How do I know what size ballast I need?

By selecting a ballast with an ideal ballast factor, you can optimize the light output of your fluorescent lighting system and maximize your energy savings. To estimate your total system lumens, multiply the rated lumens of your lamp by the ballast factor. For example, 3200 lumens x 0.77 BF = 2464 total system lumens.

How do I know which ballast to use?





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Quote from Youtube video: The only things that matter when you're replacing a ballast are we're number one the number of bulbs number two the type of bulbs number three the voltage.

Do T8 and T12 use the same ballast?

T8 LED lamps which are not direct-wire compatible (with ballast) will require a T8 ballast to operate, so unless the T12 ballast in the T12 fixture is replaced with a T8 ballast, a non-direct-wire compatible T8 LED lamp will not work in a T12 fixture.

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

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.

How many watts does a T12 ballast use?

A standard 4 lamp fixture, similar to what most every office in America uses, has a standard 40 watt T12 lamp on a standard magnetic ballast (which won’t be produced after June of 2010) and uses 172 watts of energy.

What is a T12 ballast?





The T12 is an older generation fluorescent bulb that generates light through electromagnetic induction, which is considered less efficient method of creating light compared to that of newer electronic based circuits.

Can I use electronic ballast on T12?

These days, most T12s will work with an electronic ballast instead of a magnetic ballast.

Can I use T8 in place of T12?

T8 tubes are simply 1 inch in diameter versus the 1.5 inch diameter of T12 tubes. In an effort to make LED tube lights compatible with the internal dimensions of most fixtures, you will find that most LED tube lights feature a T8 or 1 inch diameter. They can indeed be used in T12 fixtures.

Are T12 lights 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.

How long does a T12 ballast last?



According to the Certified Ballast Manufacturers Association, the average magnetic ballast lasts about 75,000 hours, or 12 to 15 years with normal use. The optimum economic life of a fluorescent lighting system with magnetic ballasts is usually about 15 years.

Are fluorescent tubes being phased out?

The government has announced plans today (Wednesday 9 June) to end the sale of halogen light bulbs from this September, as part of the UK’s wider efforts to tackle climate change. Legislation being brought forward this month will also include the removal of fluorescent lights from shelves from September 2023.

What does T12 mean?

Trailing Twelve Months (TTM)



TTM, or sometimes T12, stands for “trailing twelve months” and often refers to a financial statement that represents the entity’s performance over the past year.

Can I use T5 bulbs in a T12 fixture?



T5 lamps cannot replace T12 or T8 lamps because of differences in physical and electrical characteristics. T5 lamps come in different lengths than T8 and T12 lamps. A nominal 4-foot T5 lamp is actually shorter than an equivalent T8 lamp [1149 millimeters (45.23 inches) in total].

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.

Which is better T8 or T12 bulbs?

The main difference between T8 and T12 bulbs is that T8 bulbs have a diameter of 1.5 inches, whereas T12 bulbs have a diameter of 1 inch. T8 bulbs are a better choice than T 12 bulbs. This can be easily proved. T8 bulbs have a better color rendering index as well as high efficacy.

Can you put LED lights in a fluorescent fixture?

You have fluorescent tube lights in your home or business already, and you’re wondering if you can pop LED tubes in these fixtures or if you’ll need to change out the fixtures for something designed for LED. Good news! You can use LED tubes in your existing fixtures!

How does ballast factor affect wattage?



In general, the lower the ballast factor, the less wattage your system will draw. In the automotive world, the ballast factor might be similar to comparing the size of three different four-cylinder engines. In general, a small engine will give you the most fuel efficiency and the least power.