Can i replace t12 tubes with t8?

[50fordbob]

What are the pros and cons?

 

[DHCrocks]

you would need to relpace the balast.
pros: more efficient, brighter more compact
cons: none

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I did the two four bulb fixtures in my kitchen. Took out two big heavy magnetic ballasts (from each light fixture, four ballasts total) and installed a single, fairly lightweight electronic ballast in each fixture. I did have to replace a couple of the bulb holders that broke when I removed the wires from them, and a couple more that lost spring tension (the wires are a push in design on the bulb end connectors)

No more hum, brighter light, about half the current consumption (though I only saved about an amp of draw on each one)

Charles

 

[rsanter]

yes you can, but as mentioned you should replace the ballast as well to match the T8s

I have heard of people putting the T8s in and them working on the T12 ballast, but by doing this you will negate all energy efficient benifits of the T8s

bob

 

[BioHazard]

Yes, T8s will work in a normal T12 fixture, I don't know how that effects the tubes or the efficiency though. I had a 4 tube fixture that I thought was T8, didn't even know it was T12 until I opened it and saw the ballast.

You can buy a really nice/efficient/quiet electronic 2 tube ballast at Home Depot for about $15. They're really easy to hookup, wiring diagram is always on a sticker on the top.

 

[Norcal]

T8 lamps driven by a T12 ballast will result in premature lamp failure, but they will work for a while.

 

[DURAMAT]

like sticking a Ferrarri motor in a Geo Metro! LOL

if you do replace the ballast, look at the sockets. If they are worn, broken and in poor condition, change them out as well.