It depends on the ballast. T8 bulbs are supposed to be used with the newer electronic ballasts. Some of the older ballasts in T12 fixtures are the magnetic type with a little starter, and they might run them, or not, and if they do, overdrive them somewhat. Best would be to check the ballast, most have a little graphic on them what bulbs they can run. Or just try it out.
Lighting T8 or T12
I was just wondering if T8 bulbs can be used in T12 fixtures?
Katie B
Katie B
1 - 4 of 4 Posts
T5's must be used with electronic ballast , t8 can work well with magnetic ballast+starter.It depends on the ballast. T8 bulbs are supposed to be used with the newer electronic ballasts. Some of the older ballasts in T12 fixtures are the magnetic type with a little starter, and they might run them, or not, and if they do, overdrive them somewhat. Best would be to check the ballast, most have a little graphic on them what bulbs they can run. Or just try it out.
In a place where i worh, all the t12's were replaced with t8's without changing the ballast
Awesome! I'll try it out with T8 bulbs then . . just wanted to check before i bought some.
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