I'm having dilemma on choosing the type of light tubes for my ceiling cove light.

My ID suggested fluorescent T8 tubes coz its multidirectional light source will produce softer & broader diffused light on the ceiling.

But, the light shop owner suggested me to use LED T5 tubes. He said LED T5 nowadays is comparable bright as compared to fluorescent T8 tubes. And, it consumes less power + easy to install/replace.

Anyone here using LED T5 tubes for cove light? Can share how's the end result?

it's about the same

T8 and T5 LED having around 120-140 degree beam angle.
You just need to confirm the following

1. Lumen Output
2. Power Factor
3. Rated lifetime

from my suggestion will be using T5,

t5 can be join together like the photo below

unlike t8 have to cross over

btw, t5 do have fluorescent for cheaper selection

Better do not connect in such a way for cove lighting, it will create 'shadow'.

how to connect without getting the shadow effect?

It wont have shadow effect, my house L box is with T5 all connect via cable and place close together no overlapping. No problem.

Over lap it.

My case can see darken out area if not arrange them over lapping. Maybe my ceiling drop is higher.

if t8, the shadow gap is noticeable

while t5 giving better effect

Consider LED stripe if just want to use as ambience light. I use T5, too bright to my liking.

Led stripes sometimes got one dot one dot effect if the LEDs are far apart

Later some dot become dark. Whole strip look like cacat.

YEA, once one dot gone, whole strip got to change

yeah, kinda ugly

Normally for T8, need to be installed overlap to avoid dark area.

Just a question, for Lbox , normally is how inch below the ceiling?

there is an idea height which is 75mm for L box, 75mm for the gap, 150mm height in total, some people do have 100mm gap when the ceiling is more than 3000ht or 50mm for led light ONLY(t5 will be more brighten than led the light if having small gap)

Hi Kelvintt,

You may consider using GE LED T5, They are much easier to maintain. Plug and Play thats it. It will be much time consuming if you were using T8.

For Branded LED Tube;

They are usually rated at 1W - 80 to 100 Lumens. 18w = 1800 Lumens. Also their CRI is 80-85 and fluorescent can get as low between 60-75.


Joshua Hu

Joshua Hu

Ten Watt Engineering
82 Lorong 23 Geylang Road, #04-05
Atrix Building S388409
( A Subsidary of Tencent Electrical & Lightings Pte Ltd)

Is it possible to use a dimmer for LED Tube?

Taobao LED strip. Less than rm 200 light up all my L box in living rooms and kitchen

Ya, Tell us later after 2 yrs.

How much is t5 led?

Any way to DIY the L Box AKA Cove by myself?

Sure you can DIY.

Get some tools, get some materials, and get some experience. Then DIY. Easy peasy