Can I still get fluorescent tubes as I have read are now banned

anotherquestion

Hi folks,

Hope you are all good.

I do need to replace a1500 mm fluorescent tube as flickering at times in Kitchen, might well be the starter (but that seems very difficult to remove)

Anyway looking online tonight, it seems the tubes are now banned, I do have a Cool White one in the house  unused, but we didn't like it as too bright, I think its the Warm White one we have in Kitchen as more a yellow colour of light and easy on the eyes.

Going to look around a few Electrical shops tomorrow, if I can't get the old tubes, what are my options, do I have to change the fittings for lED etc and as well want something not too bright and e on the eyes what should we go for?

Thanks for any advice.

Badboi

Yes you simply fit the led one, usually comes with its own starter too (it’s a dummy one as they don’t need starters) 

jaybeetoo

The LED ones are much better. They come on straight away (especially when it’s very cold) and don’t flicker.  I’ve replaced a fluorescent tube in my garage with an LED one.  It’s a big improvement.

FrugaiMacDugal

Starter should come out with a gentle push in and turn to the left.

Slip on a rubber glove for better grip, maybe a thumb push and twist would work.

Try Screwfix for tube,

WIAWSNB

Hi AQ.
In what way is the starter hard to remove? 
There is one, yes? Are you struggling to grip it? Or it's reluctant to turn? It's a part-turn anticlockwise to release, yes?

Robin9

anotherquestion said:

Hi folks,
.......................................

I do need to replace a1500 mm fluorescent tube as flickering at times in Kitchen, might well be the starter (but that seems very difficult to remove).......................

If the tube is black at both ends it needs replacing - yes warm white is much better on the eyes.

Rodders53

Replacement LED tubes need starter removed and a dummy in its place... Or an internal rewire of the fitting...

Or a replacement fitting.

Some advocate replacing such fluorescent tube fittings with more modern, sleek, flat panel light fittings if a new fitting is being purchased.  NB Ceiling may need a re-paint as well.

fatbelly

I've never known a starter to be difficult to remove. You push it it(you'll feel it move against a spring), turn anticlockwise about 30 degrees and it pops out

Section62

Rodders53 said:

...
Or a replacement fitting.

Some advocate replacing such fluorescent tube fittings with more modern, sleek, flat panel light fittings if a new fitting is being purchased.  NB Ceiling may need a re-paint as well.

I'd lean towards a new fitting.  There's no guarantee a LED tube will work with the existing fitting (without modification of the fitting) and the option of a replacement fitting opens up the opportunity to purchase one with a warm/daylight/cool selection switch which would allow the OP a choice of settings and the ability to switch up/down if circumstances change.

Not sure if dimmable battens are available, but that might be another option if excess brightness is an issue.  Also possibly opt for a lower wattage fitting and/or a shorter one if excess brightness makes the redecorating worthwhile.

anotherquestion

Thanks for all replies, just been to the shop and bought a whole new fitting, will have a go at fitting it making sure lights are off at fuse box, will see how it goes, as a bit of  Frank Spencer

anotherquestion

Had to get a parky in, as so many different colours of cable coming through ceiling about twice as many as the usual when wiring a plug, cables too short to connect to fittings on new light, so having spent a few hours messing about and getting tired form holding the two parts of new light, as you couldn't separate them, I had enough enough.

The shop did say there is a two year on-site warranty from the makers that I was a bit surprised about

Thanks for all your good help