5ft 1500mm IP20 Single T8 Batten Fitting - White

A batten is the plainest way to light a working space well: a slim channel, a lampholder at each end, and one linear tube running the length of it. This one measures 1500mm, the length both trade and DIY shelves call 5ft, and it takes a single T8 tube with the usual G13 two-pin ends. The body is white, and there is no diffuser or shade over the tube, so everything the tube produces goes straight down into the room. It is rated IP20, which means no protection against water and dry indoor mounting only.

Battens earn their keep in garages, workshops, utility rooms, lofts, cellars, stock rooms and hallways, anywhere the priority is seeing what you are doing rather than setting a mood. Because the fitting is 5ft long it spreads light along a run instead of dropping it in a pool, which suits a workbench, a row of shelving or a walkway far better than a single downlight would. Two or three in a line will cover a double garage evenly. It surface mounts to a ceiling or a wall, and the white body keeps it quiet against painted plaster.

Because no light source is built in, the fitting sets none of the numbers shoppers usually compare. Wattage, brightness and colour temperature all follow from the tube you put in it, so choose that first: around 4000K cool white suits a garage or workshop, while 6500K daylight gives the crispest light for close work at a bench. The manufacturer describes this fitting as LED compatible, so it is intended for LED T8 tubes. It sits alongside our wider range of battens, which runs to a 6ft twin T8 fitting in white and to integrated LED battens in 4ft, 5ft and 6ft lengths. It is sold as one fitting, with a minimum order of one.

Does a tube come with it?

The manufacturer does not state whether a tube is supplied. The fitting itself takes one 5ft T8 linear tube with G13 two-pin ends, and that tube is what sets the output.

What tube do I need to buy for it?

A 5ft T8 tube, the nominal 1500mm length, with standard G13 bi-pin ends. The manufacturer describes the fitting as LED compatible, so choose an LED T8 tube rather than an older fluorescent one.

How bright will it be?

Brightness is a property of the tube, not the housing, so read the lumen figure on the tube you pick. A 5ft LED tube is normally sold with its lumens and colour temperature printed on the sleeve.

Is it dimmable?

Neither the specification nor the pack states any dimming capability. On a tube batten dimming depends entirely on the tube and its driver, so plan on simple switching unless the tube you buy says otherwise.

Where can I mount it?

It surface mounts to a ceiling or a wall indoors. The IP20 rating means it has no protection against water or dust ingress, so keep it to dry, sheltered positions such as a garage, workshop or utility room.

Can I run two or more in a line?

Yes, several battens spaced evenly along a ceiling is the usual way to light a long room or a double garage. Any wiring between fittings should be done by a competent electrician.