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LEDs or Fluorescent Signage Light Comparison from Eco Signs

There is now some debate about the advantages and disadvantages of using either linear fluorescent tube lighting systems or LEDs. LEDs have certainly developed a lot of hype as the way forward in all forms of lighting.

T5 Fluorescent tubes have been the first choice in signage for many years, and, in our opinion, are still the preferred solution. The table below lists some of the advantages and disadvantages of both light sources.

LEDs

Advantages	Disadvantages
Small and can be used where flexibility of shape is required.	Highest initial cost of any lamp per kilo- lumen generated over economic life.
Can be encapsulated for robustness and protection from outdoor elements.	High purchase cost lighting system
Long life if correctly heat sinked.	Amongst the highest lumen depreciation of any GLS lamps at >30 per cent over life.
High brightness so that light utilisation can be very high with appropriate optics.	There are no international IEC standards.
The light generated is very cool as the heat is in the rear PN junction or mounting base of the lamp.	LEDs are not recyclable and so are not an eco-product
100 per cent dimmable with correct controller.	LEDs operate at very high temperatures and have the highest thermal density of any GLS lamp if no appropriate heat sink is applied.
	Because LEDs are small, many lamps are required and when failures occur, pixelation of the light source occurs, which degrades the lighting appearance.

COURTESY OF ADVANCE LIGHTING DESIGN: ANTHONY PAPALLO 2011
* (GLS) General Lighting Service

T5 Fluorescents

Advantages	Disadvantages
Lowest cost of any GLS lamp per kilo- lumen generated over lamp life.	Lamps are only available in defined lengths
All lamps have a low unit cost.	Lamps are made of glass and can't be bent.
The longest economical lifetime of any low profile lamp.	Lamps are physically large.
Lowest Lumen depreciation of any GLS lamp <10 per cent over lamp life.	Lamps contain 1.2 to 1.4 milligrams of mercury.
All lamps are 100 per cent recyclable with the phosphors reactivated.	Lamps need to be disposed of to recommended standards.
All lamps are made to international IEC standards, so all lamps are interchangeable from any certified supplier.	There is a join shadow when placing lamps end-to-end due to the lamp holder area.
100 per cent dimmable with correct ECG controller.
All lamps have low surface temperature.
All lamps have very good colour rendering index.
These lamps have the lowest lighting system operating cost of any GLS lamp.

COURTESY OF ADVANCE LIGHTING DESIGN: ANTHONY PAPALLO 2011
* (GLS) General Lighting Service
* (ECG) Electronic control equipment.

In making a decision regarding which light source will best suit the application, we recommend that questions be asked with the above information in mind.

For example, if an external sign requires a white light, then using an LED would be the preference, but for an indoor sign showing an image, T5s would be the correct solution. One very important consideration for facility managers is the issue of signage being made to Australian standards.

In the event of a sign failing and causing, say, an electrical fire or other damage, any unit that does not have evidence of being made to Australian electrical standards could void an insurance claim for damages to the building, and contents. There are also OHS considerations with using non-compliant products, such as electric shocks to personnel. Illuminated signs are considered to be a light fitting, according to the Australian Luminaries standard AS60598-1, and as such need to comply with this standard.

Whenever the requirement arises to consider the purchase of a lightbox, consider that there are more important factors than just the bottom-line cost. Consider the purpose of the sign, the best light source, and the actual amount of power required to operate the sign.

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