Can I Use A T8 Bulb In A T12 Fixture?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Quick answer first:

Any T8 LED tube will also fit a T12 fluorescent fixture

!

What is the difference between T5 and T12 bulbs?

T5 tubes are

smaller than T8 and T12 tubes

, which allow them to fit into smaller spaces. They are offered in sizes of 2-5 feet in length. T5 lamps are around 40% smaller than T8 lamps and almost 60% smaller than T12 lamps.

Can I use t5 bulbs in a t12 fixture?

For some applications,

one T5 bulb can replace two T12 bulbs

, providing even greater energy savings (a process called “de-lamping.”) 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 T12 bulbs being discontinued?

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 I use T10 bulbs in a T12 fixture?

T12 and T10 lights also

use the same ballast

, which is essentially an inductor, so there is nothing on the fixture that you have to change to replace a T12 tube with a T10 tube. Smaller tubes will use less power for a comparable amount of light.

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

.

How do I know if my ballast is T8 or T12?

You will see either

T8 or T12 stamped on one side near the end with the prongs

. You also will see the lamp’s rated wattage, usually 32 watts for T8 and 40 watts for T12. Measure the diameter of the lamp. T12 lamps are larger than T8 lamps, with a 1 1⁄2-inch diameter.

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.

Can I put LED bulbs in a fluorescent fixture?

Answer: Great question – and the answer is

yes

, an LED tube light can be installed in a traditional fluorescent tube light fixture, without the ballast. … Bypassing the ballast in a tube light fixture has the advantage of being more energy efficient – you can expect to save another 5 – 10% of energy use per fixture.

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.

What does T12 mean in fluorescent bulbs?

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.

How long do T12 bulbs last?

Typical lamp life for a fluorescent bulb is

about 20,000 hours

, but this can degrade as a consequence of frequent switching (turning on and off). Burning life is extended if lamps remain on continuously for long periods of time.

Is F40 the same as T12?

This means a T8 lamp is 8/8ths of an inch in diameter, or 1 inch.

A T12 is 12/8ths of an

inch, or 1.5′′ in diameter. … All F32 and F40 lamps are essentially 4 foot long lamps (47′′ if you don’t count the pins).

Which is better T8 or T12 bulbs?

The smaller the lamps the more energy efficient they are.

T8 bulbs use about 35% less electricity

to produce the same amount of light as a T12. T5 bulbs use about 45% less energy than T12s.

What is the difference between T10 and T12?

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.

Jasmine Sibley
Author
Jasmine Sibley
Jasmine is a DIY enthusiast with a passion for crafting and design. She has written several blog posts on crafting and has been featured in various DIY websites. Jasmine's expertise in sewing, knitting, and woodworking will help you create beautiful and unique projects.