Differentiating between T5, T8, T12 Lamps

What is the difference between T5, T8 and T12 fluorescent lamps? To answer, let's look at a T8 lamp. The "T" in T8 indicates that the bulb is tubular, while the "8" indicates that it is eight eighths diameter or one inch. The smaller T5 and the larger T12 are also commonly used bulbs.

The specific lamps within each of these categories (T5, T8, T12) have additional identifiers such as "F32T8". Here the "F" means that the tube is fluorescent, while the "32" identifies the lamp wattage.

Visit the BallastShop for more information on fluorescent lighting and ballasts.