T5 led tube or led strip light for cove light？
author: Ivan Huang
2023-05-15
Cove lights are a popular way to add a touch of ambiance to any room. These lights are usually installed in a recessed ceiling or wall cavity to provide indirect lighting that washes over the room in a soft and diffused manner. The right type of cove light can make a big difference in the overall atmosphere of the space, and choosing the right lighting is important for both functionality and aesthetics.
In this article, we will compare two types of LED lights that are commonly used for cove lighting: T5 LED tubes and LED strip lights. We will discuss their features, advantages, and disadvantages to help you decide which one is the best fit for your project.
T5 LED Tube
T5 LED tubes are a type of linear lighting that are typically used in commercial and industrial settings. They are designed to replace traditional fluorescent tubes and offer better energy efficiency, longer lifespan, and brighter light output.
Advantages of T5 LED Tube
T5 LED tubes are energy-efficient and can save up to 50% of energy compared to traditional fluorescent tubes.
They have a high color rendering index (CRI) which means they can accurately reproduce colors, making them suitable for use in areas where color accuracy is important.
T5 LED tubes have a long lifespan of up to 50,000 hours, which means they require less maintenance and replacement.
They are environmentally friendly because they are mercury-free.
Disadvantages of T5 LED Tube
T5 LED tubes can be more expensive than traditional fluorescent tubes.
They may require rewiring of the fixture to work properly.
T5 LED tubes may not be suitable for use in areas where the fixture is exposed to moisture or high humidity.
LED Strip Light
LED strip lights consist of a flexible circuit board that houses multiple small LED bulbs. The circuit board can be cut to size and shape to fit any space, making them a versatile option for cove lighting.
Now, here are some of the popular led strip light for your reference:
Single color led strip: 2835 led strip, 2216 led strip, 2110 led strip, 3014 led strip, 5050 led strip, 3528 led strip, 5630 led strip, etc.
Dual white led strip: 2835 dual white led strip, 2216 dual white led strip, 2110 dual white led strip, 5630 dual white led strip, etc.
Colors led strip: RGB led strip, RGBW led strip, RGB CCT led strip
Addressable led strip: ws2811 led strip, ws2812b led strip, ws2815 led strip, sk6812 led strip, ucs2904b rgbw led strip, etc.
Advantages of LED Strip Light
LED strip lights are energy-efficient and can save up to 90% of energy compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.
They have a long lifespan of up to 50,000 hours, which means they require less maintenance and replacement.
LED strip lights are versatile and can be used for a variety of applications, including cove lighting, under cabinet lighting, and accent lighting.
They are available in a wide range of colors, allowing for customization of the lighting to suit any mood or setting.
They emit low heat, making them safe to touch and reducing the risk of fire hazards.
Disadvantages of LED Strip Light
LED strip lights may not be as bright as other types of lighting, making them less suitable for areas that require high levels of illumination.
They may require additional wiring and transformers to operate correctly, which can increase the cost of installation.
Comparison between T5 LED Tube and LED Strip Light for Cove Light
Light Output and Distribution
T5 LED tubes produce a more intenseof light, making them ideal for areas that require high levels of illumination. In contrast, LED strip lights offer a more diffuse and subtle light, making them ideal for creating a sense of ambiance and atmosphere. LED strip lights can also be placed in hard-to-reach areas and can be cut to size and shape to fit any space.
Energy Efficiency
Both T5 LED tubes and LED strip lights are energy-efficient and can save up to 50% to 90% of energy compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. However, T5 LED tubes are generally more efficient than LED strip lights, making them a better choice for areas that require high levels of illumination. T5 LED tubes also have a higher luminous efficacy, which means they produce more light per watt of energy consumed.
Installation and Maintenance
T5 LED tubes require a specific type of fixture and may require rewiring to work properly. The installation of T5 LED tubes can be more complicated and may require the services of a licensed electrician. On the other hand, LED strip lights are easier to install and can be mounted using adhesive tape, clips, or channels. LED strip lights are also lower dimension, making them easy to hide in small spaces. Both types of lighting require little maintenance and have a long lifespan of up to 50,000 hours.
Cost and Value for Money
T5 LED tubes are generally more expensive than LED strip lights, but they offer a higher level of illumination. T5 LED tubes also require a specific type of fixture, which can add to the overall cost of installation. On the other hand, LED strip lights are more affordable and offer a greater level of flexibility in terms of installation. LED strip lights can be cut to size and shape, allowing for customization of the lighting to suit any space. While T5 LED tubes may offer a higher level of illumination, LED strip lights offer better value for money due to their affordability and versatility.
Color
For T5 LED tubes, normally, it's only white color or dual white color.
For led strip light, there are many type of colors for your reference, white, dual white, RGB, RGBW, RGBCCT or even pixel led strip light. The individual controlled led strip light is a new type in the market, which is very popular. By working with controllers, it's OK to control the light as smart light, more popular at the moment. You can always find the suitable color base on your request.
Future Trend: LED strip is more popular than T5 led tube light
Now led flexible strip light is more and more popular, because their quality is more stable, and they are suitable for most application at home, like cabinet light decoration, corridor lighting, mirror lighting etc. By choosing flexible led strip as cove lighting, you can make sure same color in the whole room, which is many high-end projects’ requirement.
For T5 led tube, in order to reduce the price, the quality of them become lower day by day. The brightness of T5 led tube will become low after use for several months, or even get break. Once you change one led tube only, you will find that the color of the new tube is not same as the others, that’s another reason that more and more people choose led flexible strip light instead of T5 led tube.
Overall, the choice between T5 LED tubes and LED strip lights for cove lighting depends on the specific needs and requirements of the space. T5 LED tubes are ideal for areas that require high levels of illumination and uniform light distribution, such as commercial spaces or work areas. LED strip lights, on the other hand, are ideal for creating a sense of ambiance and atmosphere in residential spaces or for accent lighting. Both types of lighting are energy-efficient, require little maintenance, and have a long lifespan, making them a cost-effective and sustainable option for cove lighting.
Conclusion
In summary, both T5 LED tubes and LED strip lights are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and ideal for cove lighting. T5 LED tubes provide a more intense of light, making them ideal for areas that require high levels of illumination. LED strip lights, on the other hand, offer a more diffuse and subtle light, making them ideal for creating ambiance and atmosphere. LED strip lights are also more flexible and easier to install, making them a more cost-effective and versatile option for cove lighting. Also, led strip light and more and more popular compare to T5 led tube light.