Are all T12 lamps being discontinued?
T12 lamps and magnetic ballasts have been outdated by the far more energy-efficient T8 and T5 systems now available. As a result of this phase-out, production of 70 percent of T12s was discontinued on July 14, 2012. What causes a fluorescent ballast to go bad? Flickering fluorescent tubes can cause the ballast to overheat and fail prematurely!
What is the difference between T12 and T8 bulbs?
This is a question we often get asked and the answer is very simple. On the most basic level, the T12 and the T8 bulbs have a different diameter tube thickness. The T12 is 1.5 inches in diameter and the T8 is 1 inch in diameter.
When are your fluorescent lights being discontinued?
US Department of Energy (DOE) regulations began phasing out various sizes of commercial fluorescent light bulbs in 2012. About all you can get today is the fluorescent workhorse of commercial lighting—the T81 bulb. By January 26, 2018 even T8s will be banned to align with new DOE energy efficiency standards.
Are the fluorescent bulbs going away or the actual fixture?
Fluorescent lights are less common in today's homes than they were a generation or two ago, but few homes do not have at least one fixture that features the familiar long, tubular bulbs. It might be in a garage or basement workshop, or perhaps underneath your upper kitchen cabinets, but fluorescent lights still fill their role.
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.
Can I replace a T12 with 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.
Are they phasing out fluorescent tubes?
The Ecodesign Regulation set a schedule to eliminate integrally-ballasted compact fluorescent (CFLi) and T12 linear fluorescent (LFL) lamps in September 2021, and most T8 LFLs in September 2023.
Can I replace T12 fluorescent with T8?
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 you still buy 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.
Can you put a T8 LED bulb in a T12 fixture?
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 can I use instead of a fluorescent light?
LED lightsThanks to advances in technology, LED lights are the very best alternative to fluorescent office lights. In more ways than one, modern LEDs are superior to fluorescent lighting technology today.
Is T8 better than T12?
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 do you change a T12 ballast to a T8 ballast?
3:034:39Easy repairs: convert a t12 ballast to a t8 ballast - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou you don't want to put the same t12 bulbs back in the t8 fixture now that you've changed it overMoreYou you don't want to put the same t12 bulbs back in the t8 fixture now that you've changed it over to a t8. From a t12. Usually they'll have writing on it that says t8 or t12 somewhere on the bulb.
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.
How do I know if I have a T8 or T12 ballast?
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.
Can you put LED lights in a fluorescent fixture?
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!
How old is the T12 bulb?
T12 technology is over 80 years old. Since that time, lamps and bulbs have been developed that just work better.
Why is the DOE regulating T12 lamps?
DOE is regulating T12 lamps and some T8 lamps, incandescent lamps, and other inefficient technologies as a method of moving energy consumers to be more efficient. The new standards for linear fluorescent lamps is based on efficacy, or ensuring that newer lighting technology offers greater lumens (light output) per watt and a higher CRI ...
What is the difference between T12 and T5?
This chart shows the difference in diameter between sizes. The “12,” “8,” and “5” actually refer to how many eighths of an inch the diameter of the lamp measures. For Example: 12* (1/8) =1.5, the diameter of a T12 lamp.
Can discontinued lamps be sold?
While the discontinued products may no longer be manufactured, they can still be sold until existing supplies are gone. In the meantime, consumers are likely to pay a premium for the lamps themselves, but also more in utility costs because these technologies use more energy.
Will T8 be phased out?
Additional legislation will come into effect to continue promoting energy efficiency advancements. More T8 products will be phased out and wider use of LED and other high efficiency lighting products will become more adapted. Here is a look at some changes you can expect.
Can you replace T12 fluorescent ballasts?
The quick and short answer is, if your office, store, hospital or school is still being lit with T12 linear fluorescent lamps, then yes, you have likely already experienced difficulty sourcing replacement products for burned out lamps or ballasts. Even some T8 lamps have been phased out. US Congress has enacted legislation to prohibit ...
What are my options when replacing a T12 Fluorescent Bulb?
Lighting technology has come a long way. It used to be that a light bulb had to be bigger than your fist if you wanted to have a 300-watt bulb. Now with the shift in digital technology, we are able to simply press a button on our phone and, “let there be light.”
Why Were T12 Lamps Discontinued?
If you are a construction worker or an electrician you have probably come across the problem, during a renovation or project, of finding light bulbs or materials that have been discontinued. These light fixtures were probably no longer made, and were in need of being changed or upgraded. T12 linear fluorescent lamps happen to be one of those bulbs.
What Are The Replacement Options for T12 Fluorescents?
In some ways this legislation has taken away the easiest solution but you should think of this way as “taking the scenic route.” It may be longer, but you will get to learn about options you may have never heard about before. When you do end up having to replace a T12 fluorescent tube it is probably due to it having a burnt out lamp or ballast.
Why Is The Department of Energy Regulating T12 Lamps?
- DOE is regulating T12 lamps and some T8 lamps, incandescent lamps, and other inefficient technologies as a method of moving energy consumers to be more efficient. The new standards for linear fluorescent lamps is based on efficacy, or ensuring that newer lighting technology offers greater lumens (light output) per watt and a higher CRI (Color Rende...
Regulation Continues to Promote Greater Efficiencies
- Additional legislation will come into effect to continue promoting energy efficiency advancements. More T8 products will be phased out and wider use of LED and other high efficiency lighting products will become more adapted. Here is a look at some changes you can expect. Additionally, some good online tools and resources exist such as this chart from GE sho…
Legislative Acts Affecting Lighting Users*
- A time line from GE Lighting shows how these changes have been in the works for the past several years. 2005 ENERGY POLICY ACT Established minimum efficiency requirements, incentives and research dollars for lamps, ballasts, fixtures and LEDs. 2007 ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND SECURITY ACT Established minimum efficiency requirements for halogen …
Lamp Comparison Chart, Quick Facts!
- With this chart and some simple math you can easily recognize the difference between T12, T8 and T5 lamps if you are not sure how to tell which is which. This chart shows the difference in diameter between sizes. The “12,” “8,” and “5” actually refer to how many eighths of an inch the diameter of the lamp measures. For Example: 12*(1/8) =1.5, the diameter of a T12 lamp.