Most businesses need lighting systems, and when you use fluorescent bulbs, you enjoy a lot of benefits. Three of the most common kinds you may find in buildings today are T5, T8, and T12 fluorescent light socket types. Here is a closer look at these sockets.
T12
T12s are some of the largest fluorescent tubes on the market today. They measure an inch and one-half diameter. T12’s have been around for many years, but they are slowly becoming obsolete. In fact, most of the ballasts for them (magnetic) are no longer being made.
T12’s are still used today in many signs and older apartment buildings. Older warehouses may also still have T12 fluorescent light socket types. Yet, they are slowly being phased out to make way for more efficient lighting systems.
T8
T8 sockets use one-inch diameter tubes, and you can see them in many large facilities today. Many schools use T8 lighting as do a lot of commercial offices. You may also find them in healthcare facilities and warehouses. T8’s are efficient but not as efficient as some newer fluorescent light socket types. However, just because your building has T8s does not mean you should replace your fixtures. You can buy retrofit sockets and change to a smaller and more efficient T5 bulb. In fact, you can change over to LED if you like.
T5
T5 socket lighting is found in some of the newer and more efficient light systems. If you want some of the most efficient fluorescent fixtures, T5s are a good choice because they provide energy efficiency and long-life (20,000 hours or more).
Which One is Best?
Because T5 is very efficient, it is the best choice for new installations. Retrofitting from T8 to T5 is also a good choice. Talk to your fluorescent and LED lighting specialists for more info.