Hey guys, I need to purchase (6) 8ft Fluorescent light fixtures and was wondering if I should get the ones for t-8 or t-12 bulbs? What is the difference? I am looking for something i can get from Lowes or Home Depot. These are going in my home garage. Thanks for your help.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
8ft Fluorescent lighting
- Thread starter larryv
- Start date
nova65ss
Well-known member
I just installed 4 more of the 8 footers in my garage, I had two before and it made a huge difference. I just got the cheaper versions 33 bucks a piece for the two buld type. The HO t12's were about 55 each and really didn't see the need to pay the extra. The 8' t 8's were about 42 but they had 4- 4' bulbs and it didn't really makes sense to me. I also have an unfinished garage with 12' ceilings and it is plenty light enough in there now. Got them from Lowes also.
Charles (in GA)
Well-known member
T12's are slowly going the way of the dodo bird. You get lots more light from a T8 than a T12.
Charles
Charles
ddawg16
Well-known member
This is a common question...discussion....
T12's are the older style bulb that uses a transformer ballast....
T8's use about 20% less energy and use an electronic ballast....
As correctly noted above, the T12's are being phased out. For that reason I would suggest going T8....even though they cost a bit more, the ballast puts out less heat and I'm hearing that they last a bit longer.....
And, as a bonus....no flicker.....T12's operate at 120 hz....T8's have a much higher frequency....no flicker.
T12's are the older style bulb that uses a transformer ballast....
T8's use about 20% less energy and use an electronic ballast....
As correctly noted above, the T12's are being phased out. For that reason I would suggest going T8....even though they cost a bit more, the ballast puts out less heat and I'm hearing that they last a bit longer.....
And, as a bonus....no flicker.....T12's operate at 120 hz....T8's have a much higher frequency....no flicker.
roofster
Well-known member
Any suggestions where to buy T8 fixtures on the net? My local electrical contractor is offering a 48" single bulb fixture for $42. Such a deal, I may call and see what they want for 8' 4 bulb anyways. Would the ones at Lowe's or HD be as good as I can get anywhere
nate379
Banned
Can you tell by looking at the housing what is it?
I have 4 4' housings in my garage and was thinking of maybe adding another 2. I haven't decided if the extra cost in eletric is worth it though.
(Electric is 0.19 KW/hr here)
I have 4 4' housings in my garage and was thinking of maybe adding another 2. I haven't decided if the extra cost in eletric is worth it though.
(Electric is 0.19 KW/hr here)
Ezzie
Well-known member
I just bought some el cheopo 4' T8 fixtures and the directions state I can put both T8 AND T12 bulbs in it. I opened it up and it has an electronic ballast. I didn't think there was such a thing as an electronic ballast for T12 bulbs. Anyone else seen this or can explain?? Brand of light is Canarm (but is a China import) that I got at my local TSC store.
brmorr
Well-known member
Just bought 2 8ft T8 lights with 4 4ft bulbs each for $39 at Home Depot. For 2 of them with 10 bulbs, it costed me $100. Not too bad and they look great in the garage. I am definitely going to go back and buy a few more.
Brian
Brian
riskyvt
Well-known member
Any suggestions where to buy T8 fixtures on the net? My local electrical contractor is offering a 48" single bulb fixture for $42. Such a deal, I may call and see what they want for 8' 4 bulb anyways. Would the ones at Lowe's or HD be as good as I can get anywhere
Try Grainger.com
Plenty of lighting options...
nate 11
Member
t8 4' bulbs are alot cheaper than the 8' t8 bulbs, something to think about when one burns out. i have 4 of them in my carport they are BRIGHT.
These are well worth considering, I just installed 8 of these fixtures in my 32 x 44 garage. My walls are painted white, and with these lights, it's brighter than I thought it would be, almost too bright. I bought the tubes from Lowe's for around 6.00 ea.
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/4LB83
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/4LB83
BoutTime64
Member
Ive got 8 , 8 ft T12 High output, electronic ballast, cold quick start to -20. The bulbs are 110 watt each, and 8600 lumens. thats about twice the light power as t8 i think. I dont have them all up yet but they are instant, and silent. American Flourecsent from menards,$45 ish i think. never had any problem finding bulbs. More pricey but, more light and features than the cheaper simple units i think.
fasteddie24
Well-known member
"Rocco" has some great posts on lighting. Search his name.