Can you use a T8 LED in a T12 fixture?

Can you use a T8 LED in a T12 fixture?

The main difference between T8 and T12 tubes is the tube’s diameter. 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.

What happens if I put a T12 bulb in a T8 fixture?

If you place T12 tubes in a fixture with a T8 ballast, you will wear out the ballast and have to replace it. If you place T8 tubes in a fixture with a T12 ballast, then the tubes will have a shorter life due to a higher current through the tube.

Are T12 bulbs being discontinued?

In effect since July 2012, the legislation eliminates nearly all 4-foot T12 lamps, some 4-foot T8 lamps, most 8-foot T12 lamps, and almost all standard halogen PAR38, PAR30 and PAR20 lamps from the market. T12 technology is over 80 years old. Since that time, lamps and bulbs have been developed that just work better.

Can you bypass ballast for LED lights?

Most T8 LED tubes do not need a ballast. So, if you are going to install a T8 LED tube light, it will require a ballast bypass unless you choose a ballast compatible T8 LED tube.

What is the difference between T12 and T8 fluorescent bulbs?

While both bulbs come in standard lengths, commonly 4 feet, the designation of 8 or 12 refers to the difference in the diameter of the bulb. T8 bulbs are 8/8 inch (a full inch, in other words), while T12 bulbs are 12/8 of an inch in diameter — 1 1/2 inches.

What is the difference between a ballast for T12 and T8?

T12 and T8 lamps also differ on the ballast that they are operated with most of the time . T12 primarily run off a magnetic ballasts and T8 bulbs operate on electronic ballasts. That’s not always the case as sometimes people changed their T12 ballast to be electronic years ago.

What is the difference between T5, T8 and T12’s?

Making sense of lighting standards The T5 is five eighths of an inch, or about the size of a $.10 dime The T8 bulb is one inch in diameter at the size of a $.05 nickel The T12 is twelve eighths (1.5 inches) in diameter

Can you replace a T12 with a T8?

How to Convert a T12 Fluorescent Fixture to a T8 Turn off power to the fixture at the circuit breaker. Open the lens cover on the fixture, if applicable. Remove the ballast cover from inside the fixture. Cut the wires that lead from the old ballast. Remove the socket brackets and sockets from the fixture. Install the new T8 ballast in the fixture using the nut or screw and the applicable tool.