Replacing an old 4ft fluorescent tube? This 4ft LED tube light is a 1.2m T8 replacement designed for bright everyday lighting in homes, offices, garages, workshops and commercial spaces. It uses a standard G13 tube base, produces a cool white 5000K light and is supplied with an LED starter for suitable magnetic-ballast fittings.
Quick Guide: Is This the Right 4ft LED Tube for You?
| Tube length | 1200mm / 1.2m / 4ft |
| Tube type | T8, G13 base |
| Power | 18W LED |
| Light colour | 5000K cool white |
| Brightness | 1800 lumens |
| Power configuration | Single-ended power |
| Indoor / outdoor | IP20 – indoor use only |
Why Choose This 4ft LED Tube Light?
18W LED replaces the role of a traditional 36W fluorescent tube, with the old fluorescent system typically consuming more once ballast losses are included.
1800 lumens in a 5000K cool white colour suits areas where clear, practical visibility is more important than a warm decorative effect.
An LED starter is included for compatible magnetic-ballast fittings, while electronic-ballast fittings can be converted by a licensed electrician.
The current Green LED product documentation lists AS/NZS 60598 and IEC 62776, with SAA / RCM certification.
Will This 4ft LED Tube Fit My Existing Light?
The first thing to check is the physical size. This tube is 1200mm long and 28mm in diameter, using a standard T8 G13 two-pin base. If your old tube is a 4ft T8 fluorescent tube, the size is likely to be familiar.
The second check is the ballast type. A magnetic-ballast fitting normally uses a removable starter. An electronic-ballast fitting generally does not use a conventional starter and requires a different conversion approach. If you are unsure, use our guide on how to tell whether you have a magnetic or electronic ballast.
What Does 18W Mean on a 4ft LED Tube?
The 18W figure is the LED tube's electrical power. The current product specification lists approximately 18–19W including ballast consumption in a compatible setup. It is intended as an efficient replacement for a traditional 36W fluorescent tube, where the complete fluorescent fitting may use approximately 44–50W once ballast consumption is included.
What Does 5000K Cool White Look Like?
5000K is a crisp, bright white light often chosen for garages, workshops, utility areas, storerooms, offices and other spaces where clear visibility is useful. It looks noticeably cooler and whiter than a 3000K warm white household bulb.
Where Can You Use This 4ft LED Tube?
- Garages and home workshops
- Offices and staff areas
- Storerooms and utility rooms
- Retail back-of-house areas
- Small workshops and light commercial spaces
- Existing indoor 4ft T8 fittings that are compatible or correctly converted
This is an IP20 indoor tube. It is not intended for wet locations or refrigerator use.
How Bright Is This 4ft LED Tube?
The rated light output is 1800 lumens. Lumens are the most useful figure for comparing actual light output between LED products. For practical buying decisions, also consider the number of tubes in the fitting, mounting height, room size and how reflective the surrounding surfaces are.
4ft LED Tube Light Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 1200mm / 1.2m / 4ft |
| Power | 18W; approximately 18–19W including ballast consumption |
| Fluorescent reference | 36W fluorescent tube; approximately 44–50W including ballast consumption |
| Type / base | T8, G13, single-ended power; LED starter included |
| Input | AC 200–240V, 50/60Hz |
| Light output | 1800 lumens |
| Colour temperature | 5000K cool white |
| Material | Filmed glass |
| Dimensions | Ø28 × 1200mm |
| IP rating | IP20 – indoor use only |
| Average life | Up to 25,000 hours |
| Standards listed | AS/NZS 60598, IEC 62776 |
| Certificates listed | SAA / RCM |
| Warranty | 24 months |
How to Retrofit a 4ft Fluorescent Tube
- Identify the ballast type first.
- For a compatible magnetic-ballast fitting, switch off power, replace the old fluorescent starter with the supplied LED starter, then install the LED tube as directed for the fitting.
- For an electronic-ballast fitting, the electronic ballast needs to be bypassed or removed before this tube can be used. This requires a licensed electrician.
4ft vs 5ft LED Tube Lights – Which Size Do You Need?
The length must match the fitting. Choose this 4ft / 1.2m tube for a 1200mm fitting. If your existing tube is approximately 1500mm long, compare our 5ft LED tube light. For higher light output and a longer warranty, see the premium 5ft LED tube light.
You can also browse the full LED tube lights NZ range.
Safety Declaration and NZ Product Documentation
The current product documentation lists AS/NZS 60598 and IEC 62776, with SAA / RCM certification. You can download the SDoC for this 4ft LED tube light.
Frequently Asked Questions About 4ft LED Tube Lights
Is this a direct replacement for every 4ft fluorescent tube?
No. The physical size and G13 base may match many 4ft T8 fittings, but you must also check the ballast type and wiring configuration.
Does the LED starter come with the tube?
Yes. An LED starter is included for suitable magnetic-ballast retrofit applications.
How do I know if I have a magnetic ballast?
A fitting with a conventional replaceable starter is commonly magnetic-ballast based. Use our ballast-identification guide if you are unsure.
Can this tube work with an electronic ballast?
The current product instructions state that an electronic-ballast fitting needs modification, with the ballast bypassed or removed by a licensed electrician.
Is 5000K suitable for a garage or workshop?
Yes. 5000K is a bright cool white commonly preferred for task-oriented spaces such as garages, workshops and utility areas.
Can I use this LED tube outdoors?
The tube itself is rated IP20 and is specified for indoor use. Do not treat the tube as a weatherproof fitting.
Is it suitable for refrigerator lighting?
No. The current product specification specifically excludes fridge use.
Should I choose the 4ft or 5ft version?
Measure the existing tube or fitting. This model is 1200mm; the 5ft models are 1500mm.
If you need a standard 1.2m T8 replacement with 5000K cool white light, this 18W model offers a practical, economical upgrade. Check your fitting length and ballast type before ordering.