How can I tell if I need a T 8 or a T 12 fluorescent tube in my fluorescent fixture?

Answer 1

The T and number represents the diameter of the fluorescent tube. A T8 and a T12 could both have the same wattage rating. The wattage use is what you pay for so the difference in tube diameter has no bearing on determining savings.

Lamps are typically identified by a code such as F##T##, (eg. F40T12) where F is for fluorescent, the first number indicates the power in watts , the T indicates that the shape of the bulb is tubular, and the last number is the diameter, in eighths of an inch (12/8ths or 1 1/2 inches) (sometimes in millimeters, rounded to the nearest millimeter).

ADVANTAGES:

ENERGY SAVINGS - You can save up to 35% of energy cost by replacing standard T12 lighting systems.

QUIET - T8s operate more quietly than T12s, eliminating the "hum" often associated with fluorescent lighting systems.

COOLING LOAD REDUCTIONS - Electronic ballasts consume fewer watts than magnetic ballasts. Lighting systems generate less heat, which

reduces cooling loads.

REDUCED LAMP FLICKER - Electronic ballasts drive fluorescent lamps at 20 kilohertz (kHz), a frequency well beyond the visible range

of flicker to the human eye. Thus significantly reducing eye strain.

IMPROVED LIGHT - T8 lamps have a higher Color Rendering Index (CRI) than common T12 lamps. The CRI measures the ability of a light

source to reproduce the colors of various objects being lit by the source.

LOWER MAINTENANCE COSTS - Longer equipment life reduces both your maintenance and disposal costs. T8 lamps are rated from 18,000 to

30,000 hours - equivalent to 5 - 6 years in a typical office application - when matched with the correct ballast.

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS - Interior lighting represents approximately 29% of the energy consumed in the commercial building each year.

Lowering this percentage has the potential to reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide and other air pollutants generated during

electricity production.