Linear Fluorescent Tubes | 1000Bulbs.com (2024)

FAQs

Are T8 fluorescent tubes being discontinued? ›

In 2023, T5 and T8 fluorescent and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) were phased out in accordance with the European Commission's Ecodesign and RoHS Directives. The reason is to remove the most energy- and resource-demanding products from the market and the use of environmentally hazardous mercury.

T4 tubes are best suited to under-cabinet lighting and have a G5 fitting with 5mm separating the two pins. Standard T8 tubes have a G13 fitting, with 13mm separating the pins.

Fluorescent lights are tube shaped lamps with a chemical phosphor coating on the inside of the tube. The have small pins on each end that fit into the ballasts located in light fixtures. T12 lamps have a diameter of 1 ½ inches (or 12/8^th of an inch.) T8 lamps are fluorescent lights one inch (or 8/8ths) in diameter.

What are they? The linear fluorescent light bulb or lamp is a type of gas-discharge lamp. Linear fluorescent bulbs come in a wide variety of lengths, diameters, wattages, and color temperatures. They are known for high energy efficiency, long life, and relatively low cost.

You also need to take into consider there could eventually be a global fluorescent ban. Replace 8 foot fluorescent tubes with LED lamps. Replacing your current fixtures with LED lighting is expensive, but you also see the highest return on your investment. Energy costs are lower, and the LEDs need replacing less often.

Fluorescents are expensive to dim and do not do it as effectively as LEDs. Energy Efficient - On average, new T8 LED tubes are around 30% more efficient than Fluorescent T8 tubes. Mercury Free - LEDS are mercury free, making them environmentally friendly and free from recycling fees.

Can You Replace a T12 With a T8? When the new lighting standards went through Congress a majority of buildings began to use one of two replacements. The first was T8 fluorescents, but in some cases you can also replace the T12 with a T5 linear fluorescent.

Most T8 LED tubes do not need a ballast.

So, if you are going to install a T8 LED tube light, it will require a ballast bypass unless you choose a ballast compatible T8 LED tube.

T8 = 1-inch diameter. T12 = 1-1/2-inch diameter.

With your multimeter set to ohm, or “Xl1” if there are multiple ohms on your meter, insert one of the probes into the wire connector containing the white wires. Touch the other end to the remaining blue, red, and/or yellow wires attached to the ballast. Your multimeter won't move if your ballast has gone bad.

Are T12 bulbs still available? ›

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.

The T8 LED tube has been around for years but has evolved into four basic classifications: T8 LED Type A (commonly referred to as direct-fit) T8 LED Type B (commonly referred to ballast bypass) T8 LED Type A/B which is relatively new variety which uses integrated circuitry in the base of the tube to sense heat.

Is Cool White the same as Daylight? No, Daylight is generally brighter than Cool White. However, at the brightest end of the Cool White colour temperature range, it will still be very bright. If you were to go beyond Daylight you will start to find Blue Light colour temperatures bringing a cool, clean feel.

T8 Fluorescent Tubes

T8 tubes are the most widely used fluorescent lamps for both indoor and outdoor applications. These tubes have a smaller diameter than T12 tubes but offer greater energy efficiency and longer lifespans.

In 2022, Vermont and California became the first states to phase out the sale of most fluorescent bulbs. In 2023, five other states followed suit, with Hawaii, Colorado, Oregon, Rhode Island and Maine also phasing out fluorescents.

From September 2023, a variety of fluorescent lamps and halogen capsule lamps will be phased out. As a result of new legislation, this phase-out will mean that these lamps will no longer be manufactured. However, you will still be able to purchase and fit these products while stocks last.

In terms of physical compatibility, both T8 and T12 lamps use the same G13 bi-pin base, so as long as they are the same length (e.g. 4-ft), a T8 lamp will physically fit inside a T12 fixture.

LED tubes offer several advantages over fluorescent tubes. They are more energy-efficient, resulting in lower electricity bills. LED tubes also have a significantly longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements.