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

NOT suitable with HF ballasts — requires luminaire modification

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

Important: installation must always be carried out by a professional electrician, who will:

• Bypass or remove the old HF ballast
• Wire the luminaire holders directly to 230V mains voltage
• Ensure that the wiring is safe and compliant with standards
• Provide documentation of the changes to the end-user

If the luminaire was previously an HF type, 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 old ballast or control gear of the luminaire is to be removed. More economical in the long run, as the control gear does not consume extra energy.
• HF model: suitable for existing HF luminaires where rewiring is to be avoided. Explore 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 has a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours (compared to 12,000–24,000 hours for a traditional fluorescent tube). The length of 849 mm corresponds to the standard length of a 39W T5 fluorescent tube, so the lamp fits the same luminaire holder.

Shatter protection — use in food and healthcare industries

The glass light tube of this lamp is protected by a special PET coating, which contains glass fragments if the lamp breaks. This makes the lamp suitable for environments where glass breakage could pose a health hazard:

• 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 EU Directive 2019/2020: 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, which can make rotating machinery appear visually dangerous
• Suitable for long-term use in all professional applications

Precise color consistency — ≤ 5 SDCM

The color consistency (SDCM, Standard Deviation of Color Matching) is ≤ 5, which is a premium level. When multiple lamps are installed side by side (e.g., office ceiling or supermarket ceiling lighting), their color shade is very consistent — 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 outdoor use is possible in moisture-protected luminaires (IP44 or better). The operating temperature 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 use, please see our 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 spacing)
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 installation by an electrician — do not attempt to rewire 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 operation

Also, explore our selection of other T5 LED tubes.