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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 a T8 and T12 bulb?
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.
Is T8 the same as LED?
A T8 fluorescent that uses 32 watts of energy typically produces 2500 lumens of light. It’s LED equivalent, while using only 17 watts, produces 2200 lumens. Additionally, T8 LED light bulbs have a lifetime rating of 50,000 hours, more than 3 times longer than 15,000 hour average lifespan of T8 fluorescent lights.
Are T8 and T12 bulbs interchangeable?
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.
Are T8 bulbs fluorescent or LED?
For years, lighting indoor commercial spaces was a no-brainer. Most folks simply went with linear fluorescent lights (LFLs) — and for good reason. That being said, now there is a new player in the commercial lighting arena that promises even better efficiency: the linear LED replacement (T8 LED).
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.
Should I replace T8 with LED?
Energy Efficient – On average, new T8 LED tubes are around 30% more efficient than Fluorescent T8 tubes. Lifespan- The average life of a T8 Linear Fluorescent Lamp is 30,000 hours, while a T8 LED will last 50,000 hours. That said there are newer linear fluorescent T8 lamps that can last up to 84,000 hours.
Can you mix LED and fluorescent lights on same circuit?
Yes, and there are advantages in mixing them. The LEDs comes on instantly, whereas the CFLs can take longer, so a mixture is faster acting than only CFLs. Even though CFLs don’t come up to full brightness instantly, their slow speed is much less noticeable with an LED or two in the mix.
Are T5 and T8 bulbs interchangeable?
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.
Can I use T12 LED in 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.
Can I replace a T12 ballast 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.
What size fluorescent light do I need?
First, you will need the diameter or how wide it is around. This is expressed as a number such as T8 or T12. The “T” stands for tubular, and the number is a measurement of the diameter in 1/8″ increments. So a bulb with a 1″ diameter would be a T8—eight 1/8″ increments.
Which is better LED or fluorescent?
LED tube lighting is the better choice because it lasts about 40,000 hours longer in testing, is more energy efficient, will save you more money, and will leave less impact on the environment.
Which is brighter fluorescent or LED?
The LED tube lights are noticeably brighter than fluorescent tubes and you don’t get exposed to any kind of harmful rays such as UV/IV rays as well that can damage your eyes and can result in skin allergies as well.
Can you replace T5 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.
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.
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.
Why are fluorescent lights being phased out?
Halogen bulbs are energy-hungry, expensive, and inefficient, the Government said on Wednesday. Phasing them out will cut carbon emissions by 1.26 million tonnes a year – equivalent to taking 500,000 cars off the road – and save households money on their energy bills.
