InstantFit bulb is compatible with HF fixtures and drivers in linear fluorescent tube lighting

Philips has announced the launch of a new drop-in LED tube called “InstantFit LED T8”, which is meant to replace existing 4-foot T8 fluorescent lamps with no rewiring necessary.

Designed to replace the now-dated fluorescent tubes seen in many of today’s brick-and-mortar consumer stores, the company says that the replacement process is incredibly fast and that “the average supermarket can now switch to LED lighting in four days instead of four weeks.”

According to Philips, the InstantFit LED T8 offers 40,000 hours of life, and was tested with a variety of ballasts to ensure across-the-board compatibility.

“We studied the process for replacing fluorescent tubes with LED technology step by step to tackle those issues that dissuade facility managers and installers from making the switch,” said Rene van Schooten, CEO, light sources and electronics at Philips Lighting. “We found speed and simplicity were key.”

The LED tube contains no mercury and practically no UV or IR light. In terms of efficacy, Philips believes the InstantFit LED T8 light will save its user 41% in electrical costs compared to fluorescent tubes.

Looking to drive home their product’s wow-factor, Philips even went so far as to state that if all the fluorescent lighting in the world were replaced with their new LED tube, the net result savings would be $55 billion in energy costs — the equivalent of energy generated by 210 medium-sized power plants.

While a price point has not yet been established, Philips intends to introduce the InstantFit LED T8 in the first quarter of 2014.

Learn more in the promotional video below.

Story via: lighting.philips.com and phys.org

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