1.

What do the alpha numeric codes T5 and

T8 actually mean?
Much has been made of the differences between T5 technology and T8
technology. I think it is wise to begin by discussing what T5 and T8 actually
indicate. The letter T in the lighting industry stands for tubular. This makes
sense when one considers that fluorescent tubes are in fact tubular. The number
directly following the letter T indicates the thickness or diameter of that
particular tube in eighths of an inch

T12 = twelve eighths of an inch in diameter or one and one-half inches thick

T8 = eight eighths of an inch in diameter or one inch thick

T5 = five eighths of an inch in diameter or five eighths of an inch thick

2. What have these alpha numeric codes

come to mean?
As interest in energy saving technologies has grown and become popularized,
these codes have come to designate levels of energy efficiency instead of merely
indicating lamp tube diameter.
Assumptions of Efficiency:

T12 = old and inefficient

T8 = higher efficiency

T5 = highest efficiency

Although these assumptions are generally true, it is important to look at the

application and determine the cost benefit of T5 over T8 to determine if the
increased efficiency of T5 justifies the substantial increase in initial and long-term
maintenance costs.

3. General Assumptions of Cost

Consider that a standard 4-foot T12 lamp costs between $1.25 and $2.00, a
standard T8 lamp between $1.75 and $2.50 and a standard T5 lamp costs
between $5.50 and $10.50. T5 costs significantly more than T8 and does not
outperform it by the same margin. In fact, in many applications, the performance
differences are negligible. Furthermore, all lamps are equally weighted with an
average life of 20,000 hours.
General Assumptions of Cost:

T12 = lowest lamp, ballast and fixture cost

T8 = approx. 20% more expensive than T12

T5 = 3-4 times the cost of T8

4. Why is T5 the best and how does that

apply?
There are several different factors that determine levels of efficiency. Quality of
light measured in CRI (Colour Rendering Index), quantity of light measured in
LPW (Lumens per Watt) and CU (Co-efficiency of Utilization.) The numbers being
used for CU are general for those used in the low level (12 feet and under) multiresidential environment, so there can be fluctuations.
CU
CRI levels:

LPW levels:

T12 =

T12 =

62CRI

78LPW

(Generally):

T12 = .46CU

T8 = 85CRI

T8 = 92LPW

T8 = .76CU

T5 =
T5 = 85CRI

103LPW

T5 = .90CU

Considering these general factors, it is obvious that T5 is the best. But how much
better? With all factors weighed equally, a general presumption can be made that:
a. T8 is 40% more efficient than T12.
b. T5 is 51% more efficient than T12.
Yet, T5 in this environment is only 9% more efficient than T8. This would never
justify the substantial increase in fixture, lamp and ballast costs.
Furthermore, if energy savings is an issue, you can often lower the light output by
9 or 10 percent in order to recover the efficiency without any real impact to the
perceived light levels.

5. Weather Conditions and Long Term

Performance
The standard 32-watt T8 and an electronic ballast with a low temperature rating,
are proven performers in a wide array of extreme applications. The systems are
tried, tested and true in parking garages, factories, extreme cold environments
and the list goes on. T5s dont have the track record in extreme applications.
We believe the manufacturers are still working out the bugs as the largest
portion of our warranty work involves defective T5 lamps and ballasts.

Furthermore, T8 lamps and ballasts are now commodity items and can be
purchased at low costs. T5 is still a premium product whose research and
development costs havent even been fully realized, let alone the process to
produce commoditized, create low cost, highly reliable, replacement parts.

6. Conclusion
The bottom line is that T5 is superior to T8 in that it creates more usable light.
However, it is not a game changing technology in that its superiority renders T8
obsolete (as is the case with T12). The Ontario incentive program through the
Ontario Power Authority pays the same incentives on T5s as they do on T8s.
Finally, the real game changer will be LED and organic LED technologies. These
technologies will render both T5 and T8 obsolete in the future. However, these
technologies have not arrived as yet and are not on the imminent horizon for
fluorescent fixture applications. In the mean time, T8 and T5 will continue to be
the reliable, energy efficient choice for a multitude of general applications. The
astute lighting designer will specify based on individual project demands, not by
an allegiance to one technology.

T5 flourescent lamps The best choice when it comes to energy efficiency

T5 lamps are fluorescent lamps that are 16mm or 5/8" of an inch in diameter. Differences in length and
socket pin design versus conventional fluorescent lamps prevent any confusion problems with electric
circuits or human factors. This section focuses on the physical characteristics of T5 systems compared
with T8 systems and T12 systems.

What does T5, T8 and T12 mean?

The "T" in lamp nomenclature represents the shape of the lamp-tubular. The number following the "T"
usually represents the diameter of the lamp in eighths of an inch (1 inch equals 2.5 centimeters). T5
lamps have a diameter equal to 5 times an eighth of an inch, or 5/8". These lamps are approximately 40%
smaller than T8 lamps, which are one inch in diameter, and almost 60% smaller than T12 lamps, which
are 1" in diameter. The picture above shows diagrams of lamp ends of T5, T8, and T12 lamps. The
picture also shows that pin base type of T5 lamps is different from that of T8 and T12 lamps. T5 lamps
have a miniature bi-pin base while T8 and T12 lamps use a medium bi-pin base.
(see: http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/)

Are T5 lamps the same length as T8 and T12 lamps?

T5 lamps are slightly shorter than T8 and T12 lamps and therefore cannot be used as replacements for
the larger lamps. You will always need an adapter if you wish to retrofit from T12 to T5 or T8 to
T8. Additionally, you need to eiher manually change the ballast by opening the lamp fixture or use a
conversion adapter (i.e. LUXADD express Retrofit Kit series). The table compares lengths of T5 lamps
with T8 and T12 lamps.

Table. Linear Lamp Lengths

Nominal Length (ft) Actual Length

T5 (mm)

T8 and T12 (mm)

1149

1199

tbd

tbd

Table. Linear Lamp Lengths

Nominal Length (ft) Actual Length

T5 (in.)

T8 and T12 (in.)

45.2

47.2

tbd

tbd

Energy efficiency of flourescent lamp ballasts

(See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_ballast)

Instant start
An instant start ballast starts lamps without heating the cathodes at all by using high voltage (around 600
V). It is the most energy efficient type, but gives the least number of starts from a lamp as emissive oxides
are blasted from the cold cathode surfaces each time the lamp is started. This may be used for
installations where lamps are not turned on and off very often, however, since daylight harvesting and
occupancy sensors are becoming mandatory, instant start ballasts are not the best choice.

Rapid start (used for T12 to T5 express Retrofit Kit)

A rapid start ballast applies voltage and heats the cathodes simultaneously. It provides superior lamp life
and more cycle life and only uses slightly more energy as the cathodes in each end of the lamp continue

to consume heating power as the lamp operates. A dimming circuit can be used with a dimming ballast,
which maintains the heating current while allowing lamp current to be controlled.

Programmed start (used for T8 to T5 express Retrofit Kit with occupancy sensor)
A programmed-start ballast is a more advanced version of rapid start. This ballast applies power to the
filaments first, then after a short delay to allow the cathodes to preheat, applies voltage to the lamps to
strike an arc. This ballast gives the best life and most starts from lamps, and so is preferred for
applications that provide additional energy efficiency by using a motion detector switch or occupancy
sensor (mandatory in most office buildings).