A Cree linear LED T8 lamp. (Credit: Cree Inc.)Cree, a U.S. multinational manufacturer of semiconductor light-emitting diode (LED) materials and devices, has introduced a series of LED T8 replacement tubes that “finally gives commercial lighting users reasons to switch to LED lighting and stop using linear fluorescent tubes.”
The Cree linear LED T8 lamp delivers 2100 lumens of enhanced spectrum 90 CRI (color rendering index) light while achieving 100 lumens per watt at the system level. According to the company’s press-release, the he oval shaped design of the tubes allows for more uplight than other LED replacement lamps, creating more uniform light output during its 50,000-hour lifetime. The Cree LED T8 Series’ circuit design enables compatibility with Instant Start, Programmed Start, Rapid Start and most dimmable fluorescent ballasts, making the Cree LED T8 Series “the most compatible LED T8 replacement tube on the market.”
“With the Cree LED T8 Series, customers no longer have to accept outdated fluorescent technology as their only choice,” said Chuck Swoboda, Cree Chairman and CEO. “Similar to what we’ve achieved with the Cree LED Bulb in the residential market, the Cree LED T8 Series is revolutionizing the commercial lighting market with a product that saves energy, delivers superior light quality and is universally compatible with nearly all existing fluorescent T8 ballasts. There’s no reason to install another linear fluorescent tube again.”
Despite the fact that there are other similar solutions available, these Forbes and Gizmodo articles seem to think that this product is going to be a major milestone for the lighting market in the United States.
Here are some specifications, as provided by Cree:
- Compatible with >90% of electronic T8 ballasts
- 30% energy cost savings and payback in <3 years when compared to 32W fluorescent T8s
- Lamp Delivered Light Output: 2100 lumens per LED lamp (varies by ballast)
- CRI: 90; Utilizes Cree TrueWhite technology
- Lifetime: Designed to last 50,000 hours (5.7 years)
