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.
Just so, Is T8 the same as T12?
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.
What happens if you put a T12 bulb in a T8 fixture? 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.
Similarly, Can I use T5 bulbs in a T12 fixture?
If the T5 lights have G5 bi-pin socket, that is quite standard for these kind of lights, then T8 and T12 lights have G13 bi-pin or single pin or recessed double contact sockets which means that you absolutely and no way can put T5 bulbs in fixtures that are meant for T8 or T12 bulbs.
Which is brighter T12 or T8?
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. … Design Lumens are the average lumen output of the lamp after 40% of its rated life.
Which is better T8 or T12 bulbs?
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. T5 bulbs use about 45% less energy than T12s.
How long is a T12 bulb?
Common tube ratings
| Tube diameter in 1⁄8 in (3.175 mm) | Nominal length | Nominal power (W) |
|---|---|---|
| T12 | 4 ft (1,219 mm) | 40 |
| T12 | 5 ft (1,524 mm) | 65, 80 |
| T12 | 6 ft (1,829 mm) | 75, 85 |
| T12 | 8 ft (2,438 mm) | 125 |
What is a Balaster?
ballast – A device required by electric-discharge light sources such as fluorescent or HID lamps to regulate voltage and current supplied to the lamp during start and throughout operation.
How do I know which fluorescent bulb to use?
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.
Can you grow with T12?
Full Spectrum: The 6500K spectrum gives out a brighter light and a higher percentage of CRI which brings out the best color in plants. T12 Tube Light: It measures 1 inch in diameter, and with the grow light of this capacity, you can grow vegetables all year around.
What is the difference between T12 and T8 fluorescent bulbs?
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. 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 use a 32 watt fluorescent bulb in a 40 watt fixture?
Yes, you can always put a lower wattage light bulb into a higher wattage rated fixture. The lower wattage bulb will draw less current from the fixture and generates less heat, and that’s perfectly fine.
How many lumens is a T12 fluorescent bulb?
A standard T12 lamp has a life of 20,000 hours and a lumen output of around 2500 lumens. The lumens per watt of T12 is roughly around 60 and a CRI of 70. Your average 2 lamp fixture will consume 90 watts, the 4 lamp version will consume roughly 160 – 170 watts depending on the ballast.
What happens when you put a T8 bulb in a T12 fixture?
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.
Will t8 bulbs work with T12 ballast?
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. … The only way around the dilemma is to replace the ballast.
Can you put LED lights in a fluorescent fixture?
Answer: Great question – and the answer is yes, an LED tube light can be installed in a traditional fluorescent tube light fixture, without the ballast. … Bypassing the ballast in a tube light fixture has the advantage of being more energy efficient – you can expect to save another 5 – 10% of energy use per fixture.
How do I convert T12 to t8?
What does 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.
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.
Can a fluorescent light work without a ballast?
Reverted question “ Can I make a fluorescent light work without a ballast?” yes, you can, but you need something to reduce the current as the bulb warms up. So, you can drive a fluorescent with a pulse width adjustable power supply, but this is what is in an ‘electronic’ ballast.
What is the difference between a ballast and a driver?
The driver is an electrical device that regulates power to your LED lights. It’s comparable to a ballast for fluorescent lighting systems. In short, the driver keeps your LEDs running safely and consistently, even when the LED’s electrical properties shift due to fluctuating temperatures.
Can a fluorescent light work without a starter?
Can a fluorescent lamp work without a starter? Some modern fluorescent lights do work without a starter because they come pre-equipped with a ballast that has extra windings. It constantly supplies a small amount of voltage to give heat to the filaments.
