Table of Contents
Will a T8 bulb fit in a T5 fixture?
T5 lamps cannot replace T12 or T8 lamps because of differences in physical and electrical characteristics. T5 lamps come in different lengths than T8 and T12 lamps. A nominal 4-foot T5 lamp is actually shorter than an equivalent T8 lamp [1149 millimeters (45.23 inches) in total].
Can you convert T8 to T5?
The good news are that now there is technology called retrofit kit that lets you transform any T8 or T12 so that it can be fitted with T5 light bulbs.
Which is better T5 or T8?
T5 lamps are 40\% smaller than T8 fixtures, but are capable of containing just as much and sometimes more light in a smaller area. In other words, more T8 fixtures are needed to produced the same amount of light generated by significantly fewer high output T5 bulbs.
Are T8 and T12 ballast 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.
Are fluorescent ballasts interchangeable?
When considering a ballast for your lamp, make sure they have corresponding ANSI (American National Standards Institute) codes. Matching ANSI codes guarantees that the ballast you chose can be used with your lamp. However, ballasts are often compatible with more than one lamp, and vice versa.
Are T5 and T12 bulbs interchangeable?
T5 bulbs use about 45\% less energy than T12s. For some applications, one T5 bulb can replace two T12 bulbs, providing even greater energy savings (a process called “de-lamping.”) The typical T12 four-lamp fixture uses 172 watts of power between the lamps and ballast.
What are the difference between T5 and T12 tubes?
T5 tubes are smaller than T8 and T12 tubes, which allow them to fit into smaller spaces. 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.
Are T8 bulbs being discontinued?
Even some T8 lamps have been phased out. US Congress has enacted legislation to prohibit the manufacture of these and other inefficient lighting technologies, and is calling for manufacturers to meet minimum efficiency requirements and lumens per watt for new products.
Can you mix T8 and T12 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.
Are all T8 bulbs interchangeable?
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.
Are all T8 ballast the same?
Not every T8 ballast is created equal. In such a case, a programmed start ballast might be better choice. Programmed start ballasts also work well in dimming applications, because as a lamp is dimmed, the electrodes cool. Programmed-start ballasts can heat the electrodes as they cool, prolonging lamp life.