Fluorescent Tube Sizes Guide
| Tube Light Type | Size Index | Diameter in Inches | Diameter in Millimeters |
| T4 | 4/8 | 0.5 | 12.7 |
| T5 | 5/8 | 0.625 | 15.8 |
| T8 | 8/8 | 1 | 25.4 |
| T12 | 12/8 | 1.5 | 38.1 |
- T12 bulbs are the oldest type still in use in some fluorescent fixtures. ...
- T8 bulbs are more expensive than T12 bulbs but will start much faster. ...
- T5 bulbs are a smaller version of their big brothers.
What are the best types of light bulbs?
What Are the Different Types of Light Bulbs for Indoors?
- Flood Light. These types of lights are well-suited for outdoor areas that you would want to have a lot of light on, such as your entryways and backyard.
- Spotlight. Another great lighting option that offers a lot of lumens (not as widespread as a floodlight), spotlights will offer light in more of a concentrated area.
- Recessed Light. ...
- Can Light. ...
- Misc. ...
What are the base types of light bulbs?
Which are the types of bulbs?
- Incandescent light bulbs.
- Halogen incandescent light bulbs.
- Fluorescent light bulbs.
- Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs)
- LED light bulbs.
How dangerous is a broken fluorescent bulb?
What you should do is:
- Ventilate the area.
- If possible, reduce the temperature.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, safety glasses, coveralls or old clothing, and a dust mask to keep bulb dust and glass from being inhaled.
- Carefully remove the larger pieces and place them in a secure closed container.
How do you replace a fluorescent light bulb?
Method 1 Method 1 of 3: Replacing the Bulb
- Make sure that the power is switched off. Before replacing a fluorescent light, you should make sure the fixture is not powered on.
- Prepare a stepladder or other support. Most likely, you will not be able to reach the fluorescent light fixture comfortably from ground level.
- Rotate the first tube 90 degrees. ...
Where are fluorescent lights used?
What is a fluorescent bent lamp?
How big is a fluorescent tube?
How many inches between fluorescent lamps?
What type of lighting do you use in the office?
Do fluorescent lights have the same technology?
Is the T12 fluorescent tube phased out?
See more
What are the different types of fluorescent lights?
Types of Tube Light Bulbs While there are multiple types of LED and fluorescent tube lights, the three most common are T12, T8 and T5. The terminology comes from “T” for “tubular” and the diameter of the bulb in eighths of an inch, so “T8” represents a tube of 8/8ths of an inch, or 1 inch.
What are the 3 types of fluorescent light according to shape?
Full-size fluorescent lamps are available in several shapes, including straight, U-shaped, and circular configurations. Lamp diameters range from 1" to 2.5". The most common lamp type is the four-foot (F40), 1.5" diameter (also called T12) straight fluorescent lamp.
What is the difference between fluorescent lights?
Fluorescent bulbs contain inert gas within the glass casing while LEDs are a solid state technology. Fluorescent lights produce UV radiation and then convert it into visible light through the use of a phosphor coating inside the bulb.
What is the difference in fluorescent tubes?
Fluorescent lamps, or fluorescent linear tubes as they are also known, are categorized according to their wattage, shape and diameter. The "T" in T5 indicates the bulb is tubular shaped, while the "5" denotes that it is five eighths of an inch in diameter.
What is the difference between T8 and T12?
The main difference between T8 and T12 tubes is the tube's diameter. 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.
What is the difference between T8 and T5?
T5 fluorescent light bulb is a newer technology than T8. T5 fluorescent light bulb has an efficiency of about 100 lm/W. T8 fluorescent light bulb can reach about 90 lm/W luminous efficacy. In other words, T5 fluorescent lamps can use the same amount of power to produce more light.
How do I know if I have a T8 or T12 ballast?
If no markings are available, the size in diameter of the tube is the easiest way to determine the type you have installed. T8 tubes are 1-inch in diameter and T12 tubes are 1 1/2 -inch.
Which is better CFL or LED?
CFL Bulb. Fluorescent, or CFL bulbs, are more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs, but not as efficient as LEDs. The average lifespan of CFLs is about 8,000 hours, compared to the 25,000-hour lifetime of LEDs. That comes out to about three CFL bulbs for every one LED purchase.
What is T5 T8 and T12 lighting?
Following the letter is a number representing the diameter of the bulb measured in fractions of an inch. Fluorescent bulb widths are measured in eighths of an inch. For example, a T5 bulb is five-eighths of an inch wide, a T8 bulb is 1 inch wide or eight-eights wide and a T12 is 1-1/2 inches or 12/8ths in diameter.
Which is brighter T5 or T8 bulbs?
If you want to high bright led tube lights, you can first choose T8 led tube. because the T8 tube light is high brighter than t5 tube. T5 led tube light, which is less filled with electrons and inert gas. In contrast, If you want to creat a darker lighting environment.
Can I replace a T12 fluorescent light tube with an LED tube?
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.
How do I know which fluorescent light bulb to buy?
In order to identify which size you need, the easiest way to tell is to read the label near the base of the tube. If this information is no longer legible, you can measure the bulb's diameter.
How many types of fluorescent light bulbs are there?
There are three distinctive types of fluorescent light bulbs. Depending on the type of fixture, the ballast type it has, and the age of your fixture, you’ll be able to find one of these type bulbs more than likely. Though they range in length and width, they all do the same thing: light the room they are in.
What are T5 light bulbs?
T5 bulbs are a smaller version of their big brothers . Measuring only 5/8 inch, these bulbs are space savers but still put out the same amount of light as the larger bulbs. These bulbs are good for lower ceilings and countertops. Add these to your kitchen to give you a balanced lighting scheme of soft light that is sure to please. Being small, the space required to accomplish this lighting task is minimal, and the result is great. People use these above and below cabinets to add a unique look to their kitchen, but kitchens are not their only use. Be creative in using these space-saving light bulbs.
What is a T12 bulb?
T12 Bulbs. T12 bulbs are the oldest type still in use in some fluorescent fixtures. These are bigger, bulkier bulbs and the least expensive to buy, although, they are not the most efficient bulbs. The biggest drawback of these bulbs is that they are warm-weather bulbs. They need temperatures to be 60 F or more to start and operate properly.
What is a ballast in a light fixture?
The ballast is responsible for starting the light fixture and determines the type of bulb required in each fixture. Be sure to do your due diligence before making a selection of light fixture, especially if you need a cold weather-start light fixture. A rapid-start ballast may be the right choice for you.
Is a T5H0 bulb the same as a T5 bulb?
T5H0 bulbs are identical to the T5 bulbs with one exception; they are much brighter. These are high output bulbs are said to be twice as bright as T5 bulbs. They are a great addition to rooms with taller ceilings. When you are in a pinch for space, these fixtures can pound out the light for the space they need.
What is fluorescent light?
Fluorescent lighting is a highly versatile type of lighting that you most likely encounter at the office, school, or grocery store. It's known for energy efficiency compared to incandescent and halogen light bulbs, and a lower price compared to LEDs. There are several different types of fluorescent lighting including linear fluorescent tubes, ...
What stores use linear fluorescent lights?
In department stores such as Macy’s, JC Penney, Kohl's, and Target, the 80 percent general lighting is prime territory for linear fluorescents.
Why are fluorescent bulbs less bright?
The longer fluorescents burn, the more likely it is that the chemical properties will shift and cause an imbalanced reaction , making the fluorescence less white and less bright than it once was. If consistency is really important to your lighting project, you may want to look into group re-lamping these bulbs.
How long do fluorescent lights last?
These bulbs can last up to 90,000 hours and produce more light (lumens) than thicker linear fluorescent tubes such as T12s and T8s. Because of this, they are a great choice for warehouses — or really, any high-bay ceiling where a significant amount of light is needed.
How much savings can you get from retrofitting fluorescent lights?
By retrofitting from incandescent or halogen to linear fluorescent lighting, you can expect to see a 40 percent savings on your energy bill. If you need a really “cool temperature” space, such as a hospital hallway or a Metro station, fluorescents offer color temperatures as cool as 6500 Kelvin.
What are the cons of linear fluorescent?
Linear fluorescent cons. Color shifting or lumen depreciation. As we mentioned above, the longer fluorescents burn, the more likely it is that the chemical properties will shift to cause an imbalanced reaction, making the fluorescence less white and less bright than it once was.
Why is it important to recycle fluorescent lights?
That's where the term "fluorescent" comes from – “glowing white light.”. Because of the mercury that is contained in fluorescent lamps, it is important to recycle your lamps after they’ve burned out.
What is the shape of fluorescent light?
Also, what is the shape of your bulb? Is it linear, circular or U-Bent? Being aware of the shape you need will save time in the selection process. Most facilities use linear (tubular) fluorescent lights; they are straight in shape and simple. They are the most widely-used type of fluorescent light, and most likely what you will be looking for. However, some companies opt for bulbs that are more unique in shape−like a circle or a U-Bend −to add a certain ambiance or style to their business. These are more popular in places like restaurants and hotels, where character and atmosphere are central to success.
What type of base do fluorescent bulbs have?
Frequently fluorescent bulbs will have either a single pin or bi-pin (two pin) base type. Some will have a recessed double contact. By eliminating bulbs that don’t match your base type, you are on the right track to finding the right type of fluorescent light bulb. Also, what is the shape of your bulb?
How to measure fluorescent bulb size?
This is expressed as a number such as T8 or T12. The “T” stands for tubular, and the number is a measurement of the diameter in 1/8" increments. So a bulb with a 1" diameter would be a T8—eight 1/8" increments. Also, be aware of your lamp’s length; a fluorescent bulb length can go up to 96".
Why is it important to get a fluorescent light bulb?
Getting the right fluorescent bulb is important. You need something that will last and something that is right for your particular fixture. You need the right color and tone for your facility. And you need a bulb that is safe and energy efficient. Knowing how to find a fluorescent light bulb that fits all of your needs will save you time, worry and ensure you get the right one every time.
What is a fluorescent bulb?
Fluorescent lamps (or "bulbs" in normal-speak) are classed by shape, diameter, length, wattage, and often special properties and color temperature. In T numbers like Tn or T5, T8, etc. "T" indicates tubular lamp shape. The fluorescent bulb's T-number in essence gives the bulb diameter and its connecting pin design.
How is the color temperature of fluorescent lamps adjusted?
The color temperature of fluorescent lamps is adjusted by the manufacturer by changing the chemistry of the phosphorescent coating lining the inside of the lamp tube.
What type of connector is used for T12 bulbs?
Above: a T12 LED replacement bulb for T12 fluorescents using a type R17D base connector.
What size bulb is a T5 bulb?
Some of bulb specifications below are redundant: for example if you know that it's a T5 bulb you know that it is a 5/8" (15.8mm) diameter lamp with a G5 bi-pin connector.
What is the whitest light?
Fluorescent lamps rated as "artificial daylight" have color temperatures of 5,000 o K or 7,500 o K. 6500K (such as Philips 800-series fluorescent lamps) is considered Whitest light. Some sources rate this as "overcast light" 2 - good for reading. Please see details at BULB COLOR TEMPERATURE COMPRARISONS.
What is soft white light?
Soft White - a warm full glow light ideal "lifestyle" light. Color corrected fluorescent bulbs operate at about 3600 o K and skin tones look somewhat normal under these lights.
How many watts is a T8 bulb?
Above: T8 Fluorescent bulb, 32 watt, pin spacing 13mm, sold in a wide range of color temperature and light output in lumens, straight or U-shaped.
What are the different types of fluorescent tubes?
What are the different types of fluorescent tubes? There are 3 types: t12 tubes, t8, and t5 tubes, and the t12 which is the oldest and being phased out and no longer manufactured. The t8 is probably the most used with the t5 being the smallest and most energy-efficient so are often used in large office buildings and warehouses for energy savings.
How do I know which fluorescent light bulb to buy?
When considering the question of how do I know which fluorescent light bulb to buy you need to figure out what you currently have. Once you have removed the bulb most will be marked with the type on the end, if there are no markings then you can measure the tube diameter to determine their type.
Why are T12 fluorescent lights still used?
Another reason why they are still used is the cheaper purchasing price compared to the others, but, they are no longer being made. Despite being an older model, the T12 fluorescent tube lights still offer a range of color temperatures at different watts.
What is the smallest fluorescent bulb?
T4 tubes are the smallest of the fluorescent bulb sizes, at only 4 eighths of an inch (0.5 in). Their size is what makes T4 lights popular for under cabinet lighting purposes and accent lighting for displays or a staircase.
How many watts does a T4 light bulb use?
There is no industry standard for the length or wattage of T4 tube lights. They can range anywhere from 6 watts to 30 watts, the lower the number the lower the energy consumption, and many lengths. If you are replacing a T4, you may struggle with finding the same fluorescent light bulbs sizes. Be sure to measure the length ...
What is the color rendering index of T5 bulbs?
The CRi of T5 fluorescent bulbs generally range in the lower end of 70 -80 but there are options with more accurate color rendering up to 95.
What is a T8 light?
T8 lights are commonly used in larger spaces as overhead lighting for example in office spaces with troffer lights, garages or classrooms . This is why you will often see long T8 lighting in 4 foot light tubes, 6 feet, and 8 feet lengths. Compared to T5 lighting, the 8 Foot T8 tube lights are less economical.
What is the most important thing to know when buying fluorescent lights?
The most important thing you need to know when buying a fluorescent light is the intensity of the light. The higher the K number, the more intense the light will be.
Which is better, fluorescent or fluorescent?
They’re better for illuminating large, dark areas. Fluorescent tubes (also known as T5 bulbs) are a very flexible type of fluorescent and are ideal in commercial settings (in high-ceilinged buildings, long corridors, etc.) They are more expensive than the other types of tubes, but they are very efficient.
What is a T4 fluorescent light?
T4 Fluorescent Lights. The T4 fluorescent tube is also known as a “mini-tubular.”. As the name suggest, mini-tubulars are indeed smaller than regular (34") tubes and are ideal for low-light plant species. By comparison, the T5 fluorescent tube is usually 2.5 to 3 times larger than a T4 fluorescent tube.
How long does a T8 fluorescent light last?
Its tube is 8 inches long and the fixture is called an F8T8. Light output is 75-82 lumens per watt (LPW) and the life span is about 15,000 hours. Don’t worry too much about the lamp’s life span, because it’s very unlikely that you will actually use it for that long.
What size is the most common electrical outlet?
The T8 is the most common size used. But there are also others out there to choose from. Talk to your local home improvement store and your local electrician expert about which is best for your needs.
Why not let a light bulb operate beyond its lifetime?
The main thing is to not let them operate beyond the rated lifetime because this will lead to a drop in efficiency and light output.
How many pins are in a straight fluorescent bulb?
Traditional straight fluorescent bulbs use a turn-type connector whose internal metal clips contact two pins at each end of the bulb.
What is a center pin bulb?
Center pin bulbs use a ballast / transformer that provides the bulb starting current without needing the additional starter device that we discuss at FLUORESCENT LIGHT STARTER REPLACEMENT
Where does the lampholder base go?
You'll see that usually the lampholder base simply slips into a slot cut into the steel of the fluorescent light fixture face.
Can you change a fluorescent bulb?
Watch out: Changing a fluorescent lamp or bulb and changing the fluorescent lamp starter (if your lamp uses a starter) are easy tasks within the ability of most homeowners or occupants.
Where are fluorescent lights used?
Widely used – Fluorescents are used in a variety of applications across multiple industries. Hotels, commercial office buildings, grocery stores, healthcare facilities, warehouses, parking garages, and more all use fluorescent lighting.
What is a fluorescent bent lamp?
Fluorescent bent lamps come in a few different options. The most common that we see is a fluorescent bent T8 with six-inch leg spacing. As you would expect, the tube is bent in a U-shape. For this reason, they could also be called U-bent fluorescents.
How big is a fluorescent tube?
Their outside diameter (which is measuring the circle from one end to the other) comes in four options – 6, 8, 12, and 16 inches.
How many inches between fluorescent lamps?
Occasionally, you’ll come across fluorescent bent lamps with a 1 and 5/8-inch leg spacing. When used in a 2x2 troffer, they will give off a very even, full amount of light.
What type of lighting do you use in the office?
You might not realize it, but you interact with fluorescent lighting every day. Whether it’s in the office building or grocery store, fluorescent lamps are probably the most popular type of lighting.
Do fluorescent lights have the same technology?
All fluor escent lamps use the same technology, but there are several different variations and sizes.
Is the T12 fluorescent tube phased out?
T12s are beginning to phase out , and there are very few 1.5-inch LED tubes on the market. In most instances, a T8 or T5 will work in its place. Shop T12 linear fluorescents.
