Full Answer
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.
What is T5, T8 and T12 lighting?
The only difference between T5, T8 and T12 bulbs is the tube diameter. A T5 bulb is 5/8ths of an inch in diameter, a T8 lamp is exactly one inch in diameter (8/8ths) and a T12 tube is 12/8ths, or one and a half inches thick. How do I know what size fluorescent tube I need?
What does T12 mean in fluorescent bulbs?
What is t12 bulb? The T12 is an older generation fluorescent bulb that generates light through electromagnetic induction, which is considered less efficient method of creating light compared to that of newer electronic based circuits. Click here to know more about it.
What does T12 stand for?
What does T1 – T12 medical abbreviation stand for? In science & medicine, it is Thoracic vertebrae 1-12 (spine eg. T10 = tenth thoracic vertebra) the medical abbreviation T1 – T12 stands for. T1 – T12: Thoracic vertebrae 1-12 (spine eg. T10 = tenth thoracic vertebra)
What is difference between T8 and T12 bulbs?
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 does T12 bulb mean?
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. Another way to say this is that the diameter is equal to 1.5 inches.
Can I replace a T12 bulb 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 you replace a T12 bulb with a 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 I put LED bulbs in my fluorescent fixtures?
You have fluorescent tube lights in your home or business already, and you're wondering if you can pop LED tubes in these fixtures or if you'll need to change out the fixtures for something designed for LED. Good news! You can use LED tubes in your existing fixtures!
Can you use T8 LED bulbs in a T12 fixture?
In an effort to make LED tube lights compatible with the internal dimensions of most fixtures, you will find that most LED tube lights feature a T8 or 1 inch diameter. They can indeed be used in T12 fixtures.
Why are T12 lamps being discontinued?
In response, Congress made legislation stating that T12 linear fluorescents and other inefficient lighting technologies would no longer be manufactured. This legislation was put into action in 2012 with the DOE regulating T12 linear fluorescent lamps as a way of encouraging consumers to be more energy efficient.
How can you tell T12 from T8?
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.
How do I upgrade my T12 to T8?
0:006:55Convert T12 Florescent shop lights to T8 Ballast and Bulbs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd just touch the two little pins on the end of the light bulbs that's all you need just need to beMoreAnd just touch the two little pins on the end of the light bulbs that's all you need just need to be wired.
Can you still get T12 bulbs?
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.
How do I convert a T12 light fixture to LED?
3 steps to retrofit from T12 to LEDSet goals.Build a budget.Know your T12 replacement options.A. Install a direct wire or ballast-bypass linear LED lamp.B. Install magnetic and electronic ballast-compatible linear LEDs.C. Install electronic ballast-compatible linear LEDs and a new electronic ballast.D. ... E.More items...•
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.
Why are T12 lamps being discontinued?
In response, Congress made legislation stating that T12 linear fluorescents and other inefficient lighting technologies would no longer be manufactured. This legislation was put into action in 2012 with the DOE regulating T12 linear fluorescent lamps as a way of encouraging consumers to be more energy efficient.
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.
Are T12 lights 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.
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 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 diameter of a T12 bulb?
T12 bulbs have a diameter of 12/8 or 1.5 inches. T12 bulbs come in an assortment of color temperatures. Lamps in the 3000 Kelvin range emit a halogen while light that falls between being warm (2700K) and cool (4000K).
How to tell if a T12 bulb is fluorescent?
You can identify which lamps your fixture is using by reading the code at the end of the tube. The first part of the designation code describes the wattage. "F" notes that the tube is fluorescent and the number following is the wattage. For instance, a tube labeled F40T12 will operate using 40 Watts. The second part of the code tells the diameter, with the "T" standing for tube and the number representing the diameter in eights of an inch. T12 bulbs have a diameter of 12/8 or 1.5 inches.
When was the T12 light bulb banned?
T12 Light Bulb Ban. As part of the shift towards more energy efficient lighting, the manufacture and import of most T12 light bulbs was banned in July 2012. Some T12 bulbs are exempt from this ban, including cold temperature lamps and bulbs with a CRI of 87 or higher.
What is T12 Bulb?
T12 bulbs work on the principle of electromagnetic induction, which is not very efficient. It usually uses magnetic ballast. One can use the same fixture for The T8 and T12 bulbs.
How old are T12 bulbs?
T12 bulbs are about 80 years old. In the past, they may have been a great choice, but now they surely need to be replaced by new incoming modern bulbs. T12 bulbs have been stopped from their manufacturing in many countries.
What is the difference between T8 and T12 bulbs?
The 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. However, a T12 bulb is only able to maintain either the color rendering index or the efficacy.
What does T8 mean in fluorescent?
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. T8 bulb was launched back in 1981, which was a few years after the T12 bulb was launched in 1938.
How big is a T8 bulb?
T8 bulb is about 1 inch in diameter, whereas T12 bulbs are about 1.5 inches in diameter.
When were T8 bulbs first introduced?
T8 bulbs were launched back in 1981. They are expensive compared to the rest tabular models. Back in those days, T8 lamps were great as a choice. The T8 bulbs used new phosphor technology, which made them popular in the market. T8 bulbs consumed less wattage and were quite efficient. They work very well in cold temperatures and do not require a long time to start. They also have good and improved color statistics.
Is T8 or T12 better?
Both T8 and T12 bulbs are fluorescent bulbs. They were invented during the late 20th century. They both were great inventions back then. T12 is older than T8. T8 was considered to be a great replacement to T12 back then. However, the incoming of LED has changed the lighting industry to whole another level. LEDs have all advantages over typical fluorescent bulbs and can also save the environment from toxic mercury present in the bulbs.
How big is a T12 bulb?
The 12 in this T12 bulb indicates that the bulb is 12/8 in diameter or 1.5 inches.
How many lumens does a T12 bulb have?
It features 750 lumens, 20 watts, warm white, bi-pin base, and it measures 1.5-inch diameter. This is a T12 type of fluorescent grow light that can supply your indoor plants with light. They are especially great for indoor vegetable garden seedlings.
What Are Fluorescent Lights?
Fluorescent growing bulbs produce low intensity and will not emit too much heat. Thus, they are perfect for growing various plants such including seedlings and clones.
What type of light do I need for a T12 bulb?
Some Recommended T12 Fluorescent Lights. Below are some recommended T12 fluorescent lights you can use I growing your plants: 1. GE Plant and Aquarium Fluorescent Light Bulb, F20T12 Grow Light. GE plant and aquarium fluorescent F20T12 grow light is ideal for some plants and aquariums.
How long do fluorescent lights last?
The fluorescent bulb comprises a combination of phosphorous and this will supply plenty of red and blue lights. The bulb can last you up to 4 years if you follow the 6 hours daily usage.
What is the best light for growing plants?
Fluorescent lights are also ideal for growing plants that do not demand too much light intensity. It will supply the appropriate type of light needed by your plants without causing any harm. They are especially ideal for growing vegetables, herbs, spinach, lettuce, and the likes. They are also great for vegetative growth and flowering growth.
What are fluorescent tubes used for?
They are also great for vegetative growth and flowering growth. There are various types of fluorescent tube lights you can choose for your indoor garden but not all fluorescent lights are the same. You can distinguish them by their diameters and they are represented by the “T” letter.
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 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.
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.
What is the T8 light?
The T8 light has replaced the T12 as the new standard in fluorescent lighting, which in turn is the cheaper alternative to incandescent lamps. The number that comes with the T is used to denote the diameter of the fluorescent tube.
How big is a T8 fluorescent lamp?
Since the measurements come in eights of an inch, the T8 has an inch of diameter while a T12 comes in 1.5 inches. The narrower your choice of a fluorescent lamp is, the more efficient its energy output will be.
Will the price of T12 lamps change?
At present, there is still no noticeable change in the price of these two types of lamps but it will change as soon as the T12 is phased out by its manufacturers. This is because T12 technology is now considered to be outdated.
Is a T8 light different from a T12 light?
You may not be able to distinguish the light output difference between a T8 and a T12 fluorescent lamp visually. Even though they are of comparable wattage, the T8 uses less power than a T12 lamp.
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.
Why are my light bulbs phased out?
In July 2012, the U.S. Department of Energy’s lighting mandate took effect. Fluorescent T12 lamps and ballasts were phased out and are no longer legal to be produced or imported. This mandate was passed due to federal energy efficiency regulations.
Can you replace T12 bulbs?
Since T12s are no longer going to be available , you must act now to find an alternative bulb type.
When were T12 bulbs first introduced?
T12 bulbs are the earliest incarnation and were released before halogen lights made an appearance. The T12 light bulbs were introduced in the 40s and a considerable improvement. It was some 40 years later, in the mid-80s, when T8 lamp technology took off and soon set the trend as the new standard of energy efficiency, and prompting people to switch to these new types of lighting.
How Do I Know if My Ballast is T8 or T12?
Fluorescent lamps or fluorescent tubes are often T8 and T12. Magnetic ballasts were first used with T12 lamps, yet can be used with electronic ballasts, lighter than traditional ballasts, and produce less noticeable light flicker. Electronic ballasts designed specifically for T8 lamps are used in all of them. The choice between T8 and T12 lamps is based on your intended purpose or application. (Find the Best Battery Operated Lights)
What are Standard Fluorescent Bulb Sizes?
When you search for fluorescent lamps, you’ll find a few types on offer more than others. Here are the most common light bulbs you can find.
Why are fluorescent tubes used?
Because of the high levels of light generated, these fluorescent tubes are used for a wide range of home and commercial applications.
How long do fluorescent lights last?
You’ll find that these bulbs have a long life span, ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 hours.
How big is a T8 bulb?
On the most basic level, the T12 and the T8 bulbs have different diameter tubes where the T12 is 1.5 inches in diameter, and the T8 is 1 inch in diameter.
What is a T5 fluorescent tube?
T5 fluorescent tubes are used to light retail stores, schools, office buildings, workspaces, and more because of their illuminating characteristics. They are cost-effective thanks to low energy consumption and the 30,000 hours lifespan.
