If you place T12 tubes in a fixture with a T8 ballast, you will wear out the ballast and have to replace it . If you place T8 tubes in a fixture with a T12 ballast, then the tubes will have a shorter life due to a higher current through the tube.
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 T12 in T8 fixture?
T8 tubes are simply 1 inch in diameter versus the 1.5 inch diameter of T12 tubes. ... They can indeed be used in T12 fixtures .
Are T8 and T12 pins the same?
Both T12 and T8 lamps use the medium bi-pin base , which allows T8 lamps to fit into the same luminaires as T12 lamps of the same length. What are the color characteristics of T8 lamps?
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 .
Are T12 bulbs going away?
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.
How do I convert T12 fluorescent to LED?
- Install ballast-bypass linear LED lamps. ...
- Install plug-and-play magnetic and electronic ballast-compatible linear LEDs. ...
- Install electronic ballast-compatible linear LEDs and a new electronic ballast.
Which is better T8 or T12 bulbs?
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. For some applications, one T5 bulb can replace two T12 bulbs, providing even greater energy savings (a process called “de-lamping.”)
Can I put LED bulbs in my fluorescent fixtures?
To convert a fluorescent light fixture to use LED bulbs, you can either use LED bulbs that are compatible with the existing fluorescent ballast (plug-and-play tubes) or you can rewire the fixture to bypass the ballast and replace with sockets with non-shunted lampholders.
Will LED tubes work in fluorescent fixtures?
“Retrofit” tubes work with all fluorescent fixtures as well as ballast-free LED fixtures. To use them with your existing fluorescent fixtures, you’ll need to take just a few minutes to rewire the fixture to bypass the balast. This is a pretty simple task.
What is a Type A ballast?
Sometimes referred to as plug and play, the Type A LED lamp directly replaces traditional lamp types such as Compact Fluorescent (CFL) and Linear fluorescent. No rewiring is required, no electrician is required. You can simply replace your existing lamps with new Type A LED lamps.
Is an F40 a T12?
A T12 is 12/8ths of an inch , or 1.5′′ in diameter. A T5 is 5/8′′ in diameter. All F32 and F40 lamps are essentially 4 foot long lamps (47′′ if you don’t count the pins). The FR71T12 is actually a 71′′ long x 1.5′′ diameter lamp that can handle from 80-120w and is typically run at 100w.
Why are T12 lamps being discontinued?
In response, Congress made legislation stating that T12 linear fluorescents and other inefficient lighting technologies would no longer be manufactured . This legislation was put into action in 2012 with the DOE regulating T12 linear fluorescent lamps as a way of encouraging consumers to be more energy efficient.
How do you dispose of T12 bulbs?
Take lamps and tubes to a household hazardous waste collection center or event . Find where to recycle or dispose fluorescent lamps and tubes at Where Can I Recycle My...?, or Earth 911, or call 800 CLEAN-UP (253-2687). Enter your zip code to find the nearest recycling center.
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.
Do I need to remove ballast for LED lights?
A ballast regulates the current that’s coming at a lamp. ... A ballast for Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights is not required – instead a driver is required. There are two types of ballasts we deal with for existing fluorescent lights- magnetic and electronic.
