Can you replace T12 with T8 LED?

T8 LED lamps which are not direct-wire compatible (with ballast) will require a T8 ballast to operate, so unless the T12 ballast in the T12 fixture is replaced with a T8 ballast, a non-direct-wire compatible T8 LED lamp will not work in a T12 fixture.

Can I use a T8 LED in a T12 fixture?

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.

Can I replace my T12 bulbs 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.

What happens if you put a T8 bulb in a T12 fixture?

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 you replace T12 fluorescent tubes 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 To Convert Your Old T8 and T12 Fluorescent Fixtures to Brighter LED Bulbs

Do I need to remove the ballast to use an LED bulb?

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

Will a T8 bulb fit in a T12 socket?

In terms of physical compatibility, both T8 and T12 lamps use the same G13 bi-pin base, so as long as they are the same length (e.g. 4-ft), a T8 lamp will physically fit inside a T12 fixture.

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.

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.

Do LED fluorescent lights need a ballast?

No LED bulbs require a ballast, although some are engineered to work with an existing ballast. You will find ballast-compatible or "plug-and-play" LEDs that are designed to replace linear fluorescents, compact fluorescents, or HIDs. Incandescent and halogen lamps do not require a ballast.

How do I know if I have a T8 or T12 ballast?

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.

Can I use a T8 LED tube in a T8 fluorescent fixture?

Type A - LED tube has an Integrated Driver for use on Existing Fluorescent Ballast. Type A LED tubes need an existing T8 electronic ballast to operate. If you have T8 electronic ballasts this makes installation very easy. All you need to do is remove the existing T8 fluorescent lamp and install a new T8 LED Type A lamp ...

How do I know if I have a magnetic ballast?

Method One - Use your smart phone camera

Stand under the light or a place close to the light and point your cell phone camera at the light. If you can see some strong dark strips flickering in your camera, it must be a magnetic ballast based light. Otherwise it should be an electronic ballast based light.

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.

What does T8 mean?

What does “T8” mean? The “T” designation in fluorescent lamp nomenclature stands for tubular — the shape of the lamp. The number immediately follow- ing the T gives the diameter of the lamp in eighths of an inch.

What does T12 mean in lighting?

The associated number represents the diameter of the lamp. This number is the numerator in a fraction where the denominator is 8 and the length is in inches. For example, with a T12, the diameter is 12/8, or twelve eights of an inch. Another way to say this is that the diameter is equal to 1.5 inches.

What is the difference between T5 T8 and T12 lights?

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.

What is the difference between T8 T10 and T12 fluorescent tubes?

Basically, T8 = 1 inch diameter, T10 = 1.25", and T12 = 1.5" diameter. Measure across one of the ends of the bulb you are replacing to see what yours is. In almost all cases, unless you have an extremely tight space, any size will work in any application. 4 of 4 found this helpful.

What is a shunted tombstone?

When you hear the word "shunted," think "joined" or "connected". Shunted sockets feature internally connected electrical contacts. This provides a single track for the electrical current to travel from the ballast, through the tombstone, or socket, and to the lamp's pins.

How do you bypass a ballast to install LED tubes?

Do I still need a starter with an LED tube?

Conventional fluorescent tubes need a starter. This starter provides ignition voltage. Naturally, this isn't necessary for LEDs, so the ignition voltage is superfluous. If you want to replace a traditional fluorescent bulb with an LED, then you must install a dummy starter or bypass the standard starter manually.

Do LED headlights need resistors?

Finally LED Turn Signal Bulbs That Don't Need Resistors.