What Is The Difference Between T8 Fluorescent Tubes And T5 Fluorescent Tubes?
Fluorescent Tubes are commonly used in offices, schools, kitchens, displays etc, normally in ceiling fittings or something similar. The name of Fluorescent Tubes, the most common being T5 and T8, are so called as the number refers to the diameter of the tube; just how many eighths inch. So, the T5 Tube has a diameter of 5/8 inch and the T8 Tube has a diameter of 8/8 of an inch (1 Inch). Straight away you will see that T5 Tubes are much more slim line than old fashioned T8 Tubes, however it doesn’t mean they’re less powerful.
The wattage of Fluorescent Tubes is based on the length of the tube, and also the diameter. The longer the tube, the higher the wattage. This is normally the rule of thumb for all Fluorescent Tubes, however as stated above, the diameter does also have an impact of the wattage.
T 5 Tubes are generally High Output, ‘HO’, which means they’re designed to handle more electric power than other tubes of that size. Therefore T5s are generally a higher wattage that T8s of the same length, e.g. a 60″ T8 Tube will be around 58 Watts, while a 60″ T5 Tube would be approximately 80W. It is a massive difference in power and is visibly noticeable.
Slim line T5 Tubes emit a much brighter and intense light than T8 Tubes and have a life span of approximately 20,000 hours. Not just this, but T5 Tubes use less energy compared to a T8 Tube; usually with an energy saving of around 30%. Not only does this save money, but it also plays a role in saving the environment!
T5s are now becoming increasingly popular due to them being more effective than T8s. However, T8 tubes have been around for a long time and are still widely used across the UK, especially in businesses. Lots of people will believe that it will be too much hassle to replace their T8 Tubes with T5 Tubes; however, it has never been easier.
You can now purchase T8 – T5 Converters. These clever tools simply slot into a present T8 fitting, converting it into a T5 fitting and allowing you to use T5 Tubes rather than T8s. T8-T5 Converters are now available without a ‘starter’, instead using efficient high frequency electronics. It means that there’ll be less maintenance costs and also results in the Converter being Energy Efficient. Converters are usually supplied complete with the correct HO T5 Tube, therefore you do not need to worry about choosing the accurate Tube for the fitting, as selecting the appropriate fluorescent tube is important.
Please click the following link for additional information on T8 to T5 Converters and T5 Tubes ==> Fluorescent Tubes
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