How to read a light bulb part number: linear fluorescent tubes
- Shape and wattage in fluorescent part numbers. The first section in the part number tells us the shape and wattage of the lamp. ...
- CRI and color temperature in fluorescent part numbers. The second section in the part number tells us the CRI series and Kelvin temperature of the tube. ...
- Descriptions of fluorescent part numbers. ...
Full Answer
What do the numbers mean on fluorescent light bulbs?
Linear fluorescent lamps typically include a “T” in the shape abbreviation with a number following it. 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.
How are fluorescent tubes 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.
What does t mean in fluorescent light bulbs?
A " T " stands for "tube," or "tubular." This is the shape of, and the designation for, a standard, straight fluorescent light bulb—though it is also clearly not a bulb in shape but rather a tube. This is also why the electrical trade uses the term "lamp" instead of "light bulb."
What does the wattage of a linear fluorescent tube mean?
Wattage is the power required to operate the linear fluorescent tubes. In this case, the wattage tells us two things. The amount of electricity the tube is consuming and the length of the tube. The diameter simply tells us how thick the tube is, but we need the wattage to tell us how long it is.
What do the numbers on a fluorescent bulb mean?
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, rounded-up to ...
How do I know what size fluorescent tube I need?
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.
What does 840 mean on a fluorescent tube?
The first digit is the CRI with 8 representing 80% and 6 representing 60% etc. The last 2 digits are the colour temperature in hundreds of Kelvin so 6000K would be represented by 60. So for example 840 means the lamp has a CRI of 80% and a colour temperature of 4000K.
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?
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.
Can I replace a T12 bulb 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 colour is 865?
What colour temperature should i choose for my lamp?CodeColour Temperature (in Kelvin)Description8303000KWarm white8353500KWhite8404000KCool white8656500KDaylight2 more rows
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).
What does 835 mean on bulbs?
Gotti says other manufacturers indicate color temperature in the last two digits of a number. For example, light bulbs that say 735 or 835 would have the same color temperature — both would have a color temperature of 3,500 Kelvins.
Can I replace a T12 fluorescent light tube with an LED tube?
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.
Can I use a T8 LED tube in a T8 fluorescent fixture?
Type A - LED tube has an Integrated Driver for use on Existing Fluorescent Ballast. Type A LED tubes need an existing T8 electronic ballast to operate. If you have T8 electronic ballasts this makes installation very easy. All you need to do is remove the existing T8 fluorescent lamp and install a new T8 LED Type A lamp ...
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
What is the oldest tube?
There are 3 types: t12 tubes, t8, and t5 tubes, and the t12 which is the oldest and being phased out and no longer manufactured. The t8 is probably the most used with the t5 being the smallest and most energy-efficient so are often used in large office buildings and warehouses for energy savings.
How to determine the length of a fluorescent tube?
As previously stated, you can establish the length of a fluorescent tube by measuring the total distance between the two end pins. The lengths of these tubes are commonly indicated by the wattage. The smallest fluorescent tube is the T2 and it has a length of between 250mm and 760mm.
What are the different types of fluorescent tubes?
As previously mentioned, fluorescent tubes range from the modern T2 to the old style T12. The slim-line T2 tubes feature a W4.3 fitting and a 4.3 mm wide push fitting. T4 tubes are best suited to under-cabinet lighting and have a G5 fitting with 5mm separating the two pins. Standard T8 tubes have a G13 fitting, with 13mm separating the pins. The T12 tubes came complete with the same G13 cap as the T8 tube, meaning that older T12 tubes can be replaced with T8 tubes.
What is the temperature of fluorescent light?
Common varieties of colour temperature include: 1 2700k – categorised as an extra warm white, this colour temperature is typically featured in fluorescent tubes designed for domestic use 2 3000k – also classified as a warm white, fluorescent tubes featuring this level of colour temperature share lighting properties with halogen lamps 3 3500k – coming under the category of bulk standard white, this colour temperature is considered suitable for a wide variety of commercial purposes 4 4000k – this variety of cool white is typically applied to office buildings. It is also considered suitable for formal home offices 5 5400-6500k – light generated at this temperature takes on a distinctive bright appearance. It may help in alleviating the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder
How many lumens does a 20 watt bulb have?
However, the majority of fluorescent bulbs generate between 45 and 100 lumens per watt. A 20-watt tube may then be expected to generate between 90 and 100 lume ns.
What is the difference between lumens and watts?
You should be aware that lumens are specific to the total amount of light emitted by the light source, while watts refer to the amount of energy consumed. As the levels of energy efficiency increase, the wattage decreases in relation to the generation of lumens.
What is a T8 tube?
T8 Fluorescent Tubes. These fluorescent tubes are used for a wide range of domestic and commercial purposes, primarily because of the high levels of light emission. Such tubes have outstanding colour rendering capabilities and offer excellent levels of energy efficiency.
How long do T5 fluorescent tubes last?
They are an excellent cost-saving option, particularly given their expected lifespan of up to 30,000 hours.
What is a fluorescent bulb?
Fluorescent lamps (or "bulbs" in normal-speak) are classed by shape, diameter, length, wattage, and often special properties and color temperature. In T numbers like Tn or T5, T8, etc. "T" indicates tubular lamp shape. The fluorescent bulb's T-number in essence gives the bulb diameter and its connecting pin design.
What is the whitest light?
Fluorescent lamps rated as "artificial daylight" have color temperatures of 5,000 o K or 7,500 o K. 6500K (such as Philips 800-series fluorescent lamps) is considered Whitest light. Some sources rate this as "overcast light" 2 - good for reading. Please see details at BULB COLOR TEMPERATURE COMPRARISONS.
Do single pin bulbs need a starter?
Single-pin bulbs may use an instant-start ballast and will not have a separate starter. Fluorescent-lamp formats, retrieved 2018/09/02, includes notes from this original source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluorescent-lamp_formats. Dimming ballasts are available for fluorescent light fixtures.
Do bi-pin bulbs have a starter?
Single-pin bulbs may use an instant-start ballast and will not have a separate starter.
How are fluorescent lamps identified?
Fluorescent lamps are identified by a standardized code that reveals valuable information about operating characteristics and physical dimensions. Manufacturers' codes, found on the lamps and in catalogs, may vary slightly from the generic designations. However all major lamp manufacturers base their codes closely on the identification system ...
What does "FC" mean in fluorescent lamps?
Other Fluorescent Lamps. "FC" instead of "F" means the lamp is circular. "FB" or "FU" instead of "F" means the lamp is bent or U-shaped. The suffix "U" can also be used for U-shaped lamps, followed by a "/" and a number that indicates the distance between the lamp's legs in inches.
What are the letters and numbers on a light bulb?
The letters and numbers on light bulb packages are coded shorthand for the shape and size of each bulb. In other words, they precisely describe the shape or type of bulb as well as its diameter. 01 of 08.
What is an A bulb?
In its root meaning, though, this is what it is: an object shaped like a flower bulb which produces light. Most standard screw-base light bulbs—such as the GE 60 watt incandescent light bulb—are "A" bulbs. A-19 and A-21 light bulbs, which are most 60 watt and 75 watt light bulbs respectively, are two common examples of "A" bulbs.
What is a BR light bulb?
A " BR " bulb is a "bulged reflector" bulb. BR bulbs typically have two funnel-shaped reflector areas, one behind the other, to help shape and focus the light.
What is an R lamp?
R. An " R " lamp is a reflector lamp. If you have any recessed lights or track lights in your home, you probably have some of these lamps installed now. Variations on the " R " shape include " BR " or "bulged reflector" bulbs, " PAR " bulbs which have a parabolic shape, and " MR " or mirrored reflector bulbs.
What does BT stand for in light bulbs?
A " BT " code may indicate a "bulged tube" or "chimney" light bulb, but it can also stand for a "blunt tip" light bulb—the ones that are flame-shaped with a rounded end. On the other hand, to be totally confusing, BT light bulbs can also stand for "bent tip" which is the exact opposite of a blunt tip.
How big is a T-12 light bulb?
The older T-12 tubes are 1-1/2 inches in diameter with the newer T-8 tubes at 1 inch in diameter. A common A-19 light bulb is 2-3/8 inches in diameter, and an R-30 flood light is 3-3/4 inches across its widest part. Read More.
What does C stand for in a candle?
A " C " stands for "candle." These are the flame-shaped bulbs with the pointed, bent tips. Some companies have started using "CA" to designate their candle bulbs. That may have started as an attempt to distinguish candle-flame-shaped bulbs from "circline" lamps.
