Have you ever wondered what the difference is between T8 bulbs and t12 fluorescent bulbs? T8s are popular because they are cheaper, but t12s have a longer lifespan. T8s also produce more light per watt than t12s do.
T12 lamps are better for use in high ceilings due to their higher lumen output. T8 vs t12 fluorescent bulbs can be confusing! This article will break it down for you so that you know which one to buy for your specific needs.
What are the different types of fluorescent tubes?
Tubular T-Series light bulbs are not new, but their popularity has exploded in the past few years as many companies have realized that they give off great light! They come standard with a color temperature of 3500K (standard white). These types of lights work well for people who want a cheaper T-series lamp.
T-series lamps like t12s were used by offices and schools before LED lighting became popular. Since tubular T series fluorescents do not fit into normal sockets, they require special fixtures that accept them; these fixtures usually only support one type of fluorescent light.
Understanding fluorescent tube sizes – which do you need?
T-Series lamps with an electronic ballast are a good option for fluorescent lighting.
T12 and T8 are the most common sizes in fluorescent tubes. T stands for tubular, while 12 and 8 refer to their diameter in sixteenth of an inch. For example, T12 is one-sixteenth inch wider than T11 but otherwise share similar properties with lamps that have a slightly lower lumen output per watt.
Fluorescent bulbs have been widely used in restaurants and bars because of their lower initial cost compared to other options such as LEDs. However, they do not last nearly as long which means higher maintenance costs over time.
Fluorescent tube guide: t12 vs t8 fluorescent tubes
Fluorescent T8 lamps have a tube that is just slightly narrower than fluorescent T12 lamps. T8 lamps are less common and can be more difficult to find, but they use less energy and produce just as much light as T12s. T8 fluorescent bulbs also have a lower cost per watt of output.
Fluorescent T8 vs T12 tubes are one of the most common types of fluorescent tubes which use electronic ballasts.
T8 fluorescent tubes
T8 Tubes are T-shaped fluorescent tubes that provide excellent color rendering and energy efficiency. T8 Tubes provide an improved fit for most T8 ballasts. T8 Tubes emit a broader spectrum of light for improved color rendering and greater human safety.
The best use for T8 Tubes is in retail and commercial applications such as: supermarkets, airports, gyms, warehouses, and boiler rooms. These applications usually require high quantity lighting with quality color rendering necessary to give colors their saturation and vibrancy.
T12 fluorescent tubes
If you’re looking for fluorescent bulbs for heavy-duty use, go with T12. They last longer because they produce more light without overheating.
T12 fluorescent tubes are the most common type of fluorescent light tube. T12s were commonly used in commercial settings, market share since the 1990s due to their lower cost and better energy-efficiency characteristics.
T12 bulbs can be identified by a diameter near one inch which is about 12/16″ or 28mm wide. They come in different wattages ranging from 14W to 54W with color temperatures between 3500K – 5700K (standard white).
This means they pay for themselves in energy savings and lower maintenance costs. T12 fluorescent tubes can last up to 10000 hours.
What is the difference between t8 and t12 lights?
- A T8 fluorescent tube emits less infrared light than T12 which is worse for your eyes.
- T8 fluorescent tubes will use less energy to produce light making them more environmentally friendly for your business.
- T12 fluorescent lamps with electronic ballasts are ideal if you plan on using this type of lighting in conjunction with dimmer switches or occupancy sensors.
- T8 fluorescent lamps may hum when they are first turned on because their filaments need time to warm up before producing full light output.
- T8 fluorescent bulbs are ideal for outdoor use because they emit more UV light than t12 fluorescent lamps.
- T12s are generally cheaper.
Linear fluorescent retrofit
Fluorescent tubes are often used in office buildings because they emit a brighter light. In order to replace T-12 lamps with T-13 lamp bulbs, you will need an electronic ballast and starter for the new t13 bulbs. It’s best to have a professional perform this upgrade unless you feel comfortable working with electrical components.
T13 linear lights do not require a separate power supply so it is easier to install them during building construction or renovations since there is no wiring required along with the ceiling from an outlet box as long as there’s access from above (ceiling tiles must be removed)
These lights last up to ten times longer than t12 tube lights which means they pay for themselves in energy savings and lower maintenance costs! They can last up to 10000 hours making them even better for businesses that rely heavily on lighting like hospitals where quality color rendering is crucial.
Installation of T15 fixtures requires dedicated space on your existing circuit breaker panel that can handle 15 amps per T-15 fixture. T20 and T30 fixtures require 20 or 30 amps respectively on their dedicated breaker space.
How long do fluorescent tubes last?
Fluorescent tubes typically last around ten thousand hours. Fluorescent replacement tubes can be replaced every two years if they’re being utilized often or five years for less frequent use.
Conclusion
T8 vs T12 fluorescent bulbs are two types of light bulbs that are used for commercial lighting. T8 is the most common type, but T12 fluorescent bulbs can be found in some areas too. T8 and t12 fluorescent lights both give off a lot of illumination, but T8 will last longer than t12 fluorescent bulbs do.
Fluorescent lights do not work well with dimmers so use electronic ballasts if you plan on using this type of lighting in conjunction with dimmer switches or occupancy sensors. Fluorescents may also hum when they are first turned on because their filaments need time to warm up before producing full light output.
The T8 fluorescent lights are a more energy-efficient type of light and can be beneficial to use if you grow seedlings. T8s emit lower infrared light than T12s which is better for your eyes. T8 fluorescent tubes will use less energy to produce light and so they’re better for the environment and the plants you’re growing.
