T8 Vs T12 Fluorescent Bulbs

Differences between t8 and t12 lamps a 48 inch t8 lamp produces 2 600 design lumens using 32 watts while the same size t12 lamp produces 2 520 design lumens using 40 watts.

T8 vs t12 fluorescent bulbs.

T8 lights are a good choice for an adjustable lighting system because of their color temperature range from a soft yellow white to bright daylight. T8 bulbs are 8 8 inch a full inch in other words while t12 bulbs are 12 8 of an inch in diameter 1 1 2 inches. The t12 is an older generation fluorescent bulb that generates light through electromagnetic induction which is considered less efficient method of creating light compared to that of newer electronic based circuits. This type of fluorescent tube lighting is the most popular because of its high cri and many color temperature options.

As we describe in our how to article t8 and t12 feature the same g13 bi pin connector. The t12 runs on a magnetic ballast and a t8 operates on an electronic ballast. One alternative is to replace or retrofit existing fixtures with more efficient and more environmentally friendly electronic ballasts and t8 fluorescent lamps. T12 type since their conception in the 1930s fluorescent t12 bulbs were the choice of building contractors.

The t12 is 1 5 inches in diameter and the t8 is 1 inch in diameter. These are the basic different characteristics of each different fluorescent lamp type that is most commonly used in offices and commercial industrial lighting all across the world. T8 tubes are simply 1 inch in diameter versus the 1 5 inch diameter of t12 tubes. Typical diameters are t12 or t38 1 1 2 in or 38 mm for residential lamps with magnetic ballasts t8 or t26 1 in or 25 mm for commercial energy saving lamps with electronic ballasts and t5 or t16 5 8 in or 16 mm for very small lamps which may even operate from a battery powered device.

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. T8 bulbs have a luminous efficacy of 80lm w making them a step up from the 70lm w of t12 bulbs. The other common lamps are the larger t8 eight eighths inch 1 and t12 twelve eights inch 1 tubes. For example a t5 bulb is five eighths of an inch wide a t8 bulb is 1 inch wide or eight eights wide and a t12 is 1 1 2 inches or 12 8ths in diameter.

A more popular choice for fluorescent lighting are the second generation t8 bulbs.