T5 LED Tube vs Fluorescent T5: Complete Replacement Guide for B2B Buyers
Replace F28T5, F54T5HO, F21T5 fluorescent tubes with T5 LED equivalents. Full cross-reference chart, G5 base compatibility, fixture types, DLC certification, and factory-direct pricing from China.
In This Guide
T5 LED vs T5 Fluorescent: Key Differences
| Parameter | T5 Fluorescent | T5 LED |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 16mm (5/8 inch) | 16mm (5/8 inch) — identical |
| Base | G5 bi-pin | G5 bi-pin — identical |
| Wattage (4ft std) | 28W | 14–16W (−43–50%) |
| Wattage (4ft HO) | 54W | 25–32W (−41–54%) |
| Efficacy | 85–100 lm/W | 140–180 lm/W |
| Lifespan | 20,000–30,000 hrs | 50,000–70,000 hrs |
| Mercury content | 3–5 mg per tube | Zero |
| Flicker | High (ballast-dependent) | Flicker-free (<5% TLA) |
| Dimming | Limited (special ballast) | 0-10V / DALI (Type B/C) |
| Instant start | No (warm-up 1–3s) | Yes |
The 16mm tube diameter and G5 bi-pin base are identical between T5 fluorescent and T5 LED, making physical installation straightforward. The critical difference is the electrical interface: T5 LED tubes require either ballast compatibility (Type A), ballast bypass (Type B), or an external LED driver (Type C).
T5 Fluorescent to LED Cross-Reference Chart
| Fluorescent | Watts | Length | Lumens | LED Watts | LED Lumens | Energy Saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F21T5 | 21W | 3ft / 900mm | 1,700 lm | 10–12W | 1,600–2,000 lm | 43–52% |
| F28T5 | 28W | 4ft / 1200mm | 2,600 lm | 14–16W | 2,000–2,400 lm | 43–50% |
| F35T5 | 35W | 5ft / 1500mm | 3,300 lm | 18–20W | 2,800–3,200 lm | 43–49% |
| F49T5HO | 49W | 4ft / 1200mm | 4,600 lm | 23–28W | 4,000–5,000 lm | 43–53% |
| F54T5HO | 54W | 4ft / 1200mm | 5,000 lm | 25–32W | 4,200–5,500 lm | 41–54% |
| F80T5HO | 80W | 5ft / 1500mm | 7,200 lm | 38–45W | 6,500–8,000 lm | 44–53% |
* LED lumen output at 25°C ambient. HO = High Output. All T5 LED tubes use G5 bi-pin base. DLC QPL minimum: 140 lm/W (Standard), 160 lm/W (Premium).
T5 LED Installation Types: A, B, and C Compared
Type A (Plug & Play)
Works with compatible electronic ballasts. No rewiring required.
Pros
- ✓ Zero rewiring cost
- ✓ Fast installation
- ✓ Reversible
Cons
- ✗ Ballast failure = fixture dark
- ✗ Lower efficacy (120–140 lm/W)
- ✗ Ballast compatibility list required
Best For
Retrofit projects where ballast replacement cost is prohibitive
Type B (Direct Wire)
Bypasses ballast entirely. Line voltage direct to tube ends.
Pros
- ✓ No ballast dependency
- ✓ Higher efficacy (140–160 lm/W)
- ✓ Longer lifespan
Cons
- ✗ Rewiring required (labor cost)
- ✗ Non-reversible
- ✗ Electrician required
Best For
New construction and full retrofit projects
Type C (Remote Driver)
External LED driver powers the tube. Highest performance tier.
Pros
- ✓ Highest efficacy (160+ lm/W)
- ✓ Best dimming (0-10V / DALI)
- ✓ DLC Premium eligible
Cons
- ✗ Highest upfront cost
- ✗ Driver installation required
- ✗ Complex wiring
Best For
High-bay, sports, and DLC Premium rebate projects
DLC QPL Certification & Utility Rebates for T5 LED
DLC Standard Efficacy
≥ 140 lm/W
Qualifies for most utility rebates
DLC Premium Efficacy
≥ 160 lm/W
Higher rebate tier, ASHRAE 90.1 preferred
Minimum CRI
≥ 80 CRI
Required for all DLC listings
L70 Lifespan
≥ 50,000 hrs
LM-80 + TM-21 projection required
Typical Rebate (T5 std)
$5–$15 / fixture
Varies by utility and state
Typical Rebate (T5 HO)
$10–$25 / fixture
Higher wattage reduction = higher rebate
How to Verify DLC QPL Status
Visit designlights.org/products and search by manufacturer name or model number. Confirm the listing status is "Active" and that the listed efficacy, CCT, and CRI match the product spec sheet. For OEM buyers, request the DLC QPL listing number and verify it can be transferred to your brand name through DLC's brand transfer process.
T5 LED Tube Wholesale Pricing & MOQ from China
| Product | MOQ | FOB Price / pc | Certs Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| T5 14W 4ft (F28T5 equiv) | 500 pcs | $1.80–$2.40 | CE, RoHS, DLC |
| T5 16W 4ft (F28T5 equiv, DLC) | 500 pcs | $2.20–$3.00 | DLC QPL, UL, CE |
| T5 HO 25W 4ft (F49T5HO equiv) | 500 pcs | $2.80–$3.80 | CE, RoHS, DLC |
| T5 HO 30W 4ft (F54T5HO equiv) | 500 pcs | $3.20–$4.50 | DLC QPL, UL, CE |
| T5 OEM / Private Label | 1,000 pcs | Custom quote | DLC transfer available |
* FOB Guangzhou pricing. Lead time: 15–25 days production + shipping. Sample orders (20–50 pcs) available for qualification testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Ultimate T5 LED Tube Manufacturer Guide
Complete B2B buyer guide: T5 specifications, certifications, pricing, and how to source T5 LED tubes factory-direct from China.
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