In terms of physical compatibility, both T8 and T12 lamps use the same G13 bi-pin base, so as long as they are the same length (e.g. 4-ft), a T8 lamp will physically fit inside a T12 fixture. Electrical compatibility is a bit trickier, because T12 fixtures will almost always contain a T12 ballast, which is not compatible with T8 lamps.
What's the difference between T5, T8 and T12?
Making sense of lighting standards
- The T5 is five eighths of an inch, or about the size of a $.10 dime
- The T8 bulb is one inch in diameter at the size of a $.05 nickel
- The T12 is twelve eighths (1.5 inches) in diameter
Can you replace a T12 with a T8?
Replacing your T12 fixtures with T8 fixtures is more cost effective than changing out the ballasts, but if you invested a lot in your T12 fixtures and have developed a sentimental attachment, then you may want to invest in changing the ballasts and retaining the fixtures. Purchase a T8 ballast at a home improvement retailer.
What is the difference between T12 and T8 fluorescent bulbs?
The main difference between T8 and T12 bulbs is that T8 bulbs have a diameter of 1.5 inches, whereas T12 bulbs have a diameter of 1 inch. T8 bulbs are a better choice than T 12 bulbs. This can be easily proved. T8 bulbs have a better color rendering index as well as high efficacy.
How to replace a T12 ballast with a T8?
How to Convert a T12 Fluorescent Fixture to a T8
- Turn off power to the fixture at the circuit breaker.
- Open the lens cover on the fixture, if applicable.
- Remove the ballast cover from inside the fixture. ...
- Cut the wires that lead from the old ballast. ...
- Remove the socket brackets and sockets from the fixture.
- Install the new T8 ballast in the fixture using the nut or screw and the applicable tool.
What happens when you put a T8 bulb in a T12 fixture?
T12 tubes are 1.5" in diameter while T8s are just one inch. All other things—socket sizes, lengths, distance between pins—are the same. T8 LED tubes won't fall out if you try to install them in a T12 fixture—they'll fit just fine.
Can T8 be used in place of 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. If you still have magnetic ballasts, switching to a T8 will require a ballast swap. Another option is to move forward with an LED retrofit.
Will a T8 work in a T12 ballast?
If you run a t8 bulb on a t12 ballast you will have premature bulb life as the t12 ballast will over "tax" the bulb. If you run it vice versa and have a t8 ballast running a t12 bulb you will have premature ballast life as the t12 bulb takes more to run and will over work the ballast.
How do I know if I have a T8 or T12 ballast?
0:082:11UNDERSTANDING fluorescent lights t5 t8 t12 electronic magnetic ballastYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLike a generation 3 if you compare them side-by-side the t5 is smaller. Here's a t8 and the t12 isMoreLike a generation 3 if you compare them side-by-side the t5 is smaller. Here's a t8 and the t12 is the older version of the t8. You can take a t8. And put it into a t12 fixture the t12 is the oldest.
What is better T12 or T8?
The Standard T12 lamp produces 2,650 initial lumens per lamp. 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.
Are T12 bulbs being discontinued?
In effect since July 2012, the legislation eliminates nearly all 4-foot T12 lamps, some 4-foot T8 lamps, most 8-foot T12 lamps, and almost all standard halogen PAR38, PAR30 and PAR20 lamps from the market. T12 technology is over 80 years old. Since that time, lamps and bulbs have been developed that just work better.
Can I replace a T12 fluorescent light tube with an LED tube?
These LED tubes are the newest, easiest to install and most expensive. They work with any kind of existing technology – whether it is T12 (Magnetic Ballast) or T8 (Electronic Ballast). To install them all you need to do is take the old fluorescent tube out and install the LED tube in its place.
Can I put LED bulbs in my fluorescent fixtures?
You have fluorescent troffers or strip fixtures already, and you're wondering if you can just pop LED tubes in them or if you'll need to change out the fixtures for something designed for LED. Good news: You can absolutely use LED tubes in your existing fixtures!
Are T12 bulbs being discontinued?
In effect since July 2012, the legislation eliminates nearly all 4-foot T12 lamps, some 4-foot T8 lamps, most 8-foot T12 lamps, and almost all standard halogen PAR38, PAR30 and PAR20 lamps from the market. T12 technology is over 80 years old. Since that time, lamps and bulbs have been developed that just work better.
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.
Will a T5 bulb work in a T12 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].
Can I put LED bulbs in a fluorescent fixture?
You have fluorescent troffers or strip fixtures already, and you're wondering if you can just pop LED tubes in them or if you'll need to change out the fixtures for something designed for LED. Good news: You can absolutely use LED tubes in your existing fixtures!
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.
What is a T12 ballast?
on Oct 14, 2020. A t12 ballast is a reference that essentially refers to the size of the tube of the florescent bulb that is being used. T12 tubes pull 40 watts, and are frequently being replaced with lower wattage t8 tubes, which operate on 32 watts. When posing the question can a t8 light work on a t12 ballast, the short answer is no.
Does a T12 ballast work on a T8 bulb?
Because the ballast is specific to the wattage of the bulb, and not necessarily the size, it doesn't matter that the tube is the same length, what matters is that a t12 ballast will push more power than a t8 light is designed to handle. The only way around the dilemma is to replace the ballast. Continue reading below Our Video of the Day.
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.
What happens if you put a T12 ballast in a T8?
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. Share.
How long do T8 ballasts last?
Personal experience, with T8 tubes in a T12 fixture with old ballasts, supports what Nathan L posted. T8 tubes rated to last 36,000 hours may last less than 2,000 hours. Apparently, at least one ballast model is rated for F32T8, F40T12 lamps, the Keystone KTEB-240-1-TP /B.
Can you mix two bulbs?
Mixing the two bulbs types is chancy: it might work out great for you, but probably not . Many of the old ballasts are pretty bad anyway: the new ones in this case really are better. Old ballasts are likely magnetic and might hum. They may have PCB chemicals, and they have a reputation for getting hot and even igniting.
Is T12 lamp inefficient?
Based on [Department of Energy] analysis... most T12 lamps are too inefficient to meet the [current] standards and can no longer be manufactured for distribution in commerce after July 14, 2012. In addition, if a consumer replaces an existing T12 system with a more-efficient T8 or T5 diameter system, he or she may need to purchase a new ballast or fixture. Even with this additional cost, however, DOE has determined that increasing the energy conservation standards will save consumers money overall. http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/residential/pdfs/general_service_fluorescent_factsheet.pdf
What type of tube is T12?
One more point need to emphasize. The T12 old tubes, the T12 sockets of the "Non-Shunted Rapid Start" type, which require the tubes to be single-end power feed type . There are single-end power feed and dual-end power feed tube, most of the LED T8 tube are default to be dual-end power feed type.
How big is a T8 tube?
The T8, T10 and T12 tubes are mainly difference in the diameter of the tube. The main difference is in size…the T8 is one inch in diameter and everything else is divisible by that number: T5 = 5/8 inch, T6 = 6/8 inch, T8 = 1 inch, T10 = 1.25 inches (10/8), T12 = 1.5 inches in diameter (12/8).
What base do T10 tubes come in?
Usually the old T10 and T12 tubes, are comes in 8ft with Fa8 or R17d base, instead of G13 bi-pin base.
Do LED lights have a magnetic ballast?
but, in general, the older the fixture, the more likely it is to have a magnetic ballast. You can purchase the ballast-compatible LED Tubes if do not want to make any change in your old tube fixtures.
Can you use a T8 to replace a T12?
So when you use the T8 to replace the T12, please double-check about the power feed types of your old tubes.
Can you use a T8 LED tube to replace a T10?
So it's quite convenient to use a T8 LED Tube to replace the old T10 and T12 tubes.
