Helpful tips

Are T12 lights being discontinued?

Are T12 lights being discontinued?

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.

Can a T8 bulb replace a T12?

The Right Tubes for Your Fixture Quick answer first: Any T8 LED tube will also fit a T12 fluorescent fixture!

Are fluorescent bulbs being discontinued?

US Department of Energy (DOE) regulations began phasing out various sizes of commercial fluorescent light bulbs in 2012. About all you can get today is the fluorescent workhorse of commercial lighting—the T81 bulb. By January 26, 2018 even T8s will be banned to align with new DOE energy efficiency standards.

Do T8 and T12 bulbs use the same socket?

T12 primarily run off a magnetic ballasts and T8 bulbs operate on electronic ballasts. Even though the fluorescent light socket is exactly the same for both of them, they cannot operate on the same ballast.

Are T12 bulbs good for growing?

So when should you use a T12 bulb? Don’t, unless you find one dirt cheap and you use it only for very small seedlings. Instead, full-spectrum high-output T5 lights are best even for seedlings.

Which is better T8 or T12 bulbs?

The smaller the lamps the more energy efficient they are. 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.

How do I convert T12 fluorescent to LED?

If you’re converting your existing T12 lamps to LED, you have six options to choose from:

  1. Install ballast-bypass linear LED lamps.
  2. Install plug-and-play magnetic and electronic ballast-compatible linear LEDs.
  3. Install electronic ballast-compatible linear LEDs and a new electronic ballast.

Are T12 lamps still permitted to be sold?

The DOE laws on the manufacture and sale of T12 lamps have not affected consumers directly. For instance, business owners can use the T12 lamps in their businesses without violating the DOE laws. However, now that the ban has been in effect for such a long time, you may no longer find T12 lamps on sale in the hardware stores.

Are T12 ballasts still available?

T12 ballasts are available, but T12 lamps are being discontinued. Depending on the light fixture, and how it is mounted, it may be easier and about the same price to replace the fixture instead of the ballast. A new garage fluorescent light fixture could cost less than a replacement ballast.

What is the difference between T12 and T8 fluorescent bulbs?

While both bulbs come in standard lengths, commonly 4 feet, the designation of 8 or 12 refers to the difference in the diameter of the bulb. 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.

Can you replace a T12 with a T8?

How to Convert a T12 Fluorescent Fixture to a T8 Turn off power to the fixture at the circuit breaker. Open the lens cover on the fixture, if applicable. Remove the ballast cover from inside the fixture. Cut the wires that lead from the old ballast. Remove the socket brackets and sockets from the fixture. Install the new T8 ballast in the fixture using the nut or screw and the applicable tool.