corner or dining area. What matters is the match between the fitting and the other sources in the room.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Does a 220V LED tube light fitting plug into a socket?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A fitting designed for 220V is powered from the mains, generally connected to the lighting circuit rather than to a free socket. Connection requires switching off the power and respecting the wire markings. Rechargeable models, on the other hand, are installed without wiring and are recharged.\"}}]}]}\u003c\/script\u003e","products":[],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0677\/8598\/2228\/collections\/designix-entete-reglette-pour-tube-led-v1.jpg?v=1791950788","url":"https:\/\/designix-lighting.com\/collections\/led-tube-light-fitting.oembed","provider":"Designix","version":"1.0","type":"link"}