Are T5 And T8 Bulbs Interchangeable, 5” diameter) bulbs, whereas the current standard is the T8 (1. Considering the t5 vs t8 bulb debate? Learn the crucial differences in size, efficiency, and compatibility, and see why LEDs are the superior upgrade. Indeed putting T12 on T8 ballast or the reverse is generally a really bad idea. T8 tubes offer a cost-effective solution with good energy savings and compatibility with existing fixtures. com to assist you in your LED replacement tube choice. e. Some complex conversion kits and adapters are available that allow a bulb of a different physical size, such as a T5, to be inserted into a T8 fixture. , interchangeable, the bulb types require different ballasts and different schematic hook-ups in order to function properly! Warning: Tube Lights T4/T5/T8 Energy-efficient, long-lasting fluorescent and LED tube lights provide bright, even lighting for larger spaces - perfect for office, industrial spaces and shop floors. While the electrical sockets (“tombstones”) of these bulbs are identical, i. Are T5 and T8 Bulbs Interchangeable? It is important to note that T5 and T8 grow lights have different shapes and ways of connecting, which means they cannot be fully substituted for one another. T5 and T8 refer to the diameter of the fluorescent tube, with T5 being 5/8 inch in diameter and T8 being 1 inch in diameter. The “T” refers to the tubular shape, and the number indicates the tube’s diameter in eighths of an inch. Confused by T5, T8, and T12 fluorescent tubes? We break down their size, efficiency, and best uses to illuminate your lighting choices. With a longer design than the T5 grow light, these bulbs are not interchangeable within growing systems. Matching the correct lamps with ballasts is necessary for proper performance and life of lamp and ballast. Oct 24, 2025 · T5 and T8 bulbs are not interchangeable. Tubes are available in a variety of lengths, from 2-feet to 6ft, so there is an option to suit almost any space. The T doesn’t r Oct 23, 2025 · T8 and T5 bulbs have different diameters and use different sockets. A T8 ballast is generally not compatible with a T5 linear fluorescent lamp. Make sure you check your existing fixture carefully because the two types of bulbs are not interchangeable. T8 Grow Light A T8 grow light is a fluorescent light that is exactly one inch (1”) in diameter and approximately 40% smaller than the T5 grow light model. The 20,000-hour lamp life of T5 lamps is the same as the lamp life of most T8 lamps, although newly developed prolonged-life T8 lamps have lives of 4,000 or 10,000 hours longer than T5 lamps. one listing says t5 but when ordering it says t10? i need t5 so i cancelled my original order. I know -- schools are boxes filled with fluorescent lights. We also offer LED Retrofit Kits. This ensures that the system is designed to handle the specific requirements of T8 bulbs, including voltage and current regulation. Learn how to choose the right bulb for your fixture and ensure optimal lighting performance. The 2 different types are T5 and T8. Learn the differences between T5 and T8 lighting and how these different bulbs are used in various settings and for different purposes. . Also t-8 and t-12 bulbs are not interchangeable. In which situations is the different variations appropriate for T12, T8 or T5 fluorescent lighting fixtures. T5 tubes, for The general result of mixing T8 and T12 bulbs on a single ballast is a headache inducing flashing of lights. These are ratings used to describe the shape and size of fluorescent light bulbs. Both T8 and T12 lamps use a G13 base; however, a T12 ballast will shorten the life a T8 lamp. Make the right lighting choice! Discover the key differences between T8 and T12 LED bulbs and learn how to troubleshoot common issues in electrical lighting systems. No, a T5 bulb requires a T5 fixture like this one. Are T8 and T12 bulbs interchangeable? Discover the key differences between T8 and T12 fluorescent bulbs, including size, wattage, and compatibility. Here are their characteristics and how to choose one. Thread Tools Rate Thread Display Modes Bookmarks Facebook Google Digg del. T5 bulbs are 5/8-inch wide with G5 pins and require high-frequency electronic ballasts, while T8 bulbs are 1-inch wide with G13 pins and support a wider range of ballasts and fixtures. Discover the differences between T5 vs T8 bulbs and explore the future of lighting technology. The T is found in both fluorescent lighting as well as LED lights. The “T” stands for “tube” and is a simple way to identify the lighting and separate it from other forms of fluorescent bulbs. There are also tubes of differing width, and not all are interchangeable. 275 inches). T8 bulbs also need to be replaced every six months- a bit more frequently than T5s. In the United States, fluorescent lamps are classified as universal waste. Are you sure you installed the bulbs properly? I know that question may seem like an insult, but the bi-pin bulbs need to be seated properly to work correctly. A fluorescent tube buying guide that explains everything you need to know about the types and sizes available, the best brands, and where to use them. Introduce the similarities and differences between T5 and T8 tubes in order to choose a more suitable type of tube. com The old forum is closed to new Learn how to upgrade fluorescent fixtures to LED tubes safely. Because the diameters of T5 and T8 lamps are different, they are not usually interchangeable. Reptisun does make a T8 bulb and it is fine- it just needs to be closer to your dragon than a T5 and cannot penetrate screen tops like a T5 can. If you're dealing with those small T5 fluorescent fixtures, these 4-watt bulbs are exactly what you need! This 4-pack gives you plenty of replacements for under-cabinet lighting, camping lanterns, or display cases. The T stands for tube shape and 5 or 8 refers to the diameter of the bulb in 1/8 inches. May 31, 2015 · T5 and T8 bulbs are not interchangeable in all cases. T4 tubes are 13mm wide, and T5 tubes are 15mm wide, they also require different wattages to power and emit light. 0” diameter) bulb. asked on January 8, 2016 Learn the differences between T5 and T8 lighting and how these different bulbs are used in various settings and for different purposes. Jul 3, 2017 · Comparable T5 bulbs are slightly shorter than T8 bulbs. Need lightbulbs, tubes, lighting fixtures? We can help to find out T5 vs T8 in your case! T4, T5, T8? Lighting, Filtration & Other Equipment The Reef Central Forums are now located at https://forums. 25 inches (10/8), T12 = 1. Typical diameters are T12 or T38 (11⁄2 in or 38 mm) for larger, often less efficient lamps, T8 or T26 (1 in or 25 mm) for smaller and often energy-saving lamps, and T5 or T16 (5⁄8 in or 16 mm) for very small lamps, which may even operate from a battery-powered device. 5 inches in diameter (12/8). Due to the US putting a ban on standard (40 watt) T12 lamps -- high efficiency ones are hard to come by but still exist -- some ballasts were made T8 & T12 compliant. What is the difference between T5, T8 and T12 lamps? Fluorescent lamps, or fluorescent linear tubes as they are also known, are categorized according to their wattage, shape and diameter. You can tailor your lights to match your current lighting le Are these t5 or t10 wedge bulbs. You would be faced with an array of different replacements however one thing worth noting is that there are 2 main types of aquarium light tubes which are of different size amongst other things so are not interchangeable. reefcentral. Attempting to use one in a fixture designed for the other will fail due to both physical and electrical incompatibilities. How to Convert or Replace Fixtures Since a direct bulb swap is not feasible, achieving a lighting upgrade requires modifying the existing fixture or replacing it entirely. T8 Fluorescent Lighting The most commonly available is the T8 bulbs. Yes, the T5 bulbs do not require as much maintenance, which will help to save in the long term over the increase in retail pricing. Different codes are made for different levels of lighting, depending on the levels of energy efficiency and the size of the bulb in diameter. Similarly, it is asked, what does t10 bulb mean? Difference Between T5, T8, T10 and T12 The main difference is in size…the T8 is one inch in diameter and everything else is divisible by that number: T5 = 5/8 inch, T6 = 6/8 inch, T8 = 1 inch, T10 = 1. This article deals in details about light bulb base sizes and chart. Only in a properly sized ballast will the pin sockets line up and complete a circuit. They allow for quick connection and feature an axial base suitable for applications, including the lighting of display cases, under cabinets, and display backlights. Forcing a T5 bulb into a T8 fixture (or vice versa) simply won't work without significant modifications to the fixture, which can be dangerous. T-5, t-5, or T5 is more efficient than T-8, especially T-5 HO (high output). Compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) made in the same sizes as incandescent lamp bulbs are used as an energy-saving alternative to incandescent lamps in homes. Ballast Compatibility Solutions: If you need to use T8 bulbs in an environment that has T5 fixtures, the safest and most straightforward option is to replace the T5 ballast with a compatible T8 ballast. Choosing between T5 and T8 LED tubes ultimately depends on your specific lighting needs, budget, and fixture compatibility. The best strategy is to work with a reliable supplier that offers high-quality, durable T5 and T8 lights, so you don’t have to replace them frequently. Likewise, is a t10 bulb the same as a 194? Also Know, are t5 and t8 bulbs interchangeable? T5 and T8 lamps have different diameters so they are not usually interchangeable. , interchangeable, the bulb types require different ballasts and different schematic hook-ups in order to function properly! Warning: Compare T8 vs T12 fluorescent tubes for commercial use—size, efficiency, lifespan & brightness differences. Contact us at info@orilis. Are T4 and T5 bulbs interchangeable? Unfortunately, T4 and T5 fluorescent bulbs are not interchangeable due to the difference in thickness. T5 tubes are more compact and efficient, making them suitable for high-intensity lighting in tighter spaces. Nov 30, 2025 · T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes are generally not compatible for swapping into the same fixture. Compare T5 and T8 LED lights to find the best option for efficiency, brightness, and cost-effectiveness in commercial and industrial settings. The T2 fluorescent tubes have a greater lifespan than that of the T5 alternatives. us StumbleUpon Tags bulbs, fixtures, light, t12, t5s, interchangeable, t12s, t8s « Previous Thread | Next Thread » Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) Read on and discover the difference between T5 and T8 tube lights. Easily retrofit your old fluorescent T8, T10, and T12 light fixtures to long lasting LED tubes. There are five common fluorescent light tube sizes: T2, T5, T5HO, T8, and T12. We break down 5 key comparisons to help you choose the best option for your lighting needs. T5 and T8 lamps have different diameters so they are not usually interchangeable. For example, a NO-T5 tube light can range between 14 watts to 35 watts while an HO-T5 fluorescent tube light will usually range between 24 watts and 80 watts. Complete guide covering ballast-compatible and ballast-bypass options, installation steps, and energy savings. Read the ballast. The super cheap blacklight fixtures take a T8 bulb. Is the T9 bulb interchangeable with the T10 bulb? Are t9 and t10 bulbs interchangeable? So a T9 would be a 1 1/8″ diameter tube and a T10 would be a 1 1/4″ diameter tube. Low Pressure Sodium Fixture Fulham Workhorse 3 Electronic Fluorescent Ballast - 120V Instant Start For T5, T8, T12 Lamps Fulham Fc Older fixtures typically use the T12 (1. The bulbs featured within these miniature tubes have a diameter of 7mm (0. Older fixtures typically use the T12 (1. Light bulb bases and sockets are designed to hold the bulb securely and ensure electrical contact. Unsure if you need single-ended LED tubes or double-ended LED tubes? Orilis LED Lighting Solutions offers Single Ended T8 LED tubes in 5000K and Double Ended T8 tubes in 3000K, 4500K, 5000K and 6500K. The watts needed for T5 lighting will increase with the type of output. icio. The difference between T5 and T8 light bulbs comes down to tube diameter, socket type, operating temperature, and electrical design. fb0a0, gqhqb, 3em0, gojr, pml0j4, rsly, 9ec0i, yin4h, baik, govc,