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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. A T8 lamp (on the right in the figure below) is eight-eighths of an inch, or one inch (2.54 cm), in diameter.
What is the difference between T8 and T12 fluorescent 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.
How do I know if my bulb is a T8?
Read the lettering on the burned-out lamp. You will see either T8 or T12 stamped on one side near the end with the prongs. You also will see the lamp’s rated wattage, usually 32 watts for T8 and 40 watts for T12. Measure the diameter of the lamp.
Can you replace a T8 fluorescent bulb with an LED bulb?
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.
Is T8 the same as fluorescent?
Although T8 tubes are often employed to get better energy savings than the older style fluorescent tubes, the effect is basically the same as any other linear fluorescent. It’s a length of phosphor-coated tube that went powered on excites the phosphors which create visible light.
Can you replace T12 fluorescent tubes with 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.
What’s the difference between T5 and T8 LED tubes?
The major physical difference between T5 and T8 light bulbs is the length and diameter of the tube itself. The T5 tends to be slightly shorter than the T8 tube, and is significantly smaller in diameter. This factor is important to consider when looking at your fixture, because the two tubes are not interchangeable.
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.
What’s better T5 or T8?
The T5 has a better lumen-to-watt ratio than the T8, implying that its output is more efficient and brighter per watt of energy used.
How do you tell if I have 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 brightest T8 fluorescent bulb?
The brightest four foot T8-sized LED tube light is the Barrina LED Shop Light Fixture. This tube shines with 5000 lumens using 44 watts. It replaces a 72 watt fluorescent tube.
Will a T8 ballast work 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 does T8 stand for?
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.
Are LED lights better than fluorescent?
LEDs are up to 50% more efficient than fluorescent lights – so they use less energy. Translation: Dramatically smaller electric bills. LEDs usually last at least twice as long as fluorescents, which means they need to be changed less often.
Will LED bulbs work in fluorescent fixtures?
In short, YES! New linear LED tube bulbs are simple plug and play and ballast compatible. You will simply need to remove your fluorescent bulb and plug in your LED replacement.
Which is brighter T12 or T8?
The Standard T12 lamp produces 2,650 initial lumens per lamp. 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. Design Lumens are the average lumen output of the lamp after 40% of its rated life.
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. Fluorescent tubes are measured in eighths of an inch.
Can you put T8 bulbs in a T12 ballast?
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.
Are fluorescent lights being phased out?
The UK began phasing out the sale of higher-energy halogen lightbulbs in 2018. In addition, the government also plans to start phasing out the sale of high-energy fluorescent lightbulbs, with a view to bringing an end to their sale from September 2023.
What does T5 T8 T12 mean?
The “T” in T5 indicates the bulb is tubular shaped, while the “5” denotes that it is five eighths of an inch in diameter. The other common lamps are the larger T8 (eight eighths inch = 1″) and T12 (twelve eights inch = 1½” tubes).
