What are T5 and T8 fluorescent bulbs? T8 fluorescent technology preexisted T5 technology. T5 fluorescent bulbs have yet to undergo the battery of reviews and testing that T8 bulbs have already undergone but they are both more efficient than incandescents. Despite the lack of research into T5 bulbs, there are known benefits and considerations offered by both T5 and T8 fluorescent bulbs. There are different practical applications for both fluorescent technologies. Several companies produce light bulbs, Sylvania light bulbs as well as General Electric light bulbs are easy to come by.
T5 and T8 Fluorescent Light Applications
Many desk lamps are manufactured for use with T5 fluorescent bulbs. T8 bulbs can be found mostly in recessed lighting fixtures in the ceiling, providing recessed fluorescent lighting for wider areas. However, high-output T5 bulbs (T5HO) are also manufactured for use in commercial lighting fixtures, ceiling light fixtures, bathroom light fixtures and kitchen light fixtures like T8 bulbs. Both types of fluorescent bulbs are available in different wattages making them ideal for any type of situation. T5 bulbs are manufactured in shorter diameters than T8 bulbs because they have different applications.
Fluorescent Light Ballasts
Both types of fluorescent bulbs require ballasts, usually fitted into fluorescent light fixtures, to provide a starting voltage. However, the T5 ballast is more expensive and is known to take up to two minutes to light the bulb. T5 ballasts are more prone to overheating and ultimately failing. Consumers should note that ballasts that are engineered to operate under a T8 fluorescent lighting system should never be employed for use in a T5 fluorescent lighting system.
Differences Between T5 and T8 Fluorescent Bulbs
T5 fluorescent technology is cheaper than T8 fluorescent technology, which has led to their ultimate lower initial purchase cost. Both types of bulbs are rated to produce a peak light output at different temperatures. Light output for a T5 fluorescent bulb peaks at 95 degrees while peak output for a T8 lamps occurs at 77 degrees.
Similarities Between T5 and T8 Fluorescent Bulbs
All fluorescent bulbs are more efficient than traditional tungsten filament incandescent and halogen bulbs; fluorescent bulbs are considered to be energy saving light bulbs. Both T5 and T8 bulbs are manufactured for applications that have in the past called for high intensity discharge (HID) bulbs. About four T5 or T8 bulbs are capable of producing similar light output as a single HID bulb. Using T5 or T8 bulbs instead of HID bulbs saves the consumer quite a bit on energy costs. Both types of fluorescent bulbs contain around 5 mg of mercury and can last for over 20,000 regular hours of use. Because they contain mercury, consumers should take their used or broken fluorescent bulbs to the proper fluorescent light bulb disposal facility in their area.
Sources:
Lighting Associates: T8 vs. T5- Which to Use?
Facilities Net: Lamps in a New Light
Green Your: Replace T12 Fluorescent Lamps With T5 or T8
Pro Lighting: T5 HO/T8 vs. HID
Earth Easy: Energy Efficient Lighting
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