Fluorescent tubes are a very competitive means by which to illuminate an area large or small. There are many varities and colours on offer to suit all tastes and requirements. Linear tubes should not be confused with compact fluorescent tubes (CFL) which are more commonly known as low energy light bulbs. Fluorescent tubes require a fitting which contains an electronic ballast and/or a starter to ignite the chemicals in the tube to emit light.

There are various diameters of fluorescent tubes ranging from a T2 style that are 7mm diameter all the way up to T12 which are 38mm in diameter. However the two most popular sizes by far are the T5 (16mm Diameter) and T8 (25mm Diameter). These lamps are available with 2 different coatings which suit different budgets. Halophosphate coated which is for when the cost is the important driver, and triphosphor coated when the designer is requiring high quality colour rendering and greatly improved energy efficiency.