What is the difference between a T8 and a T12 light bulb?

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 replace a T12 fluorescent bulb with a 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.

Can I use a T8 LED tube in a T12 fluorescent 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.

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.

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!

#399: T12 vs T8 vs T5 vs LED Lights - Tank Tip

What does T8 or 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.

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.

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.

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.

Are fluorescent tubes being phased out?

The government has announced plans today (Wednesday 9 June) to end the sale of halogen light bulbs from this September, as part of the UK's wider efforts to tackle climate change. Legislation being brought forward this month will also include the removal of fluorescent lights from shelves from September 2023.

Is it worth replacing fluorescent tubes with LED?

You could save a lot of money on energy by replacing your fluorescent bulbs with LEDs. They keep cooling costs down - You also may be able to trim down your cooling expenses as well. Fluorescent lights don't generally produce a lot of heat, at least not as much as HID lamps, but they do burn hotter than LEDs.

What is a good replacement for fluorescent lights?

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.

Are LED lights brighter than fluorescent?

The LED tube lights are noticeably brighter than fluorescent tubes and you don't get exposed to any kind of harmful rays such as UV/IV rays as well that can damage your eyes and can result in skin allergies as well.

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.

Can you mix LED and fluorescent tubes?

LED and fluorescent lights on the same circuit? Some things were never meant to work together. If you intend to upgrade some lights to LED, ensure that there are no old technology lights remaining on the same circuit. LED drivers contain electronics that may be upset by old technology transformers on the same circuit.

Can you replace fluorescent bulbs with LED bulbs?

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.

How do you bypass a ballast to install LED tubes?

Will fluorescent lights be banned?

LED light bulbs now account for around two-thirds of all lightbulbs sold in the UK. The sale of halogen lightbulbs will be banned in the UK from September as part of ministerial efforts to cut carbon emissions. A ban on fluorescent lighting, which is mostly used in offices, will follow in September 2023.

Will fluorescent tubes be banned?

Fluorescent lights will also be banned from sale in the UK, although this will not take effect until 1 September 2023. The ban will also include the sale of lighting fixtures with bulbs that cannot be replaced.

Which light bulbs are going to be banned?

The following lamps cannot be placed on the market after 1st October 2021: Self-ballasted Compact Fluorescent retrofit lamps (caps B22, E27 etc) Linear Halogen R7s lamps over 2,700 lumens. 12V Halogen reflectors lamps (MR11/GU4, MR16/GU5.

What is the standard size fluorescent tube?

T8s are 1-inch diameter fluorescent tubes, and they are the most prevalent of all fluorescent tubes. Four-foot T8s, in particular, are used everywhere – in hospitals, commercial office spaces, schools, retail spaces, warehouses... everywhere.

What are the three types of regular fluorescent lamp?

What does it mean when a fluorescent light flickers?

Flickering fluorescent lights can also be a result of temperature. If the air around the bulb is cold and circulating, the bulb won't be able to generate enough heat to work properly. The internal temperature of a fluorescent bulb should be about 50 degrees Fahrenheit for it to work properly and optimally.