Advantages of 120cm LED Batten Lighting
Opting for 120cm LED battens over older lighting technologies offers several tangible benefits. These advantages contribute to both operational efficiency and improved light quality.
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Significant energy savings: LED battens consume considerably less power than conventional fluorescent tubes. For example, a traditional 36W fluorescent lamp can be replaced with an LED batten of about 18W to 25W, providing comparable or even higher light output. This leads directly to lower energy costs.
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Long lifespan: With an expected lifespan of around 30,000 to 50,000 operating hours, LED battens last much longer than traditional fluorescent lamps. This reduces the replacement frequency and lowers maintenance labor costs.
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Instant, flicker-free start: LED battens provide full brightness immediately after switching on, with no warm-up time or noticeable flicker, resulting in a more comfortable working environment.
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Environmentally friendly composition: LED battens contain no mercury or other harmful substances, making them an environmentally responsible choice and simplifying waste disposal.
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Flexible installation: Thanks to their slim design and included mounting clips, 120cm LED battens are easy to install on ceilings or walls. Many models are linkable, allowing a long, uninterrupted light line to be created without visible breaks.
Considerations When Choosing a 120cm LED Batten
When purchasing a 120cm LED batten, it’s wise to consider specific technical features. These determine the suitability of the fixture for its intended use and its overall performance.
| Feature |
Description and Importance |
| Lumens (lm) |
The light output of the fixture. For general room lighting, a high lumen value is desirable (e.g., 3000–4800 lumens). For accent lighting, a lower value may suffice. |
| Light color (Kelvin - K) |
Determines the ambiance of the light. Common options include:
- Warm white (3000K): Suitable for a welcoming atmosphere in shops or canteens.
- Neutral white (4000K): A versatile color for workspaces, garages, and storage areas.
- Cool white / daylight white (6000K-6500K): For areas requiring bright, functional light, such as workshops or production spaces.
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| IP rating (Ingress Protection) |
The protection level against dust and moisture.
- IP20: Suitable only for dry indoor spaces.
- IP44: Splash-resistant; for damp rooms like bathrooms (but not directly above showers).
- IP65: Dust- and jet-waterproof; suitable for outdoor and damp, dusty industrial environments.
Always choose an IP rating that matches the environmental conditions. |
| Color Rendering Index (CRI) |
Indicates how true-to-life colors are under the batten’s light. A CRI of 80 or higher is generally recommended for good color recognition, which is important in retail or office spaces. |
| Linkability |
Check whether the batten is linkable to create longer lines of light without breaks. This is useful in long corridors or large industrial halls. |
| Dimmable options |
If adjustable brightness is desired, choose a dimmable LED batten. Check compatibility with dimming systems (e.g., DALI or triac). |
Application Areas for 120cm LED Batten Lighting
The versatility of the 120cm LED batten makes this lighting solution suitable for a variety of environments. The robust construction, often with an impact-resistant housing, and efficient light distribution contribute to broad usability.
These batten fixtures are popular for:
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Garages and workshops: Here, bright, functional, shadow-free light is important for precision work and safety. The even light distribution of a 120cm batten is ideal for this purpose.
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Warehouses and storage spaces: Uniform lighting helps to locate products and boosts efficiency. Linkable batten systems are an efficient solution for long corridors.
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Basements and technical rooms: Less frequently visited places benefit from the long lifespan and low maintenance of LED battens.
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Shops and supermarkets: A sleek, modern look with bright, even light, often in neutral or cool white colors to highlight products effectively.
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Parking garages: The robust, sometimes vandal-resistant versions (with higher IK ratings) and high light output contribute to safety and visibility.
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Canopies and outdoor galleries: When a higher IP-rated batten is chosen, these fixtures are also suitable for sheltered outdoor areas.
Installation and Maintenance of 120cm LED Batten Fixtures
Installation of a 120cm LED batten is generally easy, contributing to their popularity among installers and DIYers. The fixtures are often supplied with mounting brackets or clips that allow quick and secure installation on ceilings or walls.
A typical installation process includes the following steps:
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Safety first: Always switch off the power for the relevant circuit in the fuse box before starting installation. Use a voltage tester to ensure that the power is truly off.
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Marking and preparation: Mark the drill holes in the desired position. Ensure a stable surface.
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Mounting the brackets: Attach the supplied mounting brackets to the ceiling or wall. Use suitable plugs and screws.
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Connecting the wiring: Safely connect the power cables to the terminals in the batten, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Take care with live, neutral, and earth wiring connections.
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Placing the fixture: Click or slide the 120cm LED batten into the mounted brackets. Ensure the fixture is firmly fixed.
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Testing and finishing: Switch the power back on and check the operation of the lighting.
Maintenance for LED battens is minimal. Periodically cleaning the fixtures with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and dirt is sufficient to help maintain light output. With proper installation and use, these fixtures are designed for long, reliable operation with no further intervention needed.
Frequently Asked Questions about 120cm LED Batten Lighting
How do I replace an old 120cm fluorescent fixture with an LED batten?
You can completely remove the old fixture and connect the 120cm LED batten directly to the existing power points. LED battens are complete fixtures that do not require an external ballast or starter.
Are all 120cm LED batten fixtures linkable?
Not all models are linkable. Always check the product specifications or description for this. Linkable models are often supplied with special connectors.
What is the difference between an LED batten and an LED fluorescent tube?
An LED fluorescent tube is a separate tube that is placed in an existing fluorescent fixture with a G13 fitting, sometimes requiring wiring modification or replacement of the starter. An LED batten is a complete, slim fixture with an integrated LED light source, connected directly to the mains power. Thus, the batten is a faster and often visually neater solution.
Can I use a 120cm LED batten outdoors?
This depends on the IP rating of the specific fixture. For outdoor or damp environments, you need a batten with at least an IP65 classification. Always check the product information for this.