bulb difference

[schwalby]

This may be an odd question. Currently we have Sylvania F34CW/SS/ECO bulbs in our fixtures here at work. The owner bought Philips F40CW/RS/EW to replace the burnt out ones. Is this correct? From what I can find online that doesn't seem correct.

 

[PRH44]

The lamps you are referring too sound like T12 lamps.
The key with fluorescent fixtures is using lamps the ballast are rated for. You need to look at the ballast in the fixture and see if it is rated for and F40. the ballast will list the lamps it is designed to handle.
An F40 lamp is a full rated 40 watt lamp.
An F34 is an ECO rated lamp of 34 watts.
Typically older magnetic ballast are rated for a full F40.

F= fluorescent
34= watt
T12= lamp type (style and diameter)
SS= Super saver RP= rapid start
ECO= Ecologic (Eco friendly lamp) EW= Econo watt