Are T8 and T12 fluorescent bulbs interchangeable?

T8 tubes are simply 1 inch in diameter versus the 1.5 inch diameter of T12 tubes. 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.

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.

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

T8 and T12 lamps are the same in length and use the same style connectors. The difference is the diameter of the lamp (T8 = 1″, T12 = 1.5″) and the type of ballast. … Basically, T8 = 1 inch diameter, T10 = 1.25″, and T12 = 1.5″ 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. … Design Lumens are the average lumen output of the lamp after 40% of its rated life.

Can I replace a T12 ballast 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 electronic ballast on T12?

T8 and T12 are two types of fluorescent lamps, which also are called fluorescent tubes. T12 lamps were first used with magnetic ballasts. Newer technology allows them also to be used with electronic ballasts, which weigh less than the old ballasts and create less noticeable light flicker.

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

T8 LED tubes won’t fall out if you try to install them in a T12 fixture—they’ll fit just fine. … This is because T12 fixtures have non-shunted tombstones, exactly what you need for LED tubes. T8 fixtures have shunted tombstones, and those tombstones need to be replaced as part of the conversion to LED.

Are T12 fluorescent 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. Since that time, lamps and bulbs have been developed that just work better.

Can you use a 32 watt bulb in a 40 watt fixture?

Yes, you can always put a lower wattage light bulb into a higher wattage rated fixture. The lower wattage bulb will draw less current from the fixture and generates less heat, and that’s perfectly fine.

Can I use T5 bulbs in a T12 fixture?

T5 lamps cannot replace T12 or T8 lamps because of differences in physical and electrical characteristics. T5 lamps come in different lengths than T8 and T12 lamps. A nominal 4-foot T5 lamp is actually shorter than an equivalent T8 lamp [1149 millimeters (45.23 inches) in total].

What happens if you use wrong ballast?

If you use a wrong sized ballast the LRC will not be tuned so you are likely to not start the lamp at all. There is the possibility of burning out components pre-maturely also due to overcurrent and overvoltage conditions particularly if using a larger ballast on a smaller fixture.

Are fluorescent tubes being phased out?

The UK began phasing out the sale of higher-energy halogen lightbulbs in 2018. … In addition, the government also plans to start phasing out the sale of high-energy fluorescent lightbulbs, with a view to bringing an end to their sale from September 2023.

Can you put LED lights in a fluorescent fixture?

In short, YES!

New linear LED tube bulbs are simple plug and play and ballast compatible. You will simply need to remove your fluorescent bulb and plug in your LED replacement.

How many watts is a T12 bulb?

The typical T12 four-lamp fixture uses 172 watts of power between the lamps and ballast. LED equivalents typically use only 50 watts, 71% less energy per fixture.

Are fluorescent tubes being phased out UK?

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.

Can you grow with T12?

So when should you use a T12 bulb? Don’t, unless you find one dirt cheap and you use it only for very small seedlings. Instead, full-spectrum high-output T5 lights are best even for seedlings.

What does T12 mean?

Trailing Twelve Months
Trailing Twelve Months (TTM)

TTM, or sometimes T12, stands for “trailing twelve months” and often refers to a financial statement that represents the entity’s performance over the past year.

Can T12 be replaced with T5?

The good news are that now there is technology called retrofit kit that lets you transform any T8 or T12 so that it can be fitted with T5 light bulbs.