LED replacement for linear fluorescent lamps have been around for years, but prices have dropped 75-80 percent since 2013, which has created good ROIs, and market penetration is growing.
Now that TLEDs have become more popular in the commercial markets, competition is increasing, and the industry leaders are differentiating with value-add features for their lamps. Five features that are growing in importance for TLEDs are:
- Plug-n-play (operating on existing fluorescent ballasts)
- Dimmable
- NSF-approved shatter-coated
- Frosted, real-glass diffusion
- 5-foot and 6-foot HO options, for use in food areas and refrigeration
A sign that the TLED category is maturing is that it is now possible to find products with combinations of these features. One example is the Retrolux HE ArmorCoat product line from Espen Technology. This one product line combines plug-n-play, dimming, shatter-coating, frosted real glass, as well as 5-foot and 6-foot HO options.
The ArmorCoat Retrolux lamps are dimmable in two scenarios:
- When the 12W and 15W 4’ lamps are paired to existing electronic ballasts listed as compatible on the Espen Technology website
- When any of these lamps are paired with an Espen dimmable driver
Additional benefits of the Retroflex ArmorCoat T8 lamps:
- DLC Listed
- 135 lpw
- 5-year Warranty
- No rewiring if operating on the existing fluorescent ballast
- UL listed
- No mercury, no UV
- 325 degree beam angle
- Instant On
- 50,000 hours rated life
Detailed product information and specifications for these T8 TLED lamps and dimmable drivers can be obtained by emailing [email protected] or visiting the website.