There are 3 types.
T5 t8 t12 bulbs.
The t8 is probably the most used with the t5 being the smallest and most energy efficient so are often used in large office buildings and warehouses for energy savings.
Fluorescent lamps or fluorescent linear tubes as they are also known are categorized according to their wattage shape and diameter.
The biggest difference between t5 and t8 or t12 bulbs is the bulb diameter size and the bulb base that fits together with the correct fixture.
T12 tubes t8 and t5 tubes and the t12 which is the oldest and being phased out and no longer manufactured.
The t in t5 indicates the bulb is tubular shaped while the 5 denotes that it is five eighths of an inch in diameter.
For example a typical t5 bulb is 46 inches long rather than the 48 inches 4 foot of t8 and t12 bulbs.
T12 lamps have a diameter of 1 5 12 8 t8 lamps have a diameter of 1 8 8 and t5 lamps have a diameter of 0 625 5 8.
If t5 lights are tube shaped bulbs that are 5 eights of and inch in diameter then t8 lights for example are tube lights that are 1 inch in diameter but t12 lights are 1 and a half inches in their diameter.
Figure 1 shows diagrams of lamp ends of t5 t8 and t12 lamps.
T5 bulbs save money over time because of a longer lifespan while producing more light with less wattage.
Figure 1 also shows that pin base type of t5 lamps is different from that of t8 and t12 lamps.
As the numbers decrease so does the diameter of the lamps t12 1 5 t8 1 t5 5 8.
The device comes with specular aluminum with high output t5 bulbs that are able to duel light of the normal fluorescent process.
The agrobrite 4ft 8 bulb t5 grow lights by hydrofarm will ideal for you.
If you have any questions on about our fluorescent light buying guide or help picking out the right lamp for your application please contact the experts at lighting sales llc at 319 294 7099.
Difference between t5 t8 t12 tubes what is the difference between t5 t8 and t12 lamps.
For a given lamp size t12 bulbs offer the lowest efficiency t8 bulbs offer intermediate efficiency and t5 bulbs are the most efficient.
Of course led lighting is more efficient than all of them.
T12 t8 and t5 lamps are all types of linear fluorescent lamp options.
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.
T5 lamps have a miniature bi pin.
Conversion kits are available with a ballast allowing t5 bulbs to fit t8 and t12 fixtures.
Although t12 fluorescent bulbs may not be energy efficient in comparison to t8 and t5 bulbs fluorescent lights are generally more efficient than incandescent lights.