Are T12 bulbs being phased out?

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.

Are T12 bulbs going away?

As a result, in 2009, the department announced the eventual phase out of the 1.5-inch-diameter fluorescent T12 tubes. The mandate said production of the tubes would have to cease after July 14, 2012. Big-name manufacturers like Philips and Sylvania were granted two-year extensions on the deadline.

Can I replace a T12 with LED?

Can you actually retrofit T12 to LED without changing out the ballast? Actually, yes. But before you make a decision, there are other LED solutions to consider for a high-efficiency lighting option for existing T12s. A lot has changed in just a few years in the lighting industry.

Are fluorescent bulbs being discontinued?

US Department of Energy (DOE) regulations began phasing out various sizes of commercial fluorescent light bulbs in 2012. About all you can get today is the fluorescent workhorse of commercial lighting—the T8¹ bulb. By January 26, 2018 even T8s will be banned to align with new DOE energy efficiency standards.

Can I replace a T12 bulb with a T8?

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.

T12 Fluorescent Lighting Phase Out

What bulbs are being discontinued?

The European Union Regulation 2019/2015/EU will stop the production of some CFL bulbs, R7s and low-voltage halogen bulbs in the future, so that only remaining stocks may be sold.

What light bulbs are being discontinued?

What can I use instead of a fluorescent light?

Thanks to advances in technology, LED lights are the very best alternative to fluorescent office lights. In more ways than one, modern LEDs are superior to fluorescent lighting technology today.

Can I put a T8 LED bulb in a T12 fixture?

Direct-wire compatible T8 LED tube lights can be used in a T12 fixture, as long as the T12 ballast is either bypassed, or completely removed.

Can you put LED lights in a fluorescent fixture?

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 I replace fluorescent tubes with LED tubes?

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.

Can you buy regular light bulbs anymore?

The short answer is yes (at least for now). Even in states where there are restrictions on general service lamps, some incandescent light bulbs are still available for purchase. Manufacturers have stepped up to the challenge to meet the current EISA standards.

Are spiral light bulbs being phased out?

Many consumers spent the last two decades swapping out their old incandescent light bulbs for CFLs in the name of greater efficiency. The spiral tubes used less energy, saved money, lasted longer—and people hated them. Now CFLs, or compact fluorescent lamps, are slowly disappearing from stores.

Will incandescent bulbs disappear?

Manufacturers must stop making incandescent bulbs by January 1, 2023, and by the summer of 2023, they're gone. "Stores will be phasing them out, but they will no longer be legally sellable as of July 2023,” said Steven Nadel, Executive Director of The American Council For An Energy-Efficient Economy.

Are filament bulbs banned?

Phase-out regulations effectively ban the manufacture, or importation of incandescent light bulbs for general lighting. The regulations are based on efficiency, rather than use of incandescent technology. However, it is not unlawful to continue to buy or sell existing bulbs, which are unregulated.

Why incandescent bulbs are banned?

Many countries have phased out older bulbs because they waste energy. But the US energy department said banning incandescent bulbs would be bad for consumers because of the higher cost of more efficient bulbs.

Why are halogen lights being banned?

The ban on halogen light bulbs comes as part of a series of measures to address climate change. It is expected that the switch to LED bulbs will cut 1.26 million tonnes of CO2, which is the equivalent of removing more than half a million cars.

Will T8 bulbs fit in T12 sockets?

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.

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.

Which is brighter T8 or T12?

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.

Do I need to remove ballast for LED lights?

An LED light does not require a ballast because it uses a component called a “driver” to regulate the power going into the bulb.