What is the difference between T8 and T5 LED tubes?

T8 tubes have a 1-inch (26mm) diameter with G13 bi-pin base — the most common commercial replacement for fluorescent T8 fixtures. T5 tubes have a 5/8-inch (16mm) diameter with G5 base, preferred for slimline fixtures, under-shelf retail display, and high-output applications. T8 dominates B2B volume; T5 is the choice for retail display and architectural lighting.

What does Type A, Type B, and Type A+B mean for LED tube installation?

Type A (ballast-compatible) works with existing fluorescent ballasts — no rewiring. Type B (ballast bypass / direct wire) requires removing the ballast for maximum efficiency and longest lifespan (L70 ≥ 50,000h). Type A+B works both ways, ideal for phased retrofits where some fixtures still have working ballasts.

What certifications should I require when sourcing T8 LED tubes for the US market?

For North America: UL or ETL listing (safety), DLC QPL listing (utility rebates of $1–$3/tube), and Energy Star qualification. For Europe: CE marking and RoHS compliance. For Australia: SAA approval. For the Middle East: SASO certification. We provide full documentation with every order.

What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for wholesale T8 LED tubes?

Standard wholesale MOQ is 100 pieces per SKU. For OEM/private label orders, MOQ starts at 500 pieces. Sample orders of 5–20 pieces are available for evaluation before bulk commitment. Volume discounts apply from 500pcs (-8%) up to 5,000pcs+ (-22%).

Can you manufacture T8 LED tubes with custom spectrum (CCT/CRI) for specialized applications?

Yes. Our OEM/ODM service covers custom CCT (2700K–6500K), CRI (80–98), and spectral power distribution (SPD). We serve food retail (enhanced red spectrum), healthcare (circadian-friendly), horticulture, and human-centric lighting applications.

Are your T8 LED tubes eligible for US utility rebates?

Yes. Our DLC QPL-listed T8 LED tubes qualify for utility rebates from most US energy providers, typically $1–$3 per tube. We provide DLC product ID numbers, LM-79 test reports, and all documentation required for rebate applications.

Cornea LightingB2B Hub

UL ListedETLCEDLC QPLRoHSEnergy Star

T8 & T5 LED Tube Manufacturer — Factory Direct for Global B2B Buyers

China-based LED tube factory supplying electrical distributors, contractors, OEM clients, retail chains, and government procurement. UL · ETL · DLC · CE · RoHS certified.

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15+

Years Manufacturing

80+

Export Countries

2M+

Annual Capacity

Certifications

T8 vs T5: Key Differences

T8 LED Tube

A T8 LED tube is a linear LED lamp with a 1-inch (25.4mm) diameter and a G13 bi-pin base. It is the most widely used commercial lighting standard globally, designed to directly replace T8 fluorescent tubes.

Diameter1 inch / 25.4mm

Base TypeG13 (bi-pin)

Common Lengths2ft, 3ft, 4ft, 8ft

Typical Wattage9W – 22W (4ft)

Lumen Output1,200 – 2,500 lm

Lifespan50,000+ hours

T5 LED Tube

A T5 LED tube features a 5/8-inch (15.9mm) diameter with a G5 bi-pin base. Its slimmer profile makes it ideal for display cases, under-cabinet lighting, and architectural applications.

Diameter5/8 inch / 15.9mm

Base TypeG5 (bi-pin)

Common Lengths2ft, 3ft, 4ft, 5ft

Typical Wattage7W – 28W (HO)

Lumen Output900 – 3,200 lm (HO)

Lifespan50,000+ hours

Specifications & Installation Types

Parameter	T8 LED Tube	T5 LED Tube
Tube Diameter	1 inch (25.4mm)	5/8 inch (15.9mm)
Base / Socket	G13 (bi-pin)	G5 (bi-pin)
Standard Lengths	2ft, 3ft, 4ft, 8ft	2ft, 3ft, 4ft, 5ft
Typical Power (4ft)	15W – 22W	14W – 28W (HO)
Efficacy	100 – 160 lm/W	90 – 130 lm/W
CRI Range	80 – 95	80 – 95
Color Temp Options	2700K – 6500K	3000K – 6500K
Primary Applications	Office, warehouse, retail	Display cases, low ceilings
B2B Procurement Volume	★★★★★ (Highest)	★★★ (Moderate)
Ballast Compatibility	Type A/B/A+B	Type A/B

Certifications Guide (DLC, UL, CE)

Type APlug & Play

Works with existing electronic ballast. No rewiring required. Easiest installation for retrofits.

No rewiring needed

Quick installation

Lower upfront cost

Best for: Quick retrofits, rental properties

Type BBallast Bypass

Wired directly to line voltage (120-277V). Ballast is removed or bypassed. Best long-term efficiency.

Highest energy savings

No ballast failure risk

Longest lifespan

Best for: New construction, large commercial projects

Type A+BDual Mode

Compatible with both ballast and direct wire. Maximum flexibility for mixed environments.

Maximum flexibility

Future-proof

Works in both modes

Best for: Mixed facilities, phased retrofits

B2B Buyer Types & Applications

🏭

Warehouses & Factories

T8 Type B, 5000K

2,000+ lm

🏢

Office Buildings

T8 Type A/B, 4000K

1,800 lm

🛒

Supermarkets & Retail

T8 Type A, 3500K

2,200 lm

🏥

Healthcare Facilities

T8 Type B, 4000K

2,000 lm

🏫

Schools & Education

T8 Type A+B, 4000K

1,800 lm

🏛️

Government Buildings

T8 DLC Listed, 4000K

2,000 lm

🛍️

Display Cases

T5 HO, 3000K

2,800 lm

🚗

Parking Structures

T8 Type B, 5000K

2,500 lm

🏨

Hospitality

T5 Standard, 3000K

1,200 lm

Bulk Pricing & MOQ

When sourcing LED tubes for commercial or government projects, certifications are non-negotiable. They determine eligibility for utility rebates, ensure product safety, and protect you from liability.

UL / ETL ListedNorth America

Safety certification required for US/Canada market entry

DLC QPL ListedNorth America

Qualifies for utility rebates; required for government procurement

Energy StarNorth America

EPA energy efficiency certification for residential/commercial

CE MarkingEurope

Mandatory for EU market; covers LVD and EMC directives

RoHS CompliantGlobal

Restricts hazardous substances; required for EU and many markets

ISO 9001:2015Factory

Quality management system certification for manufacturing

LED tube certifications UL ETL CE DLC RoHS

View Full Certifications Guide — UL, DLC, CE, TUV, SASO →

OEM / Private Label Process

Before placing a bulk order, use this checklist to evaluate any LED tube supplier:

Verify DLC QPL listing number on DesignLights.org

Request IES photometric test files (LM-79)

Confirm LM-80 lumen maintenance data (L70 ≥ 50,000h)

Check warranty terms (minimum 5 years for commercial)

Request factory audit report or ISO certificate

Confirm MOQ and lead time for your volume

Ask for ballast compatibility list (Type A products)

Verify color consistency (SDCM ≤ 3 MacAdam ellipses)

Request sample batch before full production

Confirm packaging and labeling requirements

Official Verification Resources

DLC QPL Database Energy Star Product Finder UL Product iQ DOE SSL Program IES Standards

Competitor Alternatives

China accounts for over 80% of global LED lighting exports. The country's manufacturing ecosystem provides unmatched advantages for B2B buyers seeking quality, scale, and cost efficiency.

Vertical Integration

From LED chips to finished products under one roof, ensuring quality control at every stage.

Global Certifications

Chinese manufacturers routinely hold UL, ETL, CE, DLC, and Energy Star certifications.

Scale & Capacity

2M+ units/month capacity with 30-day lead times for standard SKUs.

R&D Investment

Continuous investment in LED efficacy, lifespan, and smart lighting integration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore Our B2B Solutions

Wholesale & Distribution

T8 LED tube wholesale distributor pricing. Tiered bulk discounts from 100pcs, stable inventory, UL/ETL/DLC certified for electrical wholesalers and distributors worldwide.

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Commercial Contractors

DLC-listed T8 LED tubes for commercial retrofit projects. Type A/B/A+B ballast bypass options, contractor bulk pricing, IES photometric files, and utility rebate support.

Contractor Pricing

OEM / ODM Manufacturing

Custom T8 & T5 LED tube OEM manufacturer China. Private label, white label, custom spectrum (CCT/CRI), custom packaging. MOQ 500pcs. NDA protected. Fast 7-day sampling.

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Government & Municipal

DLC & Energy Star certified T8 LED tubes for government procurement. Full compliance docs (LM-79/LM-80), 5-year warranty, ROI analysis, GSA-approved supply.

Government Inquiry

Supermarket & Retail Chains

T8 LED tubes for supermarket shelf lighting, refrigerator display cases, and retail chain bulk supply. Private label and energy rebate program support available.

Retail Chain Pricing

Factory Direct

Ready to Source T8 & T5 LED Tubes?

Get factory-direct pricing, full certification documentation, and dedicated B2B support from Cornea Lighting.

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