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Will a t 8 fluorescent tube work in a t 12 fluorescent fixture using a high output ballast?
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago
Yes....usually. However, lamp (bulb) life may be somewhat shorter than if the proper t8 ballast is used. Since ballasts limit current flow in the circuit, a mismatched (t12) ballast would cause more current to flow through the t8 lamp than the lamp's design specification. The lamp's output would therefore be
brighter in proportion to the additional current. Owners of aquariums and terrariums make use of this property by overdriving both T12 and T8 style lamps
with ballasts designed to drive two (or more) lamps to drive a single lamp,
therefore supplying 2x or more current to the lamp than its original ballast.
This results in a greatly increased light output, somewhat reduced efficiency, and
shorter lamp life.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoIn a word: No.
The T-12 bulb will light up in a T-8 fixture, but due to the ballast factor in the fixture the T-12 bulb will begin to darken (blacken) at the ends and then eventually fail. Prolonged and continued use of T-12's in a T-8 fixture could result in failure of the ballast, as well.
Most T-12 fixtures used a magnetic ballast. The new T-8 fixtures are using an electronic ballast that is more energy efficient and the bulbs produce more light (lumens) per watt of power consumed. RStowe, Seattle.
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In a word YES!.
The gasses in the tube are the same consistancy, and the same length. There is nothing different, between a T12 34W four foot tube and a 32W T8 Tube, other than the resistance of the Cathodes in the ends of the tubes (and the diameter of the tube).
The *Original* Rapid-Start Fluorescent lamps with Starters and Inductive Transformeres were a simple circuit. The Initial Start Voltage across BOTH Cathodes was 120 Volts. (so Each One received 1/2 the voltage), and the Starter warmed UP, then OPENed its Heat-Dependant switch. This Kicked the voltage up to 300 Volts to strike the tube arc, and start the Fluorecent process. Once the 'arc' is started across the tube, the Inductive coil LIMITS the current to 200mA.
Now, for the Former 40WT12 Tube. The Magnetic Ballast limited the current to 330 mA . This is why it was rated as 40W . Now if you take a T8 tube rated for 32 Watts, the Ballast (electronic or magnetic) limits the current to 260 mA.
If you connect the T12 Bulb, to the T8 Electronic Ballast, after the strike voltage is pressed at the ends of the tube, the Ballast will electronically limit the current to the same 260mA.
Since it is limited to 260mA, the BRIGHTNESS of the tube will be decreased, by 20%, and the CURRENT will be limited to 80% of what the bulb normally handles.
If its a 34W Tube that is placed in the T8 Electronic Ballast, it will have 94% of the brightness of a T8 Tube.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agono ,t8 (skinny bulbs) are for electronic ballasts (energy saving)
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoNo. The ballasts are not usually compatible. There are some dual use ballasts, but if it is an older T12 fixture you are likely out of luck.
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What is the output of a light ballast?
Fluorescent electronic ballasts have a voltage to amperage ratio chart on their face. Use this chart by selecting the voltage you are using and the corresponding amperage, then multiply the two numbers together for your wattage. Some fixtures come with more than one ballast, so you will need to take the wattage of all applicable ballasts for any given fixture to obtain the total wattage for the fixture.
Why does your fluresant light not work after you installed a ballast?
Do you have the right ballast for the type of lamps you are using? Check on the nameplate of the ballast to see it matches with the type of tubes you are using. Are the tubes snug in the lamp holders? Is the fluorescent fixture grounded using the fixture ground screw? Do you have voltage to the ballast? On most lamp start ups you can see the lamp filament glow on each end of the tube. If you don't see the filament glow on any of the tube ends, check the wires going to that lamp holder.
Why fluorescent lamps not used on streets?
In colder climates a special ballast and lamps have to be used. These are known as cold start ballasts. The cost is much greater using fluorescent fixtures than HID fixtures and the light output is much less.
Can you replace t8 bulb in fixture now using t12 bulb?
Yes a T12 lamp socket will take a T8 tube. The T8 tube will not operate. The T8 ballast is an electronic ballast where as the T12 ballast is a magnetic type. If you are changing over fluorescent fixtures to the smaller T8 lamps then the ballast has to be changed and the end sockets have to be rewired. The schematic on how to do the rewire is on the electronic ballast's label.
Buzzing noise from light fixture?
A buzzing noise from a standard incandescent lighting fixture can be caused by a short in the lighting circuit (which is dangerous), or in some cases it can happen using a rheostat that is not all the way on or all the way off. The larger the physical size (not necessarily wattage) of the filament, the more likely it is to buzz using a dimmer -- these bulbs are designed for 120 volts, and using a rheostat gives less voltage to the lamp.A tube fluorescent fixture can make a buzzing noise if the ballast (small electrical box inside the fixture) is beginning to fail.Some outdoor fixtures are inherently noisy, such as a sodium arc lamp. In this case, there is really nothing to be done about it.
What is the output of a light ballast?
Fluorescent electronic ballasts have a voltage to amperage ratio chart on their face. Use this chart by selecting the voltage you are using and the corresponding amperage, then multiply the two numbers together for your wattage. Some fixtures come with more than one ballast, so you will need to take the wattage of all applicable ballasts for any given fixture to obtain the total wattage for the fixture.
Why does your fluresant light not work after you installed a ballast?
Do you have the right ballast for the type of lamps you are using? Check on the nameplate of the ballast to see it matches with the type of tubes you are using. Are the tubes snug in the lamp holders? Is the fluorescent fixture grounded using the fixture ground screw? Do you have voltage to the ballast? On most lamp start ups you can see the lamp filament glow on each end of the tube. If you don't see the filament glow on any of the tube ends, check the wires going to that lamp holder.
Why fluorescent lamps not used on streets?
In colder climates a special ballast and lamps have to be used. These are known as cold start ballasts. The cost is much greater using fluorescent fixtures than HID fixtures and the light output is much less.
How can you find out if your fluorescent lights are using too many amps?
The amperage is printed on the ballast. If your meter reads higher that that what is printed there, then the ballast is drawing more amps that it should.
What does the ballast do in a fluorescent light fixture?
Electronic Ballast plays a important part in lights.We need a Ballast Tester to test the electronic ballast performance of a fluorescent light fixture. This is a basic process that can be accomplished quickly once you understand the operation of the high voltage transformer. The high voltage transformer is also encased in an oil bath that reduces the heat created by the action of the transformer. A low voltage, generally 120 VAC, is transformed into a high voltage, generally in thousands of volts. There must be a continuity between the wires of the high voltage side in order for the circuit to operate correctly. Heat can damaged the internal connections of the ballast. By using a volt ohmmeter the internal circuit can be quickly checked. Not only in the voltage, but also in the current and others factors. If you want to learn more details about electronic ballast and relevant instruments, see the related link.
Can you replace t8 bulb in fixture now using t12 bulb?
Yes a T12 lamp socket will take a T8 tube. The T8 tube will not operate. The T8 ballast is an electronic ballast where as the T12 ballast is a magnetic type. If you are changing over fluorescent fixtures to the smaller T8 lamps then the ballast has to be changed and the end sockets have to be rewired. The schematic on how to do the rewire is on the electronic ballast's label.
Why Metal halide fixture with a 175 w bulb and correct ballast could overheat?
Make sure you are using a metal halide bulb and the ballast is matched to the wattage on the bulb. These both must be correct.
Buzzing noise from light fixture?
A buzzing noise from a standard incandescent lighting fixture can be caused by a short in the lighting circuit (which is dangerous), or in some cases it can happen using a rheostat that is not all the way on or all the way off. The larger the physical size (not necessarily wattage) of the filament, the more likely it is to buzz using a dimmer -- these bulbs are designed for 120 volts, and using a rheostat gives less voltage to the lamp.A tube fluorescent fixture can make a buzzing noise if the ballast (small electrical box inside the fixture) is beginning to fail.Some outdoor fixtures are inherently noisy, such as a sodium arc lamp. In this case, there is really nothing to be done about it.
Can you dim compact fluorescent lamps?
Yes, compact fluorescent lamps can be dimmed. However it requires a dimming ballast which can be quite expensive and the amount of dimming is limited to about 20%. If you're thinking of using a dimmer you would be better off using an incandescent lamp.
What does the ballast do in a fluorescent light?
Electronic Ballast plays a important part in lights.We need a Ballast Tester to test the electronic ballast performance of a fluorescent light fixture. This is a basic process that can be accomplished quickly once you understand the operation of the high voltage transformer. The high voltage transformer is also encased in an oil bath that reduces the heat created by the action of the transformer. A low voltage, generally 120 VAC, is transformed into a high voltage, generally in thousands of volts. There must be a continuity between the wires of the high voltage side in order for the circuit to operate correctly. Heat can damaged the internal connections of the ballast. By using a volt ohmmeter the internal circuit can be quickly checked. Not only in the voltage, but also in the current and others factors. If you want to learn more details about electronic ballast and relevant instruments, see the related link.
How do you Test the Electronic Ballasts in Fluorescent Light Fixtures?
Electronic Ballast play a important part in the lights. So we need the device which is Ballast Tester to testing the electronic ballast performance of a fluorescent light fixture is a basic process that can be accomplished quickly once you understand the operation of the high voltage transformer. The high voltage transformer is also encased in an oil bath that reduces the heat created by the action of the transformer. A low voltage, generally 120 VAC, is transformed into a high voltage, generally in thousands of volts. There must be a continuity between the wires of the high voltage side in order for the circuit to operate correctly. Heat can damaged the internal connections of the ballast. By using a volt ohmmeter the internal circuit can be quickly checked. Not only in the voltage, but also in the current and others factors.
How do you replace flouresent bulbs?
The long, tubular ones usually rotate and slide out. The curly ones have standard light fittings. Remember to dispose of the old bulb in a designated re-cycling container for them because they contain mercury which will harm people if it gets into the environment (do not break the tubes).
