We stock a diverse range of standard, specialist, and unusual length fluorescent tubes in a vast choice of wattages, colour temperatures, and cap fitting types. BLT Direct has an expansive catalogue with multiple options in T2 (7mm), T4 (12mm), T5 (15mm), T8 (25mm), and T12 (38mm) versions. We also cover a range of wattages from 4 Watts to 140 Watts, and lengths start at 150mm increasing, to 2400mm. Colour temperatures include cool to warm white, blacklight blue, ultra-violet, and American daylight. We can even source obscure or niche fluorescent bulbs such as germicidal, aquarium, multi-phosphor, photographic, and industrial processing lamps. Browse below to find the perfect fluorescent light for you, a staple of UK lighting for the past 50 years.
What size do fluorescent tubes come in?
Fluorescent tubes have two dimensions; diameter and length. The type of tube is determined by its diameter, with T2 (7mm), T4 (12mm), T5 (15mm), T8 (25mm), T12 (38mm) all available in multiple lengths and wattages. It is essential to check your fluorescent fitting to see what type of tube is compatible with it. BLT Direct stock all types of fluorescent tube lights in lengths ranging from 150mm to 2400mm, giving you options for any sized fitting. BLT Direct also stock a range of colour temperatures for every diameter tube, giving you a limitless choice for fitting and tube combinations.
How long does a fluorescent tube last?
Our fluorescent tubes can last for thousands of hours; on average, around 10-12000 hours is to be expected when used regularly and in an appropriate fitting. Fluorescent tube light bulbslast longer than incandescent bulbs but not as long as LED tubes which can last up to 50,000 hours. With a proven performance record, it is easy to see why fluorescent technology isa staple in UK lighting and are still popular despite LED alternatives.
It is important to note that when replacing your fluorescent bulbs, you must take them to a council recycling centre because they are classified as hazardous waste.
Are fluorescent tubes being phased out?
With the rise of energy-saving, cost effective LED light sources, fluorescent tubes are becoming less and less common, leaving many people are asking if fluorescent technology will eventually be phased out altogether. On 9th June 2021, the UK government released new plans to end the sale of halogen bulbs by September 2021 and fluorescent tubes by 2023. This decision was made to encourage the use of LED equivalents and reduce the carbon footprint created by these types of bulbs. Despite this, BLT Direct stock a large variety of fluorescent tube bulbs in an expansive range of styles with multiple functions including, gourmet, plant growing, and blacklight colours..
How energy-efficient are Fluorescent tubes?
Fluorescent Tubeshave been installed in domestic and commercial applications for 50 years or more. With the evolution of energy-saving and LED lamps and energy-saving products, it is sometimes unknown how energy-efficient Fluorescent Tubes are. Fluorescent lights are far more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs because they do not waste energy heating a filamentbut ionize mercury vapour to create light. For lumen output in the 500 range, it takes about 55 watts for an incandescent bulb to operate, while it takes only 10 watts for a fluorescent bulb to give the same output. A 75-watt incandescent light bulb would be the equivalent of 12 watts of power fora fluorescent lamp.
Can I replace fluorescent tubes with LED?
LED variants of fluorescent tubes are a new, innovative type of lighting that replicates the style of a fluorescent fitting but with energy-efficient LED technology. LED tubes use a semi-conductive material to produce light, a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to fluorescent lighting, which uses mercury vapour to produce photons. LED replacements can be found in every diameter and length of fluorescent tubes, so there is no need to buy new fittings. We also stock LED integrated fittings, removing the need for a tube and lowering replacement costs. Check out our 'LED Fluorescent Tube' range to find these products.
How do I know what fluorescent tube I have?
The simplest place to start identifying your fluorescent tube is by finding out the wattage. This is due to the wattage of the tube generally being associated with the length of the tube. You can also identify the tube by its diameter and length. With this information, you will be able to select the correct fluorescent tube for your fitting. One last consideration is the tube's colour temperature, which is generally denoted by a number, for example, 827 is Warm White, 840 is Cool White, and 835 is White. If you're unsure, please call our customer sales line.
Can I use T8 in place of T12?
T8 fluorescent tubes are 25mm in diameter and T12 fluorescent tubes are 40mm in diameter. However, both fluorescent tubes have the same G13 bi-pin connector end cap. So whilst you can fit a T8 tube into the old-style T12 fitting, it is not ideal due to the aesthetic and size difference. Therefore, it's always best to replace the correct tube in the appropriate fitting.
What size is a T5 tube?
The length of a T5 tube can vary between 150 mm to 1475 mm depending on the wattage. For diameter, they are 15 mm, this makes them the thinnest fluorescent tube compared to T8 and T12 tubes.
FAQs
What is the difference between T4 and T5 fluorescent? ›
Length of Fluorescent Tube
The next longest tube is the T4, with a total length of anywhere between 150mm and 1,500mm. This is followed by the T5, with a length of between 340mm and 1,800mm. The length of the T8 tube may be anywhere from 600mm up to 2,400mm.
T simply means tubular and the numbers indicates the diameter of the tube. The T__ acronym is a standard for expressing the measurement of the diameter of the tube in 1/8ths of an inch. So a T5 is 5/8ths of an inch, a T8 is exactly one inch thick (i.e. 8/8ths) and a T12 is 12/8ths or one and a half inches thick.
What is the difference between T8 and T4? ›Square Edge Jig — The T-8 Sharpener comes with the SE-77 Square Edge Jig. The T-4 Sharpener does not come with a square edge jig. The Square Edge Jig is used for sharpening plane irons and chisels and is very important for woodworkers.
What does T4 mean in lighting? ›A: The "T" in T3 or T4 type halogen bulbs refers to the tubular shape, (not base) while the number refers to the diameter of the bulb.
Are T5 tubes being phased out? ›– August 24, 2023: end of T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent lamps (with a lifespan of more than 20,000 hours).
Can you replace T5 fluorescent tubes with LED? ›The Goodlight T5 LED Tubes are a true retrofit LED replacement for T5 fluorescent tube light fittings, enabling immediate energy saving.
What happens if you put a T8 bulb in a T12 fixture? ›T12 tubes are 1.5" in diameter while T8s are just one inch. All other things—socket sizes, lengths, distance between pins—are the same. T8 LED tubes won't fall out if you try to install them in a T12 fixture—they'll fit just fine.
Can you put a T5 bulb in a T12 fixture? ›For some applications, one T5 bulb can replace two T12 bulbs, providing even greater energy savings (a process called “de-lamping.”) The typical T12 four-lamp fixture uses 172 watts of power between the lamps and ballast.
Which is better T5 or T8? ›The lesser wattage T8 would be the better choice if you do not need as many lumens since it offers lower lumen and watt consumption. If you need higher lighting levels, the T5 might be ideal for your situation.
What is the difference between T4 and T5 tubes? ›Length of Fluorescent Tube
The next longest tube is the T4, with a total length of anywhere between 150mm and 1,500mm. This is followed by the T5, with a length of between 340mm and 1,800mm. The length of the T8 tube may be anywhere from 600mm up to 2,400mm.
How do I know what size fluorescent tube I need? ›
In order to identify which size you need, the easiest way to tell is to read the label near the base of the tube. If this information is no longer legible, you can measure the bulb's diameter. Fluorescent tubes are measured in eighths of an inch.
What are the brightest fluorescent tubes? ›Fluorescent T5s
Although they are the smallest, they are the most energy efficient and brightest.
What does “T8” mean? The “T” designation in fluorescent lamp nomenclature stands for tubular — the shape of the lamp. The number immediately follow- ing the T gives the diameter of the lamp in eighths of an inch.
What does T8 mean on a fluorescent tube? ›Fluorescent tube shape
Linear fluorescent lamps typically include a “T” in the shape abbreviation with a number following it. This “T” stands for tube and the number that follows is the diameter of the tube. That number is divided into 8 to translate into inches. So a T8 has a one inch diameter.
20 October 2022
High-energy fluorescent lightbulbs are next to follow suit, with all T5 and T8 fluorescent lamps being banned in the UK from 2023. Next, from September 2023, all halogen pins (G4, GY6. 35 and G9) will be prohibited from placing on the market.
Can you actually retrofit T12 to LED without changing out the ballast? Actually, yes. But before you make a decision, there are other LED solutions to consider for a high-efficiency lighting option for existing T12s. A lot has changed in just a few years in the lighting industry.
Which is better LED or T5? ›LEDs also offer increased light efficiency when dimmed as opposed to T5 fixtures and usually produce more lumens per watt in general, which decreases energy usage and thus, energy costs. A lower wattage of LED luminaire will usually be just as efficient, sometimes more, as a higher wattage T5 lamp.
What happens if you put LED bulbs in a fluorescent fixture? ›Many LED tubes are "plug and play", meaning you can just install them like you would a fluorescent bulb. For this to be true, look for bulbs that are "ballast-compatible" meaning that they can use the ballast already installed in your fluorescent fixture to power the LEDs.
Is it worth replacing fluorescent tubes with LED? ›Compared to fluorescent bulbs, LED lights are up to 80% more efficient. Unlike fluorescent lights, LED lights convert 95% of their energy into light and only 5% is wasted as heat; this is all while still using far less power to provide a strong and consistent output at a lower wattage.
What is the lifespan of a T5 fluorescent tube? ›Time: With typical daily photo periods of 8-12 hours, T5 bulbs carry the average life-span is 9-12 months. If it's been more than 12 months since your last bulb change, it's probably time for a change.
Can I replace my T8 bulbs with LED? ›
Yes, you can replace fluorescent tubes with LED tubes or LED-integrated fixtures. If you just want to replace the bulbs, you can use plug-and-play, direct-wire, or hybrid LED tubes. Plug-and-play tubes are the easiest to install as they do not require any rewiring to the fixture.
Can I replace a T12 ballast with a T8? ›The easiest and lowest price option to replace a T12 is a T8 linear fluorescent. They have become the go-to option for pre-existing T12s. If you still have magnetic ballasts, switching to a T8 will require a ballast swap.
Why are T12 lamps being discontinued? ›T12 technology is over 80 years old.
Since that time, lamps and bulbs have been developed that just work better. T8 and T5 linear fluorescents have: lower mercury content. longer lamp life.
If you want to high bright led tube lights, you can first choose T8 led tube. because the T8 tube light is high brighter than t5 tube. T5 led tube light, which is less filled with electrons and inert gas. In contrast, If you want to creat a darker lighting environment.
Which is brighter T12 or T8? ›The Standard T12 lamp produces 2,650 initial lumens per lamp. The standard T8 produces 2,800 initial lumens per lamp, 6% brighter. But the standard T12 lamp produces 2,300 design lumens and the T8 produces 2,660 design lumens.
Do T5 lights need a ballast? ›What type of ballast do I need for a T5 fluorescent tube? Like T8s, T5s can uses electronic ballasts of electromagnetic ballasts. You will need a ballast specific to the size of T5 tubes though.
What are T5 lights good for? ›These fixtures are best used for growing clones and seedlings, as they're able to give them up to 10,000 lumens of light. That's just the amount of light you need to keep young plants thriving until they're ready to veg. These are great for growing clones and seedlings well into the flowering stage.
What is the difference between cool white and daylight? ›Bulbs that provide light at around 4100K to 5000K are considered "cool white" and these start to have a slightly blue feel to them. Bulbs that provide light at around 6500K are considered "daylight bulbs" and these have a definite blue and cool sensation to them.
What does T5 t8 T12 mean? ›The "T" in T5 indicates the bulb is tubular shaped, while the "5" denotes that it is five eighths of an inch in diameter. The other common lamps are the larger T8 (eight eighths inch = 1") and T12 (twelve eights inch = 1½" tubes).
Do I need to remove the ballast to use an LED bulb? ›No LED bulbs require a ballast, although some are engineered to work with an existing ballast. You will find ballast-compatible or "plug-and-play" LEDs that are designed to replace linear fluorescents, compact fluorescents, or HIDs. Incandescent and halogen lamps do not require a ballast.
How do you know if you need to replace a ballast? ›
- Buzzing. If you hear a strange sound coming from your bulbs or light fixture, like a buzzing or humming noise, that's often a sign your ballast is going. ...
- Dimming or flickering. ...
- No lights at all. ...
- Changing colors. ...
- Swollen casing. ...
- Burn marks. ...
- Water damage. ...
- Leaking oil.
New is that the RoHS directives from 2023 will tighten the mercury regulation, which means that both fluorescent T5 and T8 tubes and compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) will be phased out during 2023.
Can a T5 replace T4? ›Are T4 and T5 bulbs interchangeable? Unfortunately, T4 and T5 fluorescent bulbs are not interchangeable due to the difference in thickness. T4 tubes are 13mm wide, and T5 tubes are 15mm wide, they also require different wattages to power and emit light.
What is the most common fluorescent tube size? ›While there are multiple types of LED and fluorescent tube lights, the three most common are T12, T8 and T5. The terminology comes from “T” for “tubular” and the diameter of the bulb in eighths of an inch, so “T8” represents a tube of 8/8ths of an inch, or 1 inch.
What does T4 and T5 mean? ›T4: Fourth thoracic vertebra. T5: Fifth thoracic vertebra. T6: Sixth thoracic vertebra.
What are the 3 types of regular fluorescent lamp? ›There are three main types of fluorescent lamps: cold cathode, hot cathode, and electroluminescent. They all use phosphors excited by electrons to create light.
What size tube is T5? ›What size is a T5 tube? The length of a T5 tube can vary between 150 mm to 1475 mm depending on the wattage. For diameter, they are 15 mm, this makes them the thinnest fluorescent tube compared to T8 and T12 tubes.
Which is brighter soft white or daylight? ›Daylight offers better brightness and energy. Soft white on the other hand offers better coziness and warmth. Keep in mind that the lighting of the room can actually change your mood. Size of the room –Often the size of the room decides what type of light you require.
Which is the best quality fluorescent tube? ›T8 fluorescent tubing is the ideal option if you want to see a good level of detail. The high levels of colour rendering allow property areas and items to be shown to full effect. These tubes have a life expectancy of up to 15,000 and require a relatively low level of maintenance.
Which is brighter LED or fluorescent? ›When compared to other types of lighting product, LED lights are the most energy efficient and offer a brighter light for the same wattage. Good quality LED fixtures now output around 170 lumens per watt; a fluorescent puts out around 110.
What is the difference between T5 and T8 ballast? ›
T5 fluorescent tube works only with electronic ballasts. T8 fluorescent tube can work with both mechanical and electronic ballasts. T5 fluorescent tube is 40 percent thinner than T8. Since T5 fluorescent tube is thinner, the luminaires designed for T5 fluorescent tubes are smaller than T8 luminaires.
What is the brightest T8 fluorescent bulb? ›The brightest eight foot T8-sized and T10-sized LED tube light is the Barrina LED Shop Light Fixture. This tube shines with 4500 lumens (72 watt replacement).
What is the difference between a T5 T8 and T12 fluorescent bulbs? ›T simply means tubular and the numbers indicates the diameter of the tube. The T__ acronym is a standard for expressing the measurement of the diameter of the tube in 1/8ths of an inch. So a T5 is 5/8ths of an inch, a T8 is exactly one inch thick (i.e. 8/8ths) and a T12 is 12/8ths or one and a half inches thick.
What is the difference between T4 and T8 fluorescent tubes? ›Type of Fluorescent Tube
T4 tubes are best suited to under-cabinet lighting and have a G5 fitting with 5mm separating the two pins. Standard T8 tubes have a G13 fitting, with 13mm separating the pins.
T5 lamps are around 40% smaller than T8 lamps and almost 60% smaller than T12 lamps. T5 lamps have a G5 base (bi-pin with 5 mm spacing), while T8 and T12 lamps use a G13 base (bi-pin with 13 mm spacing). Because of a . 625-inch bulb diameter, and a mini bi-pin base, the T5 lamp can be used in lower profile areas.
What does T4 or T5 mean? ›The T4, T4A and T5 payroll slips are a representation of your employment or commission income from a certain employer (T4, T4A) or investment income (T5). Any slip that is provided to you is also provided to the CRA.
What does T5 mean in fluorescent tubes? ›The "T" refers to "tubular," which is the shape of the bulb, while the number represents a fraction in eighths of an inch. This means a T5 bulb is tubular and is 5/8" in diameter, while a T8 bulb is also tubular and is 8/8" (meaning 1") in diameter.
What does T5 fluorescent mean? ›Fluorescent lamps, or fluorescent linear tubes as they are also known, are categorized according to their wattage, shape and diameter. The "T" in T5 indicates the bulb is tubular shaped, while the "5" denotes that it is five eighths of an inch in diameter.
Should T4 be high or low? ›A normal Total T4 level in adults ranges from 5.0 to 12.0μg/dL. A normal Total T3 level in adults ranges from 80-220 ng/dL.
Should free T4 be high or low? ›The normal range for free T 4 in adults is 0.8 to 1.8 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). A level of free T 4 that is higher than normal could mean you have an overactive thyroid. Conditions linked to hyperthyroidism include Graves disease, an autoimmune disorder. Abnormally low free T 4 levels may signal hypothyroidism.
What happens if T4 is low? ›
If you have lower-than-normal T4 levels, it usually indicates hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Hypothyroidism has several causes, including certain autoimmune diseases, poor iodine intake in your diet and the use of certain medications. Hypothyroidism slows down your metabolism.
How do I know which fluorescent bulb to use? ›In order to identify which size you need, the easiest way to tell is to read the label near the base of the tube. If this information is no longer legible, you can measure the bulb's diameter. Fluorescent tubes are measured in eighths of an inch.
Can you replace T12 bulbs with T8 bulbs? ›Options for replacing T12 fluorescent tubes
The easiest and lowest price option to replace a T12 is a T8 linear fluorescent. They have become the go-to option for pre-existing T12s. If you still have magnetic ballasts, switching to a T8 will require a ballast swap.
Can you actually retrofit T12 to LED without changing out the ballast? Actually, yes. But before you make a decision, there are other LED solutions to consider for a high-efficiency lighting option for existing T12s. A lot has changed in just a few years in the lighting industry.
What is stronger T5 or T8? ›T5 fluorescent light bulb is a newer technology than T8. T5 fluorescent light bulb has an efficiency of about 100 lm/W. T8 fluorescent light bulb can reach about 90 lm/W luminous efficacy. In other words, T5 fluorescent lamps can use the same amount of power to produce more light.