I have often heard the T8 bulb mentioned as a bright light. Yesterday I
helped a friend install a new kitchen fixture that used 4, 4' T8 tubes. I
was surprised at their small diameter compared to a standard sized
florescent bulb. I also noticed that the ballast had a T8 label on it. The
kitchen lit up quite brightly and we were impressed.

My question, can these T8 bulbs be used in a standard florescent fixture or
do I need to buy new fixtures? My shop lights are needing to be thumped to
come on and I am thinking about replacing them.

On Jan 16, 8:34*am, "Leon" wrote:
I have often heard the T8 bulb mentioned *as a bright light. *Yesterday I
helped a friend install a new kitchen fixture that used 4, 4' T8 tubes. *I
was surprised at their small diameter compared to a standard sized
florescent bulb. *I also noticed that the ballast had a T8 label on it. *The
kitchen lit up quite brightly and we were impressed.

My question, can these T8 bulbs be used in a standard florescent fixture or
do I need to buy new fixtures? *My shop lights are needing to be thumped to
come on and I am thinking about replacing them.

I saw those new skinny bulbs the other day, and they did not have the
lumen output of the regular bulbs. Are they really brighter??? And
what works in a shop that runs 60 degrees F? I too need to replace
my shop lights.

wrote:
On Jan 16, 8:34 am, "Leon" wrote:
I have often heard the T8 bulb mentioned as a bright light. Yesterday I
helped a friend install a new kitchen fixture that used 4, 4' T8 tubes. I
was surprised at their small diameter compared to a standard sized
florescent bulb. I also noticed that the ballast had a T8 label on it. The
kitchen lit up quite brightly and we were impressed.

My question, can these T8 bulbs be used in a standard florescent fixture or
do I need to buy new fixtures? My shop lights are needing to be thumped to
come on and I am thinking about replacing them.

I saw those new skinny bulbs the other day, and they did not have the
lumen output of the regular bulbs. Are they really brighter??? And
what works in a shop that runs 60 degrees F? I too need to replace
my shop lights.

I had my basement shop lit with standard T12 flourescent fixtures. I
suffered from flicker and poor startup in cold spells. My son (an
electrician) replaced all the ballasts with T8 ballasts and new T8
tubes. Big difference in lighting (for the better) and the lights start
even when the basement is really cold (Before firing up the woodstove,
it currently runs about 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees F)). The outside
temp is now -25C (-13F).

cheers ...

brian

Stillwater Lake
Nova Scotia, Canada

Here are a few numbers on that subject:

Measured lux
Bulb New 1800 hours change
--------- ------- ---------- ---------
TriLux (T8) 7800 7100 - 8.97%
TriLux (T8) 7600 6800 -10.53%
Triton (T12) 6100 5400 -11.48%
Triton (T12) 5700 5000 -12.28%

So it would appear that T8 is indeed brighter...
and lasts a bit longer.

redoing your lights is not a trivial or cheap task...

http://www.servicelighting.com/2-Lam...scent-Ballasts
vs
http://www.servicelighting.com/2-Lam...scent-Ballasts


Leon wrote:


My question, can these T8 bulbs be used in a standard florescent fixture or
do I need to buy new fixtures? My shop lights are needing to be thumped to
come on and I am thinking about replacing them.

Leon wrote:
I have often heard the T8 bulb mentioned as a bright light. Yesterday I
helped a friend install a new kitchen fixture that used 4, 4' T8 tubes. I
was surprised at their small diameter compared to a standard sized
florescent bulb. I also noticed that the ballast had a T8 label on it. The
kitchen lit up quite brightly and we were impressed.

My question, can these T8 bulbs be used in a standard florescent fixture or
do I need to buy new fixtures? My shop lights are needing to be thumped to
come on and I am thinking about replacing them.



Believe that the ballast must be changed to use the T8's. Make sure if
you do to get the electronic ballasts to help get them going in really
cold weather. The shop today was about 23 before applying any heat but
the lights came on and were as bright as ever. The T8's do seem a lot
brighter than the T12's but can't find anything to prove it. They sure
do light up the workspace a lot better though.

Roger

"Pat Barber" wrote in message
news
Here are a few numbers on that subject:

Measured lux
Bulb New 1800 hours change
--------- ------- ---------- ---------
TriLux (T8) 7800 7100 - 8.97%
TriLux (T8) 7600 6800 -10.53%
Triton (T12) 6100 5400 -11.48%
Triton (T12) 5700 5000 -12.28%

So it would appear that T8 is indeed brighter...
and lasts a bit longer.

I noticed that cleaning the off occasionally helps greatly. :~)



redoing your lights is not a trivial or cheap task...


http://www.servicelighting.com/2-Lam...scent-Ballasts
vs
http://www.servicelighting.com/2-Lam...scent-Ballasts


Welllllllll we bought a complet 4 lamp T8 fixture and 4 T8 bulbs for $57.
The bulbs were about $3.50 per pair.
















Leon wrote:


My question, can these T8 bulbs be used in a standard florescent fixture
or do I need to buy new fixtures? My shop lights are needing to be
thumped to come on and I am thinking about replacing them.

Leon wrote:
I have often heard the T8 bulb mentioned as a bright light. Yesterday I
helped a friend install a new kitchen fixture that used 4, 4' T8 tubes. I
was surprised at their small diameter compared to a standard sized
florescent bulb. I also noticed that the ballast had a T8 label on it. The
kitchen lit up quite brightly and we were impressed.

My question, can these T8 bulbs be used in a standard florescent fixture or
do I need to buy new fixtures? My shop lights are needing to be thumped to
come on and I am thinking about replacing them.



I bought the T8 electronic ballasts at Lowes. You need to follow the
diagram on the ballast to rewire them as they are wired differently,
but the bulb fits the old fixture fine. Just re-did the light in the
garage and it is gratifying to see it pop right on. The minimum temp
on the ballast is 0 F. (not 0 C. as many T12's are). Did my shop a
couple of years ago and never regretted it.

--
Gerald Ross
Cochran, GA

Social Security: World's biggest Ponzi Scheme.

"Gerald Ross" wrote in message
...



I bought the T8 electronic ballasts at Lowes. You need to follow the
diagram on the ballast to rewire them as they are wired differently, but
the bulb fits the old fixture fine. Just re-did the light in the garage
and it is gratifying to see it pop right on. The minimum temp on the
ballast is 0 F. (not 0 C. as many T12's are). Did my shop a couple of
years ago and never regretted it.

Thank you for the info.

On Jan 16, 3:04*pm, "Leon" wrote:
"Gerald Ross" wrote in message

...



I bought the T8 electronic *ballasts at Lowes. You need to follow the
diagram on the ballast to rewire them as they are wired differently, but
the bulb fits the old fixture fine. Just re-did the light in the garage
and it is gratifying to see it pop right on. The minimum temp on the
ballast is 0 F. (not 0 C. as many T12's are). Did my shop a couple of
years ago and never regretted it.

Thank you for the info.

I bought 7 new shoplight fixtures with electronic ballast at Lowes for
$18 each. I bought a box of 30 T8 4100K bulbs for $35.

I had one bad fixture - flickered - that I replaced.

In the same shop I have 5 other fixtures that using T12 bulbs.

Personally, I could not say that the T8s are significantly brighter
than the T12s. The fixtures the T12s are in, however, are newer and
supposedly can power a T12 or T8.

I installed T-8's in my shop when I built it about 4 years ago. An
electrician told me that they were 30% brighter and used 30% less
energy. I don't know how accurate his figures are but I can tell you
that they are brighter--noticably brighter. I love the fact that the
electronic ballasts kick on immediately with no flickering in cool
weather (I live in Louisiana). I am extremely happy with my choice.
I used a mixture of 8ft (4-4ft bulbs) and 4ft (2-4ft bulbs) fixtures.
One thing that I wish I had done is put a single incondescent bulb
fixture in the middle of the shop for when I just need to run in to
get something. Anyway, I bought all of the fixtures from Lowe's.

"coloradotrout" wrote in message
...
On Jan 16, 3:04 pm, "Leon" wrote:
"Gerald Ross" wrote in message

...



I bought the T8 electronic ballasts at Lowes. You need to follow the
diagram on the ballast to rewire them as they are wired differently, but
the bulb fits the old fixture fine. Just re-did the light in the garage
and it is gratifying to see it pop right on. The minimum temp on the
ballast is 0 F. (not 0 C. as many T12's are). Did my shop a couple of
years ago and never regretted it.

Thank you for the info.

I bought 7 new shoplight fixtures with electronic ballast at Lowes for
$18 each. I bought a box of 30 T8 4100K bulbs for $35.

Good to know.

I had one bad fixture - flickered - that I replaced.

In the same shop I have 5 other fixtures that using T12 bulbs.

Personally, I could not say that the T8s are significantly brighter
than the T12s. The fixtures the T12s are in, however, are newer and
supposedly can power a T12 or T8.

I did see that they are brighter but like you probably not enough
brighter to justify replacing working fixtures and bulbs. Having a fixture
that is giving me problems however would be an opportune time to switch to
T8. Can I assume you bought the 2 tube type fixtures?
Thanks for the information.

"Brandon" wrote in message
...
I installed T-8's in my shop when I built it about 4 years ago. An
electrician told me that they were 30% brighter and used 30% less
energy. I don't know how accurate his figures are but I can tell you
that they are brighter--noticably brighter. I love the fact that the
electronic ballasts kick on immediately with no flickering in cool
weather (I live in Louisiana). I am extremely happy with my choice.
I used a mixture of 8ft (4-4ft bulbs) and 4ft (2-4ft bulbs) fixtures.
One thing that I wish I had done is put a single incondescent bulb
fixture in the middle of the shop for when I just need to run in to
get something. Anyway, I bought all of the fixtures from Lowe's.

Thanks for the info.

On Jan 16, 11:45*pm, coloradotrout wrote:
On Jan 16, 3:04*pm, "Leon" wrote:

"Gerald Ross" wrote in message

.. .

I bought the T8 electronic *ballasts at Lowes. You need to follow the
diagram on the ballast to rewire them as they are wired differently, but
the bulb fits the old fixture fine. Just re-did the light in the garage
and it is gratifying to see it pop right on. The minimum temp on the
ballast is 0 F. (not 0 C. as many T12's are). Did my shop a couple of
years ago and never regretted it.

Thank you for the info.

I bought 7 new shoplight fixtures with electronic ballast at Lowes for
$18 each. *I bought a box of 30 T8 4100K bulbs for $35.

I had one bad fixture - flickered - that I replaced.

In the same shop I have 5 other fixtures that using T12 bulbs.

Personally, I could not say that the T8s are significantly brighter
than the T12s. *The fixtures the T12s are in, however, are newer and
supposedly can power a T12 or T8.

What I have is a fairly low cost lighting solution. Surely not the
best, but all total I probably have:

12 fixtures (7 new) = 18each x 12 = 216
30 bulbs = 35
new breaker and wiring for dedicated lights = 30 ish
4 x dual gang (16 places to plug in) outlets on the ceiling (to plug
in the 12 shop lights) = 30 ish

so about $300 total to light a 24x24 area.

The downside is the wiring along the ceiling (though I pulled them
tight and secured them so they don't dangle) and fixtures below the 8'
plane. But with my 8'-1" ceiling I was limited to start. At my last
shop I just mounted the fixtures at a 45 along the ceiling/wall
intesection and it worked pretty well. This time I opted for directly
overhead. I did not like handling 8' upright plywood anyway, so this
time I'll store it 4' on edge. Takes a bit more wall space but easier
to handle.

Get someone in the trade to purchase them for you at the supply house.
My current cost for a T8 ballast is a little under $16 and the lamps
start at $1.58.

Mike M



On Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:14:37 -0600, "Leon"
wrote:


"Pat Barber" wrote in message
news
Here are a few numbers on that subject:

Measured lux
Bulb New 1800 hours change
--------- ------- ---------- ---------
TriLux (T8) 7800 7100 - 8.97%
TriLux (T8) 7600 6800 -10.53%
Triton (T12) 6100 5400 -11.48%
Triton (T12) 5700 5000 -12.28%

So it would appear that T8 is indeed brighter...
and lasts a bit longer.

I noticed that cleaning the off occasionally helps greatly. :~)



redoing your lights is not a trivial or cheap task...


http://www.servicelighting.com/2-Lam...scent-Ballasts
vs
http://www.servicelighting.com/2-Lam...scent-Ballasts


Welllllllll we bought a complet 4 lamp T8 fixture and 4 T8 bulbs for $57.
The bulbs were about $3.50 per pair.
















Leon wrote:


My question, can these T8 bulbs be used in a standard florescent fixture
or do I need to buy new fixtures? My shop lights are needing to be
thumped to come on and I am thinking about replacing them.

Check the rating of the ballast factor for the ballast as it has an
effect on the output. They can range from about .72 -1.18 with .88
being the more typical range.

Mike M


On Sat, 17 Jan 2009 09:19:58 -0600, "Leon"
wrote:


"Brandon" wrote in message
...
I installed T-8's in my shop when I built it about 4 years ago. An
electrician told me that they were 30% brighter and used 30% less
energy. I don't know how accurate his figures are but I can tell you
that they are brighter--noticably brighter. I love the fact that the
electronic ballasts kick on immediately with no flickering in cool
weather (I live in Louisiana). I am extremely happy with my choice.
I used a mixture of 8ft (4-4ft bulbs) and 4ft (2-4ft bulbs) fixtures.
One thing that I wish I had done is put a single incondescent bulb
fixture in the middle of the shop for when I just need to run in to
get something. Anyway, I bought all of the fixtures from Lowe's.

Thanks for the info.

"Mike M" wrote in message
...
Check the rating of the ballast factor for the ballast as it has an
effect on the output. They can range from about .72 -1.18 with .88
being the more typical range.

Mike M


I'll keep that in mind, I was pricing them out at HD and found I could buy
a 2 bulb electronic ballast for $20.49 or the whole 2 bulb fixture
w/electronic ballast for $21.97. I am betting the complete assembly
probably comes with a ballast with a lower rating.

On Sat, 17 Jan 2009 16:43:40 -0600, "Leon"
wrote:


"Mike M" wrote in message
.. .
Check the rating of the ballast factor for the ballast as it has an
effect on the output. They can range from about .72 -1.18 with .88
being the more typical range.

Mike M


I'll keep that in mind, I was pricing them out at HD and found I could buy
a 2 bulb electronic ballast for $20.49 or the whole 2 bulb fixture
w/electronic ballast for $21.97. I am betting the complete assembly
probably comes with a ballast with a lower rating.

I can buy a bicyle for $2,000 or I can buy a frame, a fork, and all
the components for $2,500 and I still have to assemble everything.
Same thing for a car, sort of. Sometimes a total package is a lot
cheaper than the individual parts. May or may not apply in the
question of ballasts.

In this case price wasn't the main issue so much as being sure your
getting a full light output ballast and not a low output ballast.

Mike M


On Sun, 18 Jan 2009 08:45:07 -0500, Jim Behning
wrote:

On Sat, 17 Jan 2009 16:43:40 -0600, "Leon"
wrote:


"Mike M" wrote in message
. ..
Check the rating of the ballast factor for the ballast as it has an
effect on the output. They can range from about .72 -1.18 with .88
being the more typical range.

Mike M


I'll keep that in mind, I was pricing them out at HD and found I could buy
a 2 bulb electronic ballast for $20.49 or the whole 2 bulb fixture
w/electronic ballast for $21.97. I am betting the complete assembly
probably comes with a ballast with a lower rating.

I can buy a bicyle for $2,000 or I can buy a frame, a fork, and all
the components for $2,500 and I still have to assemble everything.
Same thing for a car, sort of. Sometimes a total package is a lot
cheaper than the individual parts. May or may not apply in the
question of ballasts.

Interesting google research.

On Sun, 18 Jan 2009 11:53:54 -0800, Mike M
wrote:

In this case price wasn't the main issue so much as being sure your
getting a full light output ballast and not a low output ballast.

Mike M


On Sun, 18 Jan 2009 08:45:07 -0500, Jim Behning
wrote:

On Sat, 17 Jan 2009 16:43:40 -0600, "Leon"
wrote:


"Mike M" wrote in message
...
Check the rating of the ballast factor for the ballast as it has an
effect on the output. They can range from about .72 -1.18 with .88
being the more typical range.

Mike M


I'll keep that in mind, I was pricing them out at HD and found I could buy
a 2 bulb electronic ballast for $20.49 or the whole 2 bulb fixture
w/electronic ballast for $21.97. I am betting the complete assembly
probably comes with a ballast with a lower rating.

I can buy a bicyle for $2,000 or I can buy a frame, a fork, and all
the components for $2,500 and I still have to assemble everything.
Same thing for a car, sort of. Sometimes a total package is a lot
cheaper than the individual parts. May or may not apply in the
question of ballasts.

"Leon" writes:
I have often heard the T8 bulb mentioned as a bright light. Yesterday I
helped a friend install a new kitchen fixture that used 4, 4' T8 tubes. I
was surprised at their small diameter compared to a standard sized
florescent bulb. I also noticed that the ballast had a T8 label on it. The
kitchen lit up quite brightly and we were impressed.

My question, can these T8 bulbs be used in a standard florescent fixture or
do I need to buy new fixtures? My shop lights are needing to be thumped to
come on and I am thinking about replacing them.


You need a T8 ballast and T8 tombstones.

scott