How to read a light bulb part number: linear fluorescent tubes
- Shape and wattage in fluorescent part numbers. The first section in the part number tells us the shape and wattage of the lamp. ...
- CRI and color temperature in fluorescent part numbers. The second section in the part number tells us the CRI series and Kelvin temperature of the tube. ...
- Descriptions of fluorescent part numbers. ...
What do the numbers mean on fluorescent light bulbs?
Linear fluorescent lamps typically include a “T” in the shape abbreviation with a number following it. This “T” stands for tube and the number that follows is the diameter of the tube. That number is divided into 8 to translate into inches.
What is the standard size of fluorescent light tube?
New standard long tubes having nominal diameter of 5/8 inch. First letter "F" denotes Fluorescent tube. A pair of numbers then denotes either the lamp wattage (for standard types), or the tube length in inches (for special types).
What does FC mean on fluorescent light bulbs?
Other Fluorescent Lamps "FC" instead of "F" means the lamp is circular. "FB" or "FU" instead of "F" means the lamp is bent or U-shaped. The suffix "U" can also be used for U-shaped lamps, followed by a "/" and a number that indicates the distance between the lamp's legs in inches.
What is the difference between Tl and F fluorescent tubes?
Similar to "TL" S but having special end caps for flame-proof equipment. New standard long tubes having nominal diameter of 5/8 inch. First letter "F" denotes Fluorescent tube. A pair of numbers then denotes either the lamp wattage (for standard types), or the tube length in inches (for special types).
How do I know what size fluorescent tube I need?
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. Fluorescent tubes are measured in eighths of an inch.
What does 840 mean on a fluorescent tube?
The first digit is the CRI with 8 representing 80% and 6 representing 60% etc. The last 2 digits are the colour temperature in hundreds of Kelvin so 6000K would be represented by 60. So for example 840 means the lamp has a CRI of 80% and a colour temperature of 4000K.
What does 830 mean on fluorescent tube?
Color Temperature Labeling Fluorescent tubes might contain a “730” or “830” number indicating a color temperature of 3000K. (741 or 941 would indicate 4100K.)
Which is brighter T8 or 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.
Are T12 and F40 the same?
A T12 is 12/8ths of an inch, or 1.5" in diameter. A T5 is 5/8" in diameter. All F32 and F40 lamps are essentially 4 foot long lamps (47" if you don't count the pins). The FR71T12 is actually a 71" long x 1.5" diameter lamp that can handle from 80-120w and is typically run at 100w.
What does 835 mean on a fluorescent tube?
What colour temperature should i choose for my lamp?CodeColour Temperature (in Kelvin)Colour Appearance8353500KStandard colour for many fluorescent and compact fluorescent tubes8404000KMore clinical feel8656500KExtremely white, simulate natural daylight8808000KVery cold white, with blue tones2 more rows
Which is brighter 4100K or 5000K?
The three primary types of color temperature for light bulbs are: Soft White (2700K – 3000K), Bright White/Cool White (3500K – 4100K), and Daylight (5000K – 6500K). The higher the Degrees Kelvin, the whiter the color temperature.
How do I know if my ballast is T8 or T12?
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 the difference between T8 T10 and T12 fluorescent tubes?
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).
Can I replace a T12 with a T8?
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.
Can I replace a T12 fluorescent light tube with an LED tube?
T8 LED tubes won't fall out if you try to install them in a T12 fixture—they'll fit just fine. But here's some even better news: If you have a T12 fixture, conversion to LED is going to be even easier than with a T8 fixture. This is because T12 fixtures have non-shunted tombstones, exactly what you need for LED tubes.
Can I put a T12 bulb in a T8 fixture?
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.
What do the numbers on a light bulb mean?
Numbers in a bulb code indicate the size of the base, measured in millimeters or eighths of an inch, depending on the bulb. Take an A19, for example: letter 'A' indicates that the bulb comes in a standard household shape, and the '19' indicates that the base is 19/8ths inches in size.
How do I know if my ballast is T8 or T12?
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 does SP41 mean on a light bulb?
LAMP COLOR SPECIFICATIONS.Lamp (Fluor.)Nominal LPW*WhitenessD65.0BluishSP3081.3YellowishSP3582.0Pale YellowishSP4182.0Pale Greenish25 more rows
What does T8 mean?
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 T5 T8 and T12 lights?
In short, the difference between T5, T8, and T12 lights are the sizes and energy efficiency. The smaller T5 and T8 tubes use less energy and have l...
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 re...
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...
How long do fluorescent tubes last?
How long do fluorescent tubes last, well that depends a lot on its wattage, design, and application, But, expect between 7,000 and 15,000 hours. Bu...
What is the difference between T5 T8 and T12 lights?
In short, the difference between t5, t8, and t12 lights are the sizes and energy efficiency. The smaller t5 and t8 tubes use less energy and have less mercury in them than T12 bulbs.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
Why do warehouses use T5s?
Because of their energy efficiency and light output (i. e. lumen output), you see a lot of high output T5s used in warehouse fixtures. You’ll also see them in over the counter lighting, shelf lighting, or cubby lighting in retail spaces because of their compact size.
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.
Where are T8s used?
Four-foot T8s, in particular, are used everywhere – in hospitals, commercial office spaces, schools, retail spaces, warehouses... everywhere. T8s are energy efficient, inexpensive, and produce a lot of light (lumens). Typically you’ll find T8s in troffers. However, you’ll also see them in strip lights, some high-bay fixtures, ...
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 does it mean to keep the original bulb?
Keeping the original bulb package (or writing down what type of bulb was installed) means that even if you have the bad luck to break a bulb and your client throws away your carefully-kept bulb base, you can still identify the proper replacement lamp.
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.
What is a rapid start lamp?
Rapid-start lamps are the most popular fluorescent lamp type used in commercial applications such as office buildings.
How are fluorescent lamps identified?
Fluorescent lamps are identified by a standardized code that reveals valuable information about operating characteristics and physical dimensions. Manufacturers' codes, found on the lamps and in catalogs, may vary slightly from the generic designations. However all major lamp manufacturers base their codes closely on the identification system ...
What does "FC" mean in fluorescent lamps?
Other Fluorescent Lamps. "FC" instead of "F" means the lamp is circular. "FB" or "FU" instead of "F" means the lamp is bent or U-shaped. The suffix "U" can also be used for U-shaped lamps, followed by a "/" and a number that indicates the distance between the lamp's legs in inches.
What does ES stand for in a lamp?
Note that some lamps may be designated F40T12/ES, but the lamp draws 34 instead of 40 watts; the "ES," a modifier which stands for "energy-saving, " indicates this. ES is a generic designation; actual manufacturer designations may be "SS" for SuperSaver, "EW" for Econ-o-Watt, "WM" for Watt-Miser and others.
What does TL mean in a fluorescent tube?
All codes begin TL, the original Dutch terminology applied to low voltage fluorescent tubes, as opposed to the high voltage tubes that wereformerly existent for cold-cathode signage applications. T=Tension (voltage), L=Laag (low).
What does the letter F mean in a lamp?
First letter "F" denotes Fluorescent tube. A pair of numbers then denotes either the lamp wattage (for standard types), or the tube length in inches (for special types). A letter T indicates the tubular construction followed by the glass diameter in eigths of an inch. After a slash the colour is given, and finally any special features are indicated.
