What is the difference between a T5 and a T8 flourescent bulb?
Difference Between T5 and T8 Fluorescent Light Bulbs T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes are often used for ambient lighting in commercial areas such as offices. 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.
What is the T in a T5 fluorescent lamp mean?
What does T5 mean? The "T" in lamp nomenclature represents the shape of the lamp-tubular. The number following the "T" usually represents the diameter of the lamp in eighths of an inch (1 inch equals 2.5 centimeters). T5 lamps have a diameter equal to 5 times an eighth of an inch, or 5/8".
How many lumens is a T5 bulb?
While the standard T5 and T5 HO are the same diameter and length, the 4-ft T5 is rated at 2,900 lumens, similar to the lumen per watt output of a T8 lamp. On the other hand, the 4-ft T5 HO lamp is rated as high as 5,000 lumens, offering twice the maintained light output of a T8 lamp.
What are T5 lamps available?
The T5 lamps have been engineered to withstand the test of time with a 50,000-hour lifetime and a limited 5-year warranty to back it up. The lighting performance effectively replaces conventional fluorescent T5 HO or T5 HE lamps. Available in either InstantFit (Type A or Type C) or MainsFit (Type B / Ballast bypass), Philips T5 TLEDs provide a ...
What is the difference between a T5 and a T8 fluorescent bulb?
T5 lamps are 40% smaller than T8 fixtures, but are capable of containing just as much and sometimes more light in a smaller area. In other words, more T8 fixtures are needed to produced the same amount of light generated by significantly fewer high output T5 bulbs.
Is T5 fluorescent or LED?
Made to effectively replace linear fluorescent tubes, T5 LED tubes are an energy efficient alternative for linear fixtures, strip lights, shop lights, and troffers. LED tube lights not only operate on a fraction of the wattage, but also perform up to 50,000 hours.
Which is better T5 or T8?
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.
What are the difference between T5 and T12 tubes?
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.
Can I replace T5 fluorescent with LED?
Plug and Play, or direct wire, LED T5 lamps make switching from fluorescent to LED simple. These bulbs are easy and quick to install. Replacing the ballast in your current fixture won't be necessary, as it plugs directly into the fixture without any rewiring.
Can you put LED bulbs in a T5 fixture?
0:082:45T5 LED Conversion - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clip- it's a Direct Fit. So you don't have to do any wiring you basically just pull the old fluorescentMore- it's a Direct Fit. So you don't have to do any wiring you basically just pull the old fluorescent tubes out put the new LED in and you should get pretty similar brightness.
Can I replace a T5 bulb with a T8?
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].
Where do you usually use a T5 fluorescent?
T5 luminaires are usually used in new construction projects. Because T5 lamps have smaller diameters, shorter lengths, and higher luminances than T8 and T12 lamps, they are more suitable for indirect lighting, direct/indirect lighting, direct lighting for high-bay applications, and wall-washing applications.
Are T5 better than LED?
There is no physics difference in light being produced by an LED or T5 unit; however reflectors in different units can affect whether light beams are more collimated (better penetration in deep tanks) and of course, different units produces light of different spectrum/wavelengths.
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.
What happens if 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.
How do I know if my ballast is T8 or T12?
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.
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 a T5 lamp?
What are T5 lamps? T5 lamps are fluorescent lamps that are 5/8" of an inch in diameter. This report discusses only linear T5 lamps. Differences in length and socket pin design versus conventional fluorescent lamps prevent any problems with electric circuits or human factors.
How big is a T5 lamp?
T5 lamps have a diameter equal to 5 times an eighth of an inch, or 5/8". These lamps are approximately 40% smaller than T8 lamps, which are one inch in diameter, and almost 60% smaller than T12 lamps, which are 1½" in diameter. Figure 1 shows diagrams of lamp ends of T5, T8, and T12 lamps.
Can a T5 be used as a replacement for a T8?
T5 lamps are slightly shorter than T8 lamps and therefore cannot be used as replacements for the larger lamps. Some luminaires, however, can be made to accept either T5 or T8 lamps by changing the sockets and ballasts. Table 1-1 compares lengths of T5 lamps with T8 and T12 lamps.
What is a T5 tube?
A T5 is a type of fluorescent tube. It differs from a T12 and a T8 in its diameter. All T5s are 5/8ths of an inch (T8s are exactly 1inch thick and T12s are 12/8ths or 1.5 inches thick). T5s are 16mm in diameter making them the thinnest fluorescent tube out of the three. T5s are also much more energy-efficient than T12s and T8s.
What ballasts do T5s use?
Like T8s, T5s can uses electronic ballasts of electromagnetic ballasts. You will need a ballast specific to the size of T5 tubes though. Find out about electronic ballasts and electromagnetic ballasts on our T8 FAQs page.
Do you have to upgrade ballasts from T8 to T12?
If you have previously used T8s or T 12s you will have to upgrade your ballasts however as the smaller size requires a different fitting. If you’re considering moving from T12 to T8 it might be worth your while to take the bigger jump and just go straight to T5 to realise much greater efficiency.
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 long do T5 LED lights last?
However, this is still less than half of the expected lifespan of a T5 LED tube light which lasts an average of 50,000 hours.
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 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.
Why are T12 lamps the least popular?
T12 lamps are the least popular size. This is because they use older technology that is less energy-efficient compared to the smaller options. T12 fittings use a magnetic start ballast which is less energy efficient. The smaller and newer models have already been fitted with the more energy-efficient electric ballasts.
How long do T8 fluorescent lights last?
They do however last up to 50,000 hours, use less power, operate without a ballast and do not contain hazardous mercury that fluorescent bulbs use. Like any new product, cost reduction will depend on improved technology and consumer demand. Advertisement. references. Lighting Research Center: T8 fluorescent lamps.
When did T8 bulbs come out?
T8 Type. Fluorescent T8 bulbs have continued growing in popularity since they were brought to the United States in 1981 and have now become the standard in building construction. The T8 bulb's lifetime can exceed that of the T12, while using less energy.
What is a T12 bulb?
Since their conception in the 1930s, fluorescent T12 bulbs were the choice of building contractors. The low cost and life span of 20,000 hours far surpassed incandescent bulbs. However, because of its less efficient magnetic ballast and larger bulb size, it has lost popularity to the T8 electronic ballast type. T12 and T8 bulbs are available in the same lengths, however, ordinary T12 bulbs do not operate properly with an electronic ballast and vice versa. Magnetic ballasts were banned July of 2010, but left over inventory and other T12 bulbs were still on the market.
How to tell if fluorescent light is a tube or a bulb?
The letter T is used in front of the number to show that the fluorescent light is a tube and not a bulb like traditional lights are. 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.
How wide is a T8 bulb?
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.
What are the different types of fluorescent lights?
Image Credit: AstridSinai/iStock/GettyImages. There are several types of fluorescent lights. The most common straight tube types are T5, T8 and T12, available in lengths up to eight feet. All fluorescent bulbs require a ballast to operate, while older models require a starter as well. Advertisement.
Is a T5 bulb the same as a T8 bulb?
The T5 fluorescent bulb is only similar to the the T8 in that it uses an electronic ballast. However the cost of T5 bulbs, especially high output types, is significantly higher than T8 and T12 bulbs. T5 bulbs are also shorter and do not fit standard fixtures.
