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.
Beside this, What size fluorescent light do I need?
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.
Likewise, Are T8 and T12 sockets the same?
A T8 lamp (on the right in the figure below) is eight-eighths of an inch, or one inch (2.54 cm), in diameter. Both T12 and T8 lamps use the medium bi-pin base, which allows T8 lamps to fit into the same luminaires as T12 lamps of the same length.
Also, How do I know which fluorescent light bulb to buy?
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.
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.
25 Related Question Answers Found
How do I choose a fluorescent tube?
What are the different sizes of fluorescent tubes?
While there are multiple types of LED and fluorescent tube lights, the three most common are T12, T8 and T5. The terminology comes from “T” for “tubular” and the diameter of the bulb in eighths of an inch, so “T8” represents a tube of 8/8ths of an inch, or 1 inch.
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. Fluorescent tubes are measured in eighths of an inch.
Will a T12 ballast work with T8 bulbs?
As far as safety is concerned, you can exchange them. If you place T12 tubes in a fixture with a T8 ballast, you will wear out the ballast and have to replace it. If you place T8 tubes in a fixture with a T12 ballast, then the tubes will have a shorter life due to a higher current through the tube.
What is better T12 or T8?
The smaller the lamps the more energy efficient they are. T8 bulbs use about 35% less electricity to produce the same amount of light as a T12. … For some applications, one T5 bulb can replace two T12 bulbs, providing even greater energy savings (a process called “de-lamping.”)Oct 9, 2015
How do I identify fluorescent tubes?
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 …
What is the difference between T8 and T12?
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. … T12 primarily run off a magnetic ballasts and T8 bulbs operate on electronic ballasts.
What is the standard size of a fluorescent light?
While there are multiple types of LED and fluorescent tube lights, the three most common are T12, T8 and T5. The terminology comes from “T” for “tubular” and the diameter of the bulb in eighths of an inch, so “T8” represents a tube of 8/8ths of an inch, or 1 inch.
What do the numbers mean on a fluorescent tube?
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 fluorescent tube I have?
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.
What is the difference between T8 and T12 fluorescent tubes?
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. … T12 primarily run off a magnetic ballasts and T8 bulbs operate on electronic ballasts.
Are T8 and T12 fluorescent bulbs interchangeable?
T12 primarily run off a magnetic ballasts and T8 bulbs operate on electronic ballasts. … So the bottom line is that these are not interchangeable and if you’re going to upgrade from a T12 to a T8 bulb, then you also have to change out the ballast.
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