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 many Watts Does a T8 light bulb use?
It may be expected that the electric power needed to operate a 32-watt T8 fluorescent lamp will be 32 watts; however, this designation is simply the nominal power of the lamp. The relevant American National Standards Institute (ANSI) document states that the rated lamp power is 32.5 watts under standard test conditions (ANSI C78.81-2005).
What are the power requirements for T8 fluorescent lamps?
What are the power requirements for T8 fluorescent lamps? It may be expected that the electric power needed to operate a 32-watt T8 fluorescent lamp will be 32 watts; however, this designation is simply the nominal power of the lamp.
How do you clean up a broken fluorescent tube?
How do you clean up a broken fluorescent tube? How to clean up a broken compact fluorescent light bulb or tube from hard surfaces such as a tile floor or countertop Have people and pets leave the room. Open windows and shut off central forced-air heating/cooling system if you have one then leave the room to vent vapors for at least 15 minutes. Remove jewelry and put on rubber gloves.
What size is a T8 fluorescent tube?
1-inch diameterT8s are 1-inch diameter fluorescent tubes, and they are the most prevalent of all fluorescent tubes.
What is the diameter of a fluorescent bulb?
Fluorescent tubes are measured in eighths of an inch. A T8 has a one inch (8/8 inch) diameter, a T5 has a 5/8 inch diameter, and a T12 is a 12/8 inch (1.5 inch) in diameter.
Which is bigger T12 or T8?
T12 vs T8 Fluorescent Tubes 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.
What does T8 mean on a fluorescent tube?
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. So a T8 has a one inch diameter.
How do you measure the diameter of a fluorescent tube?
0:002:03How To Measure Fluorescent Tubes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFluorescent tubes come in variety of size diameters t45 t a t9 t10. And t12 this is a t5.MoreFluorescent tubes come in variety of size diameters t45 t a t9 t10. And t12 this is a t5.
Can you replace fluorescent tubes with LED tubes?
Yes, you can replace fluorescent tubes with LED tubes or LED-integrated fixtures. If you just want to replace the bulbs, you can use plug-and-play, direct-wire, or hybrid LED tubes. Plug-and-play tubes are the easiest to install as they do not require any rewiring to the fixture.
Can I use a T8 LED tube in a t12 fluorescent fixture?
Direct-wire compatible T8 LED tube lights can be used in a T12 fixture, as long as the T12 ballast is either bypassed, or completely removed.
Can a T8 bulb be used in a t12 fixture?
T8 tubes are simply 1 inch in diameter versus the 1.5 inch diameter of T12 tubes. 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.
Can T8 and t12 bulbs be interchanged?
As far as safety is concerned, you can exchange them. 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.
Are T8 fluorescent bulbs being discontinued?
Even some T8 lamps have been phased out. US Congress has enacted legislation to prohibit the manufacture of these and other inefficient lighting technologies, and is calling for manufacturers to meet minimum efficiency requirements and lumens per watt for new products.
Are all T8 fluorescent bulbs the same?
Both fluorescent and LED T8 bulbs come in a range of wattages depending on how much light output you desire. For fluorescent bulbs, the number after F tells you how many Watts; a F17T8 is a 17 Watt fluorescent T8 lamp. A common T8 bulb is the F32T8 which uses 32 Watts of power.
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 diameter of a T12 fluorescent lamp?
A T12 lamp (on the left in the figure below) is therefore twelve-eighths of an inch, or one-and-one-half inches (3.81 cm), in diameter.
How are fluorescent lights measured?
Fluorescent tubes are measured in eighths of an inch, with the measurement being drawn from pin to pin at the end of the tube. The wattage level is dependent on the length of the fluorescent tube. The sizes of fluorescent tubing range from T2 to T17. Production of the largest size T12 (38mm) has ceased.
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).
Are T8 and T12 fluorescent bulbs interchangeable?
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 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 size of a T8 bulb?
T8 bulbs are 8 eighths of an inch, or one inch in diameter. Other common sizes are T12 bulbs which are twelve eighths of an inch or 1.5 inches diameter, ...
How many watts does a T8 bulb use?
For fluorescent bulbs, the number after F tells you how many Watts; a F17T8 is a 17 Watt fluorescent T8 lamp. A common T8 bulb is the F32T8 which uses 32 Watts of power.
What is ballast spec sheet?
Ballast spec sheets typically list which bulbs and wattages they are compatible with. If possible, match the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) code of the lamp to that of the ballast. However, ballasts are often compatible with more than one type of lamp, and vice versa.
How long do T8 bulbs last?
T8 bulbs are available as either linear fluorescent or LED tubes. T8 fluorescent tubes are commonly rated for 20,000 life hours, but range from 7,500 hours to 46,000 hours for standard T8 tubes. More energy efficient fluorescent T8 lamps can have a rated lifespan of up to 84,000 hours. T8 tubes are typically purchased by the case for large construction projects, renovation projects, and businesses taking advantage of bulk savings.
How to choose a ballast for a T8 bulb?
Ballast spec sheets typically list which bulbs and wattages they are compatible with. If possible, match the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) code of the lamp to that of the ballast. However, ballasts are often compatible with more than one type of lamp, and vice versa. The best ballast for your T8 tubes will most likely be based on design and start method . Fluorescent ballasts have four main types of starting methods: preheat start, rapid start, instant start, and programmed start. The latter two are the newest and most popular start methods.
Why remove ballast from fluorescent lights?
Removing the ballast also removes a point of failure, keeping the lights on longer. Hybrid tubes can be used in both plug-and-play or direct wire installations, allowing you to replace the fluorescent tubes quickly up-front, then direct wire the tubes as the ballasts fail over time.
What happens if you replace a fluorescent ballast?
A failing ballast can cause your lights to dim, buzz, change color, or flicker rapidly.
What is a T4 fluorescent light?
Fluorescent lighting is economical to run and uses long-lasting tubes to provide bright and effective general lighting. T4 fluorescent tubes are ideal for home and commercial use for kitchen worktops, in cabinets, under stairs, as a pelmet lamp, or to create a well-lit workstation for DIY, craft, or commercial use.
What is a T5 bulb?
T5 bulbs are great for large space such as schools, supermarkets, offices, and underground railways. T8 bulbs can be used in schools, garages, offices, conference rooms, retail stores, and most other environments.
How to measure bulb length?
How To Measure A Bulb. Length: Ensure you measure either pin to pin or cap to cap. Diameter: Measure the length of a straight line going from one side of the tube to the other. Colour Temperature: usually marked with a K rating on your bulb - you won't need this information now.
What does the T mean on a lamp?
The "T" in lamp terminology 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 centimetres).
Can you replace fluorescent bulbs with T4?
There can be a lot of variance in fluorescent bulb sizes, particularly with T4's, so be sure to check the length of the bulb you are replacing, don't just go by the information that is on the tube.
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.
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 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.
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.
Do fluorescent lights have the same technology?
All fluor escent lamps use the same technology, but there are several different variations and sizes.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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 do fluorescent tubes last?
The lifetime of a fluorescent tube depends on several factors including the type and brand of the fluorescent tube you have, as well as the environment, and how well you look after it.
What are the tube types and sizes used for different applications?
Tubes used for general lighting are called tubular fluorescent lamps and come in four sizes: 2‘, 4‘, 8‘, and 12‘.
How do I know which fluorescent light bulb to buy?
You have a few different dimensions to consider when buying a fluorescent light bulb.
What wattage is a T12?
T12 tubes are the most common in the aquarium hobby. These tubes range in wattage from 13W to 20W. The T12 tube’s slim size creates an attractive style, but you must use care in how you use them in your aquarium.
How many watts does a T12 tube have?
These tubes are produced by three major manufacturers in the U.S. These manufacturers produce similar quality tubes but in slightly different thicknesses. Thus, they range in wattage from 13W to 20W. The T12 tube’s slim size creates an attractive style but you must use care in how you use them in your aquarium.
How long is a T12 aquarium tube?
T12: Right between the two, 1.5-inches in diameter, extra-long length. T5 and T8 are the most commonly used tubes in today’s aquarium market. Both tubes are very similar in length and performance. They do differ, however, in the light spectrum that they produce.
What is the diameter of a T12 light bulb?
Typical diameters are T12 or T38 ( 1. 1⁄2 inch or 38 mm) for residential lamps with magnetic ballasts, T8 or T26 (1 inch or 25 mm) for commercial energy-saving lamps with electronic ballasts, and T5 or T16 ( 5⁄8 inch or 16 mm) for very small lamps, which may even operate from a battery-powered device. Slim lamps.
What is the tube number for a lamp?
Tube designations. Lamps are typically identified by a code such as FxxTy, where F is for fluorescent, the first number (xx) indicates either the power in watts or length in inches, the T indicates that the shape of the bulb is tubular, and the last number (y) is the diameter in eighths of an inch (sometimes in millimeters, ...
What does the last two digits on a lamp mean?
The last two digits indicate the color temperature of the lamp in kelvins (K). For example, if the last two digits on a lamp say 41, that lamp's color temperature will be 4100 K, which is a common tri-phosphor cool white fluorescent lamp. Halophosphate tubes. Numeric color code. Color.
What is BL lamp?
BL is used for ultraviolet lamps commonly used in bug zappers. BLB is used for blacklight-blue lamps employing a Wood's glass envelope to filter out most visible light, commonly used in nightclubs. Other non-standard designations apply for plant lights or grow lights .
What is the CRI of a Philips lamp?
Philips and Osram use numeric color codes for the colors. On tri-phosphor and multi-phosphor tubes, the first digit indicates the color rendering index (CRI) of the lamp. If the first digit on a lamp says 8, then the CRI of that lamp will be approximately 85.
What is a high output lamp?
High output/very high output lamps. High-output lamps are brighter and are driven at a higher electric current, have different ends on the pins so they cannot be used in the wrong fixture, and are labeled F##T##HO, or F##T##VHO for very high output.
What is an aperture lamp?
Aperture lamps can produce a concentrated beam of light suitable for edge-lit signs.
