Are T8 and T12 interchangeable? T12 vs T8 Fluorescent Tubes 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
Are T8 and T12 interchangeable?
T12 vs T8 Fluorescent Tubes 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.
Can I replace T12 lamps with 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.
How do I know if my fixture 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 difference between T8 and T12 ballast?
T12 and T8 lamps also differ on the ballast that they are operated with most of the time. T12 primarily run off a magnetic ballasts and T8 bulbs operate on electronic ballasts. Most commercial buildings and people that use them in their homes have the instant start ballast that operates the T8 light bulb.
Are T8 or T12 bulbs brighter?
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.
What does T8 and T12 mean?
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.
Are T12 bulbs going away?
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.
How do I know if my ballast is T8 or T12?
What is the difference between T12 and T8 fluorescent bulbs?
While both bulbs come in standard lengths, commonly 4 feet, the designation of 8 or 12 refers to the difference in the diameter of the bulb. T8 bulbs are 8/8 inch (a full inch, in other words), while T12 bulbs are 12/8 of an inch in diameter — 1 1/2 inches.
What is the size of a fluorescent bulb?
The most common fluorescent tubes have the following diameters: The length varies for each size of bulb, standard T8s are available in 2ft, 3ft, 4ft, 5ft and 6ft; standard T12s are available in 2ft, 4ft, 5ft, 6ft and 8ft. Standard T5s are smaller and are available in 6, 9, 12 and 21 inches .
What is the definition of fluorescent bulb?
Definition of fluorescent lamp. : a usually tubular electric lamp having a coating of fluorescent material on its inner surface and containing mercury vapor whose bombardment by electrons from the cathode provides ultraviolet light which causes the material to emit visible light.
What is fluorescent lighting?
Simply put, fluorescent lighting is a kind of lighting technology which depends on a chemical reaction inside of a glass tube to create light. This chemical reaction involves gases and mercury vapor interacting, which produces an invisible UV light.