Tubular fluorescent lamps have a high luminous efficacy, good colour rendering properties and a long life. Optimised fluorescent materials and modern coating methods reduce the decline in luminous flux as the lamp gets older. Operation by electronic ballast (EB) heightens the luminous efficacy and lengthens the life of these lamps significantly.

An EB also makes for greater lighting comfort: lamp starts are fast, silent and flicker-free, the light delivered is even and constant with no electrode flicker or stroboscopic effects, defective lamps are automatically shut down. With appropriate EBs, tubular fluorescent lamps can be dimmed and – for even greater energy economy – regulated for daylight-dependent lighting.

16 mm diameter fluorescent lamps are all EB-operated. They are increasingly regarded as an alternative to the 26 mm diameter lamps – not least because their luminous efficacy is even higher and their economic life even longer.

The range of tubular fluorescent lamps additionally includes "minis" with a 7 mm diameter, which are predominantly used in surface-mounted and recessed furniture luminaires and in picture lights. There are also 38 mm diameter fluorescent lamps, which include specialised models for work premises with potentially explosive atmospheres or for low temperature applications (exterior lighting, refrigerated warehouse).