T8 Vs T12 Fluorescent Bulbs

As we describe in our how to article t8 and t12 feature the same g13 bi pin connector.

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 bulbs have a luminous efficacy of 80lm w making them a step up from the 70lm w of t12 bulbs. 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. 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.

This type of fluorescent tube lighting is the most popular because of its high cri and many color temperature options. 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. 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. 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.

The most commonly available is the t8 bulbs. A more popular choice for fluorescent lighting are the second generation t8 bulbs. T8 fluorescent bulbs are one inch in diameter and feature a medium bi pin base similar to the t12 bulbs. The other common lamps are the larger t8 eight eighths inch 1 and t12 twelve eights inch 1 tubes.

The t12 runs on a magnetic ballast and a t8 operates on an electronic ballast. The t12 is 1 5 inches in diameter and the t8 is 1 inch in diameter. One alternative is to replace or retrofit existing fixtures with more efficient and more environmentally friendly electronic ballasts and t8 fluorescent lamps. 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.