T4 or T5 fluorescent link lights - confused!

[andytx]

Hi,

We currently have some old T5 fluorescent lights under our kitchen units, fitted by a previous occupier. The tube lengths are non-standard, and replacement tubes cost ~£8-15 each each (depending on length) - when you can get them. I'm going to change the lighting under the units (and put some on top of them), to give more light in a gloomy kitchen. But, I don't want to fit lights with odd sizes, I want the ~£2.50 replacement tubes.

I've seen T4's in all kinds of different sizes, and whilst most T5's are standardish - not all are. I know some of these issues have been discussed before, but not for several years. T4's or T5's? what lengths are standard? 300mm, 600mm, 900mm?? Is there anything better now (I don't want halogen)? LED?

This is very interesting (if a little confusing!).

tia!

 

[Spark123]

T5 are the most common ones, such as these here:
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_In...t_Index/Kitchen_and_Under_Cupboard/index.html

 

[ban-all-sheds]

OTOH these are usefully slimmer:

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_In...Index/Linkable_Flourescent_Fitting/index.html

Don't have a mix of sizes - pick one, buy a spare or two in case of any future problems, and a few spare tubes.

 

[andytx]

Thanks guys...

Think I like the slim ones best, not least because they're cheap!

Where are you from spark123? I'm in Carlisle (if you're in Carlisle - where's a good place to get 'em from?). Edmondsons (local retailer) wanted £66 for 4 smallish T4's...

Ta!

 

[Spark123]

I'm from the opposite end of the county.
TLC (the website we both linked to above) do delivery

 

[andytx]

Having looked more closely at the links, this is a case in point. Both are T5 fluorescents, but:

slim
6w/275mm
10w/243mm
16w/525mm

other
6w/9"(228mm)
8w/12"(305mm)
15w/18"(457mm)

etc

All different sizes! so when I come to buy replacement tubes...

 

[Spark123]

The slimline ones appear to be T4

 

[ban-all-sheds]

They are T4.

I want the ~£2.50 replacement tubes.

And the 16W lamps are £1.99 each.

 

[andytx]

Thanks for all your replies, but it is still confusing. The £1.99 lamp page has the comment:

These tubes are only recommended for use with our fittings.
as lengths may vary between manufactures.
Please check if buying for use with another fitting.

Although they're really cheap, that's exactly what I was trying to get away from . I need 3-4 different length lights, and if they're all bespoke lengths I foresee issues with replacement tubes.

It hacks me off when a normal BC/ES lamp goes, I always seem have the wrong replacement! call me old fashioned...

Hmm...