Flourescent Lighting Q

[Adam McLaughlin]

Hi Garage Junkies,

Can someone point out the differences between T8 and T12 florescent light bulbs?

I need to get some over head lights for my newest workbench, but am unsure what the best thing to pick it. Can someone provide recommendations?

I will be working over mild steel with walls painted flat white. I expect to do mild projects here with the occasional mixing and preparing of paints.

Any help is appreciated.

Adam

 

[strnge]

T8= smaller, more expensive, more options on light quality, uses more energy.


T12- larger, less expensive, less options on light quality, uses less energy, phased out soon


I am going with T8's in my install.

Mike

 

[rickairmedic]

Ihave T8's and I also highly recomend repainting the walls and ceiling with Gloss white paint instead of flat 1 it will reflect more light 2 its aloot easier to clean.


Rick

 

[nissan_crawler]

We have an entire lighting section on this board, that has answered this question many times over. You'll find lots of info there.

 

[35mastr]

I have 2 8 Foot T-12's that are High Output and it is very bright.

 

[nadogail]

The most obvious difference between T12 and T8 is the diameter of the lamp.
T12 = Tubular twelve eigths of an inch diameter. 1.5"
T8 = Tubular eight eigths of an inch diameter. 1"
Less obvious is the advanced technology used in the smaller lamp. I belive T12 lamps were first demonstrated to the public in 1939. The current production lamps are much improved over the early ones. T12 fixtures can be had for hauling them away, if you are willing to use those removed during retrofits. Sometimes we plan to use the more advanced and most efficent, untill the reality of cost enters the equation.

 

[ktm450]

T8= smaller, more expensive, more options on light quality, uses more energy.


T12- larger, less expensive, less options on light quality, uses less energy, phased out soon


I am going with T8's in my install.

Mike

most T12's actually use more energy for the same light output. T12's will slowly be phased out in the future so if your buying new, bite the bullet and get T8's. They usually have better more efficient ballasts and less flicker as well.

 

[2LTim]

T-8's also work better in colder temps than T-12's.

 

[IBEW]

Retired Sparky
Do you really want the best lighting for your shop... Use HO 8' fixtures ( HO, HIGH OUTPUT) from Lowe's. These lights work great in low temps, not like the others. They cost a bit more but well worth the extra cost. The lumens these put out is far more than any T8 tube. Total cost aprox. 70.00 per fixture with tubes. You will smile when you flip the switch.

 

[Adam McLaughlin]

We have an entire lighting section on this board, that has answered this question many times over. You'll find lots of info there.

Thanks Nissan, I just now noticed that. My bad... Never looked for it before.

Adam

 

[nissan_crawler]

Thanks Nissan, I just now noticed that. My bad... Never looked for it before.

Adam

No problem, it's filled with t8/t12 stuff.