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 size fluorescent light do I Need?
This is the ideal height for a light fixture in this room. So for this room, you’ll want to look for a light fixture around 22 inches wide and 25-30 inches tall. Depending on the room or placement of the fixture, the hanging length or height of a fixture is equally as important as the size.
How to measure a fluorescent light bulb?
How to Do a Voltage Test for Fluorescent Fixtures
- Turn off the power to the circuit that powers the fluorescent fixture.
- Remove the fluorescent light bulb from the fixture. The bulb is held in place by tombstones, which also facilitate the transfer of electricity to the bulb.
- Detach the cover that protects the ballast. ...
Are fluorescent lights better than incandescent?
Fluroscent light bulbs are better than incandescent bulbs in almost every way: lifetime cost, environmental impact and energy savings. The fluorescent light bulb is known to reduce replacement costs and is an energy saver. It also lasts 10 to 20 times longer than the incandescent bulb.
What are the different sizes of fluorescent bulbs?
- Diameter is 1.5 inches
- Length is 48 inches
- Energy to emit 2,500 lumens is 40 watts
- Durability is 10,000 hours
- CRI is 62
What is the smallest fluorescent bulb?
How many watts does a T4 light bulb use?
Why are T12 fluorescent lights still used?
What is the color rendering index of T5 bulbs?
What is a T8 light?
Why are T12 lamps the least popular?
How long do T5 LED lights last?
See more
How do I know what size fluorescent bulb 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. Fluorescent tubes are measured in eighths of an inch.
Are fluorescent bulbs a standard size?
Fluorescent circline tubes are typically 1 and 1/8 of an inch in diameter. Their outside diameter (which is measuring the circle from one end to the other) comes in four options – 6, 8, 12, and 16 inches.
How long is a standard fluorescent light?
Standard Size The most common fluorescent light length is 4 feet. Bulbs of this length are the easiest to buy and handle. Often they are cheaper than bulbs of other lengths, and they last longer.
What is the diameter of a 4 foot T 12 fluorescent lamp?
A T12 lamp (on the left in the figure below) is therefore twelve-eighths of an inch, or one-and-one-half inches (3.81 cm), in diameter. A T8 lamp (on the right in the figure below) is eight-eighths of an inch, or one inch (2.54 cm), in diameter.
Can you put LED bulbs in old fluorescent fixtures?
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!
Can you replace 4 foot fluorescent bulb 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.
What size do fluorescent tubes come in?
Fluorescent tubes have two dimensions; diameter and length. The type of tube is determined by its diameter, with T2 (7mm), T4 (12mm), T5 (15mm), T8 (25mm), T12 (38mm) all available in multiple lengths and wattages.
What are the three types of regular fluorescent lamp?
3 Types of Fluorescent Light BulbsT12 bulbs are the oldest type still in use in some fluorescent fixtures. ... T8 bulbs are more expensive than T12 bulbs but will start much faster. ... T5 bulbs are a smaller version of their big brothers.
Can I replace a T12 bulb with a 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 I replace a T12 fluorescent light tube with an LED tube?
T8 LED tubes won't fall out if you try to install them in a T12 fixture—they'll fit just fine. But here's some even better news: If you have a T12 fixture, conversion to LED is going to be even easier than with a T8 fixture. This is because T12 fixtures have non-shunted tombstones, exactly what you need for LED tubes.
What does T8 stand for?
Now we're explaining what T8 means. 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. So a T8 has a one inch diameter.
What is the difference between a T5 and a T8 fluorescent bulb?
T5 fluorescent light bulb is a newer technology than T8. T5 fluorescent light bulb has an efficiency of about 100 lm/W. T8 fluorescent light bulb can reach about 90 lm/W luminous efficacy. In other words, T5 fluorescent lamps can use the same amount of power to produce more light.
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...
What are Standard Fluorescent Bulb Sizes?
When you search for fluorescent lamps, you’ll find a few types on offer more than others. Here are the most common light bulbs you can find.
How Do I Know if My Ballast is T8 or T12?
Fluorescent lamps or fluorescent tubes are often T8 and T12. Magnetic ballasts were first used with T12 lamps, yet can be used with electronic ballasts, lighter than traditional ballasts, and produce less noticeable light flicker. Electronic ballasts designed specifically for T8 lamps are used in all of them.
What is the Difference Between T8 and T12 Fluorescent Light Bulbs?
This is a question often asked is the difference between these bulbs. On the most basic level, the T12 and the T8 bulbs have different diameter tubes where the T12 is 1.5 inches in diameter, and the T8 is 1 inch in diameter.
What does T12 mean in fluorescent bulbs?
A T12 lamp twelve-eighths of an inch, or one-and-one-half inches in diameter. A T8 lamp is eight-eighths of an inch or one inch. And a T5 lamp will be 5/8ths of an inch. The common tube ratings for general lighting are shown below.
What is An Allen Key?
A hex key, also known as an Allen key or Allen wrench, is a compact handheld tool created by the Allen Manufacturing Company to drive a screw or bolt by hexagonal sockets. They come in a variety of sizes, but all have the same hexagonal-shaped heads.
Types of Allen Keys
The Allen wrench doesn’t appear to be much of a tool at first glance. It’s a piece of metal in the shape of an L. However, you shouldn’t be misled by its unassuming appearance; the Allen wrench is a powerful hand tool capable of producing enormous torque for its size.
What is Hex Key?
With so many hex screws, metric, or SAE (imperial), it is handy to find a hex wrench and the different hex keys and Allen key socket tools you can find. It doesn’t matter to the company besides a different class of tool or a unique design.
How big is a fluorescent circline tube?
Their outside diameter (which is measuring the circle from one end to the other) comes in four options – 6, 8, 12, and 16 inches. Shop fluorescent circline lamps.
What is a linear fluorescent tube?
Linear fluorescent tubes. Linear fluorescent tubes are the most common type of fluorescent lamps. There are three common sizes, shown in the chart the below. The difference is in the diameter.
What size lamp is used in a 2x2 troffer?
Occasionally, you’ll come across fluorescent bent lamps with a 1 and 5/8-inch leg spacing. When used in a 2x2 troffer, they will give off a very even, full amount of light.
What are fluorescent lights used for?
Widely used – Fluorescents are used in a variety of applications across multiple industries . Hotels, commercial office buildings, grocery stores, healthcare facilities, warehouses, parking garages, and more all use fluorescent lighting. All fluorescent lamps use the same technology, but there are several different variations and sizes.
What is a fluorescent bent lamp?
Fluorescent bent lamps come in a few different options. The most common that we see is a fluorescent bent T8 with six-inch leg spacing. As you would expect, the tube is bent in a U-shape. For this reason, they could also be called U-bent fluorescents.
Is the T12 fluorescent tube phased out?
T12s are beginning to phase out , and there are very few 1.5-inch LED tubes on the market. In most instances, a T8 or T5 will work in its place. Shop T12 linear fluorescents.
Is fluorescent lighting still popular?
Tweet. You might not realize it, but you interact with fluorescent lighting every day. Whether it’s in the office building or grocery store, fluorescent lamps are probably the most popular type of lighting. In today's world of LEDs, there are several reasons why fluorescent lighting has survived. Inexpensive – Fluorescents still remain one ...
What are the different sizes of fluorescent tubes?
Tubes used for general lighting are called tubular fluorescent lamps and come in four sizes: 2‘, 4‘, 8‘, and 12‘. Smaller wattage tubes are often called mini-tubes, mini-strips, or compact fluorescents (CFLs). Larger wattage tubes are called high output (HO) fluorescents. Some people refer to them as ‘triphosphor’ bulbs.
Which is better, fluorescent or fluorescent?
They’re better for illuminating large, dark areas. Fluorescent tubes (also known as T5 bulbs) are a very flexible type of fluorescent and are ideal in commercial settings (in high-ceilinged buildings, long corridors, etc.) They are more expensive than the other types of tubes, but they are very efficient.
What is a T4 fluorescent light?
T4 Fluorescent Lights. The T4 fluorescent tube is also known as a “mini-tubular.”. As the name suggest, mini-tubulars are indeed smaller than regular (34") tubes and are ideal for low-light plant species. By comparison, the T5 fluorescent tube is usually 2.5 to 3 times larger than a T4 fluorescent tube.
How long does a T8 fluorescent light last?
Its tube is 8 inches long and the fixture is called an F8T8. Light output is 75-82 lumens per watt (LPW) and the life span is about 15,000 hours. Don’t worry too much about the lamp’s life span, because it’s very unlikely that you will actually use it for that long.
What is the best light for an aquarium?
Fluorescent lighting is a cheap and efficient alternative to incandescent lights, and are great for a lot of uses. T5 lighting has become popular in aquarium keeping, and increasingly so over the last few years. T5 stands for 5/8” tubing diameter, and it’s thelargestoneormosit is still available to aquarium owners.
How many watts does a T12 tube have?
These tubes are produced by three major manufacturers in the U.S. These manufacturers produce similar quality tubes but in slightly different thicknesses. Thus, they range in wattage from 13W to 20W. The T12 tube’s slim size creates an attractive style but you must use care in how you use them in your aquarium.
What is the size of a fluorescent lamp?
Sizes range from T2 to T17.
How many watts does a 4 foot bulb have?
Different lengths are associated with different wattages; for example, 4-foot bulbs were 40-wat ts (at one time). The nominal lengths of T12 and T8 lamps are not measured on the lamp, but the fixture: it is the distance between the inner faces of the lamp holder sockets.
How is brightness measured?
Brightness is measured in lumens. A new fluorescent lamp may not reach maximum brightness for several hours. A lamp's initial lumens rating is measured after the lamp has burned for 100 hours. After an initial steep decline of a few percent, brightness declines slowly.
Why is a T8 lamp smaller than a T12 lamp?
One reason is that the larger T12 lamp gets in the way of its own light, and another that the T8 lamp is probably lower wattage and runs cooler.
What are the different types of ballasts?
There are three main types of ballast: pre-heat, rapid start, and instant start . Electronic ballasts programmed start) In general, each type of ballast corresponds to a type of fluorescent lamp. The type of ballast a lamp needs is related to how it starts. filament. much like the filament in an incandescent bulb.
How many connections are needed for an instant start bulb?
two connections at each end pre heat requiring a starter) or rapid start. In an instant start lamp, only one connection is required at each end of the tube. (Some T8 medium bipin lamps can be used with an instant start ballast.
How long do T5 bulbs last?
Compared to incandescent bulbs, fluorescent lamps are long-lived. Many are rated at 20,000 or even 30,000 hours of life (which is about 3½ years).
What is the nominal length of a light fixture?
The Nominal Length may not exactly match any measured dimension of the tube. For some tube sizes, the nominal length (in feet) is the required spacing between centers of the lighting fixtures to create a continuous run, so the tubes are a little shorter than the nominal length.
When were fluorescent lamps invented?
Since their introduction as a commercial product in 1939, many different types of fluorescent lamp have been introduced. Systematic nomenclature identifies mass-market lamps as to overall shape, power rating, length, color, and other electrical and illuminating characteristics.
What is the diameter of a T12 light bulb?
Typical diameters are T12 or T38 ( 1. 1⁄2 inch or 38 mm) for residential lamps with magnetic ballasts, T8 or T26 (1 inch or 25 mm) for commercial energy-saving lamps with electronic ballasts, and T5 or T16 ( 5⁄8 inch or 16 mm) for very small lamps, which may even operate from a battery-powered device. Slim lamps.
What does the last two digits on a lamp mean?
The last two digits indicate the color temperature of the lamp in kelvins (K). For example, if the last two digits on a lamp say 41, that lamp's color temperature will be 4100 K, which is a common tri-phosphor cool white fluorescent lamp. Halophosphate tubes. Numeric color code. Color.
What is BL lamp?
BL is used for ultraviolet lamps commonly used in bug zappers. BLB is used for blacklight-blue lamps employing a Wood's glass envelope to filter out most visible light, commonly used in nightclubs. Other non-standard designations apply for plant lights or grow lights .
What is a high output lamp?
High output/very high output lamps. High-output lamps are brighter and are driven at a higher electric current, have different ends on the pins so they cannot be used in the wrong fixture, and are labeled F##T##HO, or F##T##VHO for very high output.
What is an aperture lamp?
Aperture lamps can produce a concentrated beam of light suitable for edge-lit signs.
Light Bulb Socket Sizes Chart
Use this visual light bulb base chart that includes pictures of conventional light bulb bases, fluorescent bases, and specialty halogen base types to find the light bulb you need.
Socket Sizes Explained
Socket sizes are determined by a simpler rule known as Type-Size. The most common type of socket is the E type. The E stands for Edison and indicates that the socket is a screw type. The size is a simple millimeter measurement of the width. An E26 socket (the most common type) is 26 millimeters wide and features an Edison thread interior.
Why do fittings have different bases?
Light bulbs have to fit snugly into light fixtures, so they are designed with different bases. The light bulb base has to match the socket in the light fixture. If light bulb bases were standardized, light bulbs could be interchangeable across many fixtures. However, light bulb bases are not standardized.
Understanding Light Bulb Base Types
There are dozens of different light bulb bases. The most common is the Edison screw base, which may be found on most incandescent bulbs as well as many halogen, compact fluorescent, HID, and now LED lights.
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 ...
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 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.
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.
How long do T5 LED lights last?
However, this is still less than half of the expected lifespan of a T5 LED tube light which lasts an average of 50,000 hours.
