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can i use t5 bulbs in a t12 fixture

by Ashley Collier Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Can I use T5 bulbs

Incandescent light bulb

An incandescent light bulb, incandescent lamp or incandescent light globe is an electric light with a wire filament heated to a high temperature, by passing an electric current through it, until it glows with visible light (incandescence). The hot filament is protected from oxidation with a glass or quart…

in a T12 fixture? If the T5 lights have G5 bi-pin socket, that is quite standard for these kind of lights, then T8 and T12 lights have G13 bi-pin or single pin or recessed double contact sockets which means that you absolutely and no way can put T5 bulbs in fixtures that are meant for T8 or T12 bulbs.

T5 lamps cannot replace T12 or T8 lamps because of differences in physical and electrical characteristics. T5 lamps come in different lengths than T8 and T12 lamps. A nominal 4-foot T5 lamp is actually shorter than an equivalent T8 lamp [1149 millimeters (45.23 inches) in total].

Full Answer

Can you substitute T8 lamps for T12 lamps?

Since the T12 lamps were phased out of production more than five years ago, many consumers wonder if they could substitute the T8s instead of buying an entirely new lighting fixture. Although there are a few differences in each bulb, the two fluorescent bulbs have enough in common to be swapped out for most fixtures, with accommodations.

Do they still make T12 fluorescent lights?

High-output and high-CRI T12s are still manufactured today, but production is down. Second, magnetic ballasts – which conventional T12s require to run – are no longer manufactured in the U.S. The easiest and lowest price option to replace a T12 is a T8 linear fluorescent. They have become the go-to option for pre-existing T12s.

Are T12 lamps going extinct?

Like the dinosaurs, T12 lamps will soon be extinct and their current users will need to decide the best alternatives for their replacement. What’s the difference between T12, T8 and T5 lamps?

How do you install a T8 in a T12 fixture?

How to Install a T8 in a T12 Fixture. Turn off the power going to the fixture at the circuit breaker. Locate the ballast cover and pry it from inside the fixture by removing the screws or tabs. With wire cutters, remove the wires from the old ballast and remove the nut or screw that secures the ballast.

Why are T12 lamps no longer produced?

How big is a T5 light tube?

How many LPW is a T5 lamp?

How many watts does a T5 light have?

What is the LPS of light?

How many inches is a T12?

What does the T stand for in a lamp?

See 2 more

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What is the difference between T5 and T12 bulbs?

Size. T5 tubes are smaller than T8 and T12 tubes, which allow them to fit into smaller spaces. They are offered in sizes of 2-5 feet in length. T5 lamps are around 40% smaller than T8 lamps and almost 60% smaller than T12 lamps.

What can I replace a T12 bulb with?

When the new lighting standards went through Congress a majority of buildings began to use one of two replacements. The first was T8 fluorescents, but in some cases you can also replace the T12 with a T5 linear fluorescent.

Can I use a T12 ballast with T5 bulbs?

T5 lamps need special ballasts to operate. In most cases, the T5 ballasts will not work with T12 or T8 lamps, although at least one manufacturer offers electronic ballasts that can operate either T5 or T8 lamps with appropriate wiring. T5 lamps operate at frequencies greater than 20 kilohertz.

Can I use T8 bulbs with a T12 ballast?

As far as safety is concerned, you can exchange them. If you place T12 tubes in a fixture with a T8 ballast, you will wear out the ballast and have to replace it. If you place T8 tubes in a fixture with a T12 ballast, then the tubes will have a shorter life due to a higher current through the tube. Save this answer.

Why are T12 lamps being discontinued?

T12 technology is over 80 years old. Since that time, lamps and bulbs have been developed that just work better. T8 and T5 linear fluorescents have: lower mercury content. longer lamp life.

Can I replace my T12 bulbs with LED?

Can you actually retrofit T12 to LED without changing out the ballast? Actually, yes. But before you make a decision, there are other LED solutions to consider for a high-efficiency lighting option for existing T12s. A lot has changed in just a few years in the lighting industry.

Can a T5 bulb go in a T8 fixture?

T5 lamps cannot replace T12 or T8 lamps because of differences in physical and electrical characteristics. T5 lamps come in different lengths than T8 and T12 lamps. A nominal 4-foot T5 lamp is actually shorter than an equivalent T8 lamp [1149 millimeters (45.23 inches) in total].

Do T5 LED bulbs need a ballast?

No LED bulbs require a ballast, although some are engineered to work with an existing ballast. You will find ballast-compatible or "plug-and-play" LEDs that are designed to replace linear fluorescents, compact fluorescents, or HIDs. Incandescent and halogen lamps do not require a ballast.

What does T stand for in fluorescent lighting?

What does “T8” mean? The “T” designation in fluorescent lamp nomenclature stands for tubular — the shape of the lamp. The number immediately follow- ing the T gives the diameter of the lamp in eighths of an inch.

What is the difference between a T8 and T12 bulb?

This number is the numerator in a fraction where the denominator is 8 and the length is in inches. For example, with a T12, the diameter is 12/8, or twelve eights of an inch. Another way to say this is that the diameter is equal to 1.5 inches. For a T8, the diameter is 8/8, which is equal to 1 inch.

Are T8 bulbs brighter than T12?

The standard T8 produces 2,800 initial lumens per lamp, 6% brighter. But the standard T12 lamp produces 2,300 design lumens and the T8 produces 2,660 design lumens.

Can I use T10 bulbs in a T12 fixture?

The bulbs will fit. T12, T10, T8 and T6 all come in the same standard lengths. Cheap ballasts, especially magnetic ones, don't always fire all tube diameters. For example, I have a ceiling light that fires T12 but not T8.

How do you bypass a T12 ballast?

How to Bypass A BallastStep 1: Disconnect All Power So There is No Electrical Current. ... Step 2: Find the Ballast. ... Step 3: Locate and Cut Only the Hot and Neutral Wires. ... Step 4: Cut the Socket Lead Wires. ... Step 5: Remove the Ballast (if you wish) ... Step 6: Connect the Wires. ... Step 7: Reattach Any Coverings and Turn On.

Can I replace fluorescent tubes with LED?

Yes, you can replace fluorescent tubes with LED tubes or LED-integrated fixtures. If you just want to replace the bulbs, you can use plug-and-play, direct-wire, or hybrid LED tubes. Plug-and-play tubes are the easiest to install as they do not require any rewiring to the fixture.

Are they going to stop making T12 fluorescent bulbs?

Out With the Old, In With the LED The Ecodesign Regulation set a schedule to eliminate integrally-ballasted compact fluorescent (CFLi) and T12 linear fluorescent (LFL) lamps in September 2021, and most T8 LFLs in September 2023.

Difference Between T8 and T12 Bulbs [Updated 2022]

T8 and T 12 are both fluorescent bulbs. They have been in the market for a long time. The T in T8 and T12 bulbs stand for “tabular,” and the number that follows T represents the diameter or size of the bulb.

Converting Fluorescent Light Fixtures from T12 to T8

Converting fluorescent light fixtures from T12 to T8 bulbs Herman van Beek 7 May 2017 Page 2 of 2 The wiring diagrams below should help in converting a 2-lamp T12 fixture to use T8 lamps.

3 steps to retrofit from T12 to LED - Regency Lighting

T12 fluorescent tubes are hard to come by these days, but that's not to say they've disappeared entirely. The tubes began to be phased out in mid-2012, which we wrote about at length in our post, "The phase out of T12s: Everything you need to know about discontinued tubes." But if you still have T12s in your sockets and you're looking to save money on lighting in the next year, there are a ...

5 Ways to Upgrade 8FT Fluorescent to LED - Premier Lighting

In the last several years, one of the most popular lighting conversions that has taken place has been the process of converting linear fluorescent to LED. That said, there have been some complications that have made it difficult for end users to make this happen. Today we’re going to look at one specific area that …

Why are T12 lamps no longer produced?

These regulations were meant to encourage T12 users to upgrade to more efficient T8 and T5 lamps and they directly affect many commercial, industrial and retail businesses. Like the dinosaurs, T12 lamps will soon be extinct and their current users will need to decide the best alternatives for their replacement.

How big is a T5 light tube?

For a T5, the diameter is 5/8, which is equal to 0.625 inches. As you can see, the smaller the number associated with the “T”, the smaller the diameter of the tube. Next, let’s compare the output and performance of each lamp. It’s important to know how quality and quantity of light is measured in order to compare the different lamps.

How many LPW is a T5 lamp?

Here is the average LPW for each lamp: T12 = 78 LPW. T8 = 90 LPW. T5 = 99 LPW. As you can see, T5s are smaller in diameter and provide a larger quantity of light. They are also 2-3 times more expensive than T8s.

How many watts does a T5 light have?

Get the perfect T5 fluorescent lamps for your lighting fixtures at Warehouse Lighting. We carry a wide variety of T5 lamps ranging from 4 to 54 watts. Order T5 fluorescent lights online from Warehouse Lighting.

What is the LPS of light?

LPS is the ratio between the total luminous flux emitted by a light source and the total amount of input power (watts, in this case). Here is the average LPW for each lamp:

How many inches is a T12?

For example, with a T12, the diameter is 12/8, or twelve eights of an inch. Another way to say this is that the diameter is equal to 1.5 inches. For a T8, the diameter is 8/8, which is equal to 1 inch. For a T5, the diameter is 5/8, which is equal to 0.625 inches. As you can see, the smaller the number associated with the “T”, ...

What does the T stand for in a lamp?

The “T” stands for Tubular, which is the shape of the glass casing for the lights. The associated number represents the diameter of the lamp. This number is the numerator in a fraction where the denominator is 8 and the length is in inches. For example, with a T12, the diameter is 12/8, or twelve eights of an inch.

What is the best fluorescent to replace a T12?

The easiest and lowest price option to replace a T12 is a T8 linear fluorescent. They have become the go-to option for pre-existing T12s.

What is a T8 lamp?

T8s are the easy fix here. It’s a simple ballast and lamp change. Newer, lower-wattage energy-saver T8 lamps have made their way to the market over the last several years in an effort for traditional manufacturers to compete with highly energy-efficient products. This is your bare-bones update requiring little effort and not a lot of money.

When did the sylvania tube stop being made?

The mandate said production of the tubes would have to cease after July 14, 2012. Big-name manufacturers like Philips and Sylvania were granted two-year extensions on the deadline. But as soon as the phase out was announced, production began to decline.

Is T12 still manufactured?

High-output and high-CRI T12s are still manufactured today, but production is down. Second, magnetic ballasts – which conventional T12s require to run – are no longer manufactured in the U.S. Read: What to do if your T12 magnetic ballast goes bad.

How long does a T8 ballast last?

The T8 ballast in a 2x4 fixture, they don't last more than 3 or 4 years. It's cheaper running the old T12 ballast forever, than the small amount of energy savings.

How many tubes can you overdrive a ballast?

You can overdrive a ballast with a 4 tube ballast running 2 tubes and they will run a loooong time while giving 1.7 times the light.

Is the T8 brighter than the T12?

But it was firing both lamps. no problems. The T8 was obviously brighter than the T12.

Can a 40 watt T12 ballast overdrive?

Because with 4 foot 32 w T8 bulbs in 40 watt T12 ballast will overdrive them a bit and the amprage will be somehow higher and majorty of the T12 ballast I ran into are wired for rapid start which the electrodes always stay warm all the time.

How big is a T8 bulb?

The T8 tubes are slightly smaller at 1 inch in diameter, compared to the 1.5 inch diameter of T12 tubes. The T12 fixtures tended to use magnetic ballasts. T8 fluorescent bulbs are just as bright as the T12 – and much more economical. The T8 models cost almost half of the T12.

What does T mean in fluorescent light?

The T in fluorescent lighting stands for "tubular.". The number that follows references the diameter of the fluorescent tube in eights of an inch. Therefore, if you have a T12, it is larger by a half inch to the newer T8 tubes. However, the diameter is not as important as the bi-pin base.

What are the two types of base for light bulbs?

There are two main types of bases for bulbs: The screw base and the pin base. They both connect the light bulb to the electrical voltage in order for the tube to illuminate. Pin bases have two pins that stick out of the round base.

Why are T12 lamps no longer produced?

These regulations were meant to encourage T12 users to upgrade to more efficient T8 and T5 lamps and they directly affect many commercial, industrial and retail businesses. Like the dinosaurs, T12 lamps will soon be extinct and their current users will need to decide the best alternatives for their replacement.

How big is a T5 light tube?

For a T5, the diameter is 5/8, which is equal to 0.625 inches. As you can see, the smaller the number associated with the “T”, the smaller the diameter of the tube. Next, let’s compare the output and performance of each lamp. It’s important to know how quality and quantity of light is measured in order to compare the different lamps.

How many LPW is a T5 lamp?

Here is the average LPW for each lamp: T12 = 78 LPW. T8 = 90 LPW. T5 = 99 LPW. As you can see, T5s are smaller in diameter and provide a larger quantity of light. They are also 2-3 times more expensive than T8s.

How many watts does a T5 light have?

Get the perfect T5 fluorescent lamps for your lighting fixtures at Warehouse Lighting. We carry a wide variety of T5 lamps ranging from 4 to 54 watts. Order T5 fluorescent lights online from Warehouse Lighting.

What is the LPS of light?

LPS is the ratio between the total luminous flux emitted by a light source and the total amount of input power (watts, in this case). Here is the average LPW for each lamp:

How many inches is a T12?

For example, with a T12, the diameter is 12/8, or twelve eights of an inch. Another way to say this is that the diameter is equal to 1.5 inches. For a T8, the diameter is 8/8, which is equal to 1 inch. For a T5, the diameter is 5/8, which is equal to 0.625 inches. As you can see, the smaller the number associated with the “T”, ...

What does the T stand for in a lamp?

The “T” stands for Tubular, which is the shape of the glass casing for the lights. The associated number represents the diameter of the lamp. This number is the numerator in a fraction where the denominator is 8 and the length is in inches. For example, with a T12, the diameter is 12/8, or twelve eights of an inch.

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1.How to use T5 light bulbs with T8 or T12 light fixtures

Url:https://www.t5fixtures.com/how-to-use-t5-light-bulbs-with-t8-or-t12-light-fixtures/

17 hours ago T5 lamps cannot replace T12 or T8 lamps because of differences in physical and electrical characteristics. T5 lamps come in different lengths than T8 and T12 lamps. Can you replace a …

2.Replacing T12 lamps with T8 or T5 lamps. Which one …

Url:https://www.warehouse-lighting.com/blogs/lighting-blog/Replacing-T12-lamps-with-T8-or-T5-lamps-Which-one-should-I-use-A-user-s-guide-to-upgrading-fluorescent-tubes

27 hours ago For some applications, one T5 bulb can replace two T12 bulbs, providing even greater energy savings (a process called “de-lamping.”) The typical T12 four-lamp fixture uses 172 watts of …

3.The phase out of T12s: Everything you need to know

Url:https://insights.regencylighting.com/the-phase-out-of-t12s-everything-you-need-to-know-about-discontinued-tubes

11 hours ago In most cases, the T5 ballasts will not work with T12 or T8 lamps, although at least one manufacturer offers electronic ballasts that can operate either T5 or T8 lamps with appropriate …

4.T8 bulbs in T12 fixture | Electrician Talk

Url:https://www.electriciantalk.com/threads/t8-bulbs-in-t12-fixture.29804/

9 hours ago Ask the Electrician Will T5 Lamps Work With A T12 Electronic Fixture Ballast? Retrofitting T12 or T8 to T5. Current fixtures utilize electronic ballast. Will T5 operate on existing ballast or require …

5.How to Use T12 Bulbs in a T8 Fixture | Hunker

Url:https://www.hunker.com/12453842/how-to-use-t12-bulbs-in-a-t8-fixture

31 hours ago  · Standard wattage T5 lamps should fire fine in a high output fixture. If you chose to do this I would make sure the fixture is ventilated with forced air ie fans. T5 lamps are limited …

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