Ledvance LEDTUBE T5 AC Performance G5 18W 849mm – direct 230V, replaces 39W

NOT suitable for use with HF electronic ballasts — requires modification of the luminaire

This is an AC-model LED tube designed to operate directly on 230V mains voltage. Older T5 fluorescent luminaires typically contain an electronic high-frequency (HF) ballast (EVG / ECG), which must be bypassed or removed before installing this LED tube.

Important: installation must always be performed by a professional electrician who:

• Bypasses or removes the old HF ballast
• Wires the luminaire sockets directly to 230V mains voltage
• Ensures that the wiring is safe and compliant with standards
• Provides the end user with documentation of the modifications

If the luminaire was previously an HF model, the electrician is responsible for all technical and safety consequences after rewiring.

AC vs. HF — when to choose which?

• AC model (this one): suitable for new installations and renovations where the luminaire’s old choke or ballast is to be removed. More cost-effective in the long run because the ballast does not consume extra energy.
• HF model: suitable for existing HF luminaires where you want to avoid rewiring. See our selection in the T5 LED tubes category.

Replaces 39W T5 fluorescent tube

This 18W LED tube matches the lighting efficiency of a traditional 39W T5 fluorescent tube. Energy savings are approximately 54%, and the LED tube's lifespan is up to 50,000 hours (for comparison, a traditional fluorescent tube lasts 12,000–24,000 h). The length of 849 mm corresponds to the standard length of a 39W T5 fluorescent tube, so the lamp fits into the same luminaire holder.

Shatter protection — for food and healthcare use

This lamp's glass tube is protected with a special PET coating that keeps glass fragments contained if the lamp breaks. This makes the lamp suitable for areas where broken glass could pose a health risk:

• Food industry and processing (HACCP regulations)
• Restaurant kitchens and bakeries
• Meat processing plants
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Chemical industry and laboratories

Low flicker — for office use

The lamp meets the flicker requirements of the EU 2019/2020 directive: SVM ≤ 0.4 (stroboscopic effect) and PstLM ≤ 1 (short-term flicker). In practice, this means:

• In office use, it does not cause eye strain or headaches
• In production facilities, it does not cause a stroboscopic effect that can make rotating machinery visually dangerous
• Suitable for long-term use in all professional settings

Precise color consistency — ≤ 5 SDCM

Color consistency (SDCM, Standard Deviation of Color Matching) is ≤ 5, which is premium-level. When multiple lamps are installed side-by-side (e.g., office or supermarket ceiling lighting), their color tint is very uniform — no visible differences between different lamps. This is an important quality metric in professional use.

Limited outdoor use

The lamp's protection class is IP20 (indoor use), but use outdoors is possible in moisture-protected luminaires (IP44 or better). The operating temperature range of −20…+45 °C covers all Finnish conditions.

Not suitable for emergency lighting luminaires

This lamp is not certified for emergency lighting use — it does not work with backup battery systems. If you need an LED tube suitable for emergency lighting, see the Bailey Ecoplus T5 LED HF models in our selection.

Installation checklist

1. Check that the luminaire has a T5 G5 base (base with 5 mm pin distance)
2. Check that the old HF ballast can be removed or bypassed
3. Check that the lamp length of 849 mm fits the luminaire
4. Order the installation from an electrician — do not attempt to rewire it yourself
5. The electrician connects the luminaire directly to 230V mains voltage
6. Install the LED tube into the luminaire holders
7. Turn on the power and check the operation

Also, check out our other T5 LED tubes available in our selection here.