Fluorescent Tube Sizes Guide
| Tube Light Type | Size Index | Diameter in Inches | Diameter in Millimeters |
| T4 | 4/8 | 0.5 | 12.7 |
| T5 | 5/8 | 0.625 | 15.8 |
| T8 | 8/8 | 1 | 25.4 |
| T12 | 12/8 | 1.5 | 38.1 |
What are the differences between LED tubes T5 and T8?
Fluorescent Tube Sizes Guide
- T4 Fluorescent Lights. T4 tubes are the smallest of the fluorescent bulb sizes, at only 4 eighths of an inch (0.5 in). ...
- T5 Fluorescent Lighting. There is not much difference in size between T5s and T4 lights. ...
- T8 Fluorescent Lighting. The most commonly available is the T8 bulbs. ...
- T12 Tube. T12 lamps are the least popular size. ...
Are T8 and T12 interchangeable?
When posing the question can a t8 light work on a t12 ballast, the short answer is no. Because the ballast is specific to the wattage of the bulb, and not necessarily the size, it doesn't matter that the tube is the same length, what matters is that a t12 ballast will push more power than a t8 light is designed to handle.
Can you replace a T12 bulb with a T8?
T12 tubes pull 40 watts, and are frequently being replaced with lower wattage t8 tubes, which operate on 32 watts. When posing the question can a t8 light work on a t12 ballast, the short answer is no.
Why are my new fluorescent bulbs not working?
Why are my new fluorescent bulbs not working? A dead fluorescent can be caused by lack of electrical power (tripped breaker or blown fuse), a dead or dying ballast, a dead starter or a dead bulb(s). Check for power first then the starter (if applicable) and then the bulbs.
Can you use a T8 bulb 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.Aug 19, 2016
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.Dec 23, 2019
Which is better T8 or T12 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.
What happens if you use wrong ballast?
If the ballast is bad, then the needle won't move. If you're using a digital multimeter, often the digital readout will possibly list a “1” when it doesn't find a measurable resistance.Feb 5, 2017
Are T12 fluorescent bulbs being phased out?
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. Since that time, lamps and bulbs have been developed that just work better.
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 ...
Can I replace T8 with LED?
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.
How do you convert a T12 fluorescent bulb to a T8?
0:444:44T12 Fluorescent to T8 LED Conversion, Part 1 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd down at that end two blue wires two red wires. And you want to connect those together. And thenMoreAnd down at that end two blue wires two red wires. And you want to connect those together. And then over here there's two yellow wires and they're jumpered to the black wires to the other connector.
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...
How big is a T8 fluorescent lamp?
Since the measurements come in eights of an inch, the T8 has an inch of diameter while a T12 comes in 1.5 inches. The narrower your choice of a fluorescent lamp is, the more efficient its energy output will be.
What is the T8 light?
The T8 light has replaced the T12 as the new standard in fluorescent lighting, which in turn is the cheaper alternative to incandescent lamps. The number that comes with the T is used to denote the diameter of the fluorescent tube.
Will the price of T12 lamps change?
At present, there is still no noticeable change in the price of these two types of lamps but it will change as soon as the T12 is phased out by its manufacturers. This is because T12 technology is now considered to be outdated.
Is a T8 light different from a T12 light?
You may not be able to distinguish the light output difference between a T8 and a T12 fluorescent lamp visually. Even though they are of comparable wattage, the T8 uses less power than a T12 lamp.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
What is the difference between a T5 and T8 lamp?
The T5 lamp has a generally lighter output compared to the T8 lamp. The T5 is offered in color temperatures of 3000K, 3500K and 4100K. They have a color-rendering index (CRI) of 82 or 85, compared to the T8 with a CRI of 75 or 85. The T5 system provides its peak output at 35°C as opposed to the T8 or T12’s peak output at 25°C. This makes the T5 system a better choice in an output over temperature ratio, and a better choice to use for effective lighting in small, and low circulated spaces. With power ratings of 24, 39, 54, and 80, the T5 HO lamp easily beats the T8 or T12 system with over double the output. T5 lamps are generally rated for 20,000 hours, as compared to T8 lamps, which are generally rated for 24,000 hours.
How many watts does a T5 light have?
Get the perfect T5 fluorescent lamps for your lighting fixtures at Warehouse Lighting. We carry a wide variety of T5 lamps ranging from 4 to 54 watts. Order T5 fluorescent lights online from Warehouse Lighting.
What is a T5 tube?
T5 tubes are the latest series of fluorescent lamps. They are offered in standard or high-output (HO) options. There are many differences between T5 lamps and T8 or T12 lamps.
How big is a T5 bulb?
They are offered in sizes of 2-5 feet in length. T5 lamps are around 40% smaller than T8 lamps and almost 60% smaller than T12 lamps. T5 lamps have a G5 base (bi-pin with 5 mm spacing), while T8 and T12 lamps use a G13 base (bi-pin with 13 mm spacing). Because of a .625-inch bulb diameter, and a mini bi-pin base, ...
Why does the brightness of a lamp rise when it dies?
Because of the lamp’s small size and high power, temperature can rise as the lamp dies because of less cathode emission material. This rise in temperature can cause the bulb wall to crack.
How long does a T5 lamp last?
T5 lamps are generally rated for 20,000 hours, as compared to T8 lamps, which are generally rated for 24,000 hours. T8 or T12 fixtures must be suspended over 2 feet from the ceiling in order to have effective light. This would be too low for many office buildings where ceilings are rarely high. With T5 lamps, suspension from ...
How much mercury is in a lamp?
This barrier coating reduces the amount of mercury needed from approximately 15 mg to 3 mg per lamp.
Why are T12 fluorescent lamps no longer produced?
Beginning in 2013, T12 linear fluorescent lamps were no longer produced by U.S. lighting manufacturers due to Department of Energy regulations. These regulations were meant to encourage T12 users to upgrade to more efficient T8 and T5 lamps and they directly affect many commercial, industrial and retail businesses.
What is the difference between a T5 and a T8?
The difference in light output for T8s and T5s is negligible below twelve feet, so it is recommended that a T8 lamp is used due to its lower cost. In the case of fixtures mounted above twelve feet, the T5 lamp is recommended due to better light dispersion.
What is the CRI of a lamp?
Quality of light is typically measured as Color Rendering Index (CRI). CRI is a numerical measure of a light source’s ability to reveal the colors of an object in comparison to a natural light source. To put a lamp’s CRI in perspective, the highest possible CRI is 100 (natural light).
How big is a T5 light tube?
For a T5, the diameter is 5/8, which is equal to 0.625 inches. As you can see, the smaller the number associated with the “T”, the smaller the diameter of the tube. Next, let’s compare the output and performance of each lamp. It’s important to know how quality and quantity of light is measured in order to compare the different lamps.
How big is a T12?
For example, with a T12, the diameter is 12/8, or twelve eights of an inch. Another way to say this is that the diameter is equal to 1.5 inches. For a T8, the diameter is 8/8, which is equal to 1 inch. For a T5, the diameter is 5/8, which is equal to 0.625 inches.
What does the T stand for in a lamp?
The “T” stands for Tubular, which is the shape of the glass casing for the lights. The associated number represents the diameter of the lamp. This number is the numerator in a fraction where the denominator is 8 and the length is in inches. For example, with a T12, the diameter is 12/8, or twelve eights of an inch.
Is a T5 bigger than a T8?
As you can see, T5s are smaller in diameter and provide a larger quantity of light. They are also 2-3 times more expensive than T8s. The decision to use T5s or T8s will depend on the desired amount of money to spend on them as well as the application that they will be used for.
What is the diameter of a T8 tube?
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. With this said, T12 fluorescents for ...
Can T12 fluorescents be used with LED?
They can indeed be used in T12 fixtures. With this said, T12 fluorescents for the most part use magnetic ballasts therefore, the only way to use LED tube lights with this type of fixture is to either purchase an LED ballast bypass tube light and bypass the ballast wiring or purchase a universal magnetic ballast compatible tube light.
