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Building Specifications and Features

T5 Lighting

A high-output fluorescent lighting technology common in warehouses built before LED became standard — more efficient than older fluorescent or metal halide, but behind modern LED performance.

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Home › Glossary › Building Specifications and Features › T5 Lighting
Definition

T5 lighting is a high-output fluorescent lighting technology commonly installed in warehouses built before LED lighting became the standard choice, offering better energy efficiency than older fluorescent (T8, T12) or metal halide systems, though it still falls short of modern LED performance and longevity.

T5 vs LED comparison

FactorT5 fluorescentLED
Energy efficiencyGood, better than older fluorescent/metal halideBest available
Service life20,000–30,000 hours50,000+ hours
Common in buildings from2000s–2010s construction2010s–present, standard in new Class A

What to watch for before committing

Current condition and remaining life

Assess the age and condition of existing T5 fixtures, since they're approaching or past typical service life in many older buildings.

LED retrofit potential

Consider the cost-benefit of upgrading to LED for further energy savings, especially if fixtures need replacement soon anyway.

Light level adequacy

Confirm current light levels meet your operational needs, particularly for detailed picking or inspection work.

Ballast condition

T5 fixtures rely on ballasts that can fail independently of the bulbs — check maintenance history for ballast replacement frequency.

Utility rebate availability for upgrade

Check whether utility rebate programs are available to offset the cost of upgrading from T5 to LED.

Responsibility for lighting upgrades

Clarify in lease negotiations who bears the cost of any lighting upgrades, landlord or tenant.

When you need to know this

  • Evaluating an existing building's lighting system — understanding what technology is in place and its remaining useful life
  • Comparing operating costs across buildings — factoring lighting efficiency differences into total occupancy cost
  • Planning a lighting upgrade — considering LED retrofit as part of broader tenant improvements
  • Negotiating TI allowance for older buildings — using lighting upgrade needs as a negotiation point in older, T5-equipped buildings

Frequently asked questions

What is T5 lighting? +
T5 lighting is a high-output fluorescent lighting technology commonly used in warehouses built before LED became the standard, offering better efficiency than older fluorescent or metal halide systems.
Is T5 lighting still efficient compared to modern standards? +
It's reasonably efficient compared to older technologies like metal halide, but LED lighting now offers superior energy efficiency and significantly longer service life, making LED the modern standard for new construction.
Should I upgrade T5 lighting to LED? +
Often worthwhile if fixtures are aging or approaching end of service life, since the energy savings and reduced maintenance from LED can offset the upgrade cost over a reasonable payback period — get a specific cost-benefit analysis for your situation.
How long do T5 fixtures typically last? +
T5 fluorescent fixtures typically have a service life of 20,000 to 30,000 hours, shorter than LED's 50,000 or more hours, meaning older T5 installations may be approaching replacement need.

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