What are the Different Types of Fluorescent Tube Lights?

Fluorescent tube lights have been a popular choice for both commercial and residential lighting for many years due to their efficiency, long lifespan, and bright light output. These lights come in various types, each with specific features and applications. Understanding the different types can help you choose the right one for your needs. In this blog, we'll explore the main types of fluorescent tubes and their characteristics.

Table of Contents

T12 Fluorescent Tubes

Overview

T12 fluorescent tubes are the oldest and largest type of fluorescent tube light, with a diameter of 1.5 inches (38mm). The "T" in T12 stands for "tubular," and the number 12 represents the tube's diameter in eighths of an inch.

Features

  • Diameter: 1.5 inches (38mm)
  • Length: Commonly available in 4 feet (48 inches) and 8 feet (96 inches)
  • Efficiency: Less energy-efficient compared to newer types
  • Applications: Older commercial buildings and industrial settings

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Widely available, relatively inexpensive
  • Cons: Lower energy efficiency, being phased out in favour of more efficient options

Popular Products

  • Philips T12 Blue 52 TL Neonatal Jaundice Phototherapy 20W G13 600mm

    • By emitting light almost entirely within the 400 to 500 nm bandwidth and peaking at; 450 nm, Philips TL/TL-D colour 52 lamps have no radiation from the short wave UVB; waveband. They are therefore suitable to be used in systems for applications such as Agriculture and Neonatal Jaundice Phototherapy.

  • Philips Rapid Start Fluorescent Tube T12 40W 4000K 1210mm

    • The Philips Rapid Start Fluorescent Tube T12 40W 4000K 1210mm is commonly used in commercial and industrial settings for general lighting purposes. With a colour temperature of 4000 Kelvin, it emits a cool white light suitable for tasks requiring focus and clarity. Its rapid start feature allows for instant illumination, making it ideal for areas where frequent switching on and off occurs.

Fluro Tubes

T8 Fluorescent Tubes

Overview

T8 fluorescent tubes have a diameter of 1 inch (26mm). They were introduced as a more energy-efficient alternative to T12 tubes and have become a standard in many applications.

Features

  • Diameter:1 inch (26mm)
  • Length: Commonly available in 2 feet (24 inches), 4 feet (48 inches), and 8 feet (96 inches)
  • Efficiency: More energy-efficient than T12 tubes
  • Applications: Offices, retail spaces, schools, and homes

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Improved energy efficiency, better light quality, longer lifespan
  • Cons: Slightly higher upfront cost compared to T12 tubes

Popular Products

  • Philips Alto Master TL-D Super 80 Fluorescent Lights T8 36W 5000K G13 1200mm - BOX OF 25 PCS

    • The Philips Alto Master TL-D Super 80 Fluorescent Lights T8 deliver bright, natural 5000K daylight illumination ideal for various indoor settings. With each box containing 25 pieces of 36W 1200mm bulbs, they offer energy efficiency and reliable performance, perfect for commercial and industrial environments.

  • Philips Alto Fluorescent Tube T8 36W 3000K 1200mm

    • The Philips Rapid Start Fluorescent Tube T12 40W 4000K 1210mm is commonly used in commercial and industrial settings for general lighting purposes. With a colour temperature of 4000 Kelvin, it emits a cool white light suitable for tasks requiring focus and clarity. Its rapid start feature allows for instant illumination, making it ideal for areas where frequent switching on and off occurs.

Fluorescent tubes

T5 Fluorescent Tubes

Overview

T5 fluorescent tubes are the smallest among the commonly used types, with a diameter of 5/8 inch (16mm). They are the most energy-efficient and provide the highest light output per watt.

Features

  • Diameter:5/8 inch (16mm)
  • Length: Commonly available in 2 feet (24 inches) and 4 feet (48 inches)
  • Efficiency: Highly energy-efficient with excellent light output
  • Applications: High-performance lighting needs such as laboratories, hospitals, and task lighting in homes

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Highest energy efficiency, compact size, high light output
  • Cons: Higher initial cost, requires specific fixtures or adapters

Popular Products

  • OSRAM SMARTLUX T5 HE SL Tube 28W 4000K 1149mm

    • The OSRAM SMARTLUX T5 HE SL Tube 28W 4000K 1149mm is a popular fluorescent light with a unique 1149mm size. A slim energy-saving fluorescent light designed for most general lighting applications for everyday use

  • Deluxlite T5 Fluorescent Tube 21W 6500K G5 862mm

    • The Deluxlite T5 Fluorescent Tube 21W 6500K G5 862mm is a low-pressure mercury discharge fluorescent tube. Specifically designed for operation with electronic gear and well suited for dimming.

Tubes

T5HO Fluorescent Tubes

Overview

T5HO (High Output) fluorescent tubes are a variation of T5 tubes designed for applications requiring very high light levels. They have the same diameter as standard T5 tubes but produce significantly more light.

Features

  • Diameter:5/8 inch (16mm)
  • Length: Typically 4 feet (48 inches)
  • Efficiency: Warehouses, sports facilities, and areas with high ceilings
  • Applications: High-performance lighting needs such as laboratories, hospitals, and task lighting in homes

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Extremely high light output, efficient
  • Cons: Higher energy consumption than standard T5 tubes, higher cost

Popular Products

  • TUV 64 T5 HO Disinfection 145W 175V 4 Pins Single Ended 1564.5mm

    • TUV T5 lamps are single- or double-ended UVC (germicidal) lamps used in professional water and air disinfection units. The small 16 mm diameter of the lamp allows for a small system design and design flexibility. TUV T5 lamps offer constant UV output over their complete lifetime, for maximum security of disinfection and high system efficacy.

U-Bend Fluorescent Tubes

Overview

U-bend fluorescent tubes are shaped like a "U" and are designed for fixtures where space is limited. They are often used in 2x2 fixtures in ceilings.

Features

  • Diameter:U-shaped for compact fixtures
  • Length: Typically 2 feet (24 inches)
  • Efficiency: Similar to T8 and T12 tubes
  • Applications: Office lighting, retail spaces, and other applications with space constraints

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Space-saving design, versatile applications
  • Cons: Limited to specific fixtures, can be more expensive than straight tubes

Popular Products

  • Philips Master TL5 Circular Fluorescent T5 22W 3000K 830 2GX13 4 Pins

    The Philips Master TL5 Circular Fluorescent T5 22W 3000K 830 2GX13 4 Pins is a specialized lighting solution designed for circular fluorescent fixtures. It operates at 22 watts with a warm white color temperature of 3000 Kelvin, providing efficient and reliable illumination ideal for various indoor applications. The 2GX13 base with 4 pins ensures secure installation and stable performance in compatible fixtures.

Circular Fluorescent Tubes

Overview

Circular fluorescent tubes are circular and are often used in decorative fixtures or in places where even, diffused lighting is desired.

Features

  • Diameter:Circular
  • Length: Varies, typically measured by the overall diameter of the circle
  • Efficiency: Comparable to T8 tubes
  • Applications: Specific fixtures required, can be harder to find

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Even light distribution, aesthetic appeal
  • Cons: Limited to specific fixtures, can be more expensive than straight tubes

Popular Products

Conclusion

Fluorescent tube lights come in various types, each suited to different applications and preferences. Whether you need the robust and widely available T12, the energy-efficient T8, the compact and powerful T5, or the specialized shapes of U-bend and Circline tubes, there is a fluorescent light to meet your needs. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed choice, ensuring you get the best lighting solution for your space.