T8 bulbs are a great choice because they provide lots of comfortable bright lighting in a cost effective manner. It's time to enjoy the silent buzz-free operation from these fluorescent lamps.

T8 Fluorescent Bulbs - An Introduction

Are you shopping for the best T8 bulbs for your home or office? In this buyer's guide, we have made it easy for you by spelling out the top considerations when shopping for these fluorescent light tubes. A common consideration is whether to go for T8 or T12 bulbs, so we have included answers to that in the appropriate sections below. At the end of this guide, you will gain a good understanding of what to look for in your purchase and be equipped to make a good choice.

Size

The size and thickness of the fluorescent bulb should be taken into consideration when purchasing the right bulbs. T8 fluorescent bulbs are 4 feet in length and 1 inch in diameter. They are similar in length to the older T12 bulbs but smaller in diameter. The smaller diameter along with good engineering explains why T8 bulbs are more energy efficient than the older T12 bulbs.

Energy Efficiency

High energy efficiency is always valued. It not only means savings in the pocket book, but also reduces the impact on the environment. A T8 bulb runs on 32 watts, compared to 40 watts for the T12. Despite the lower wattage, T8 bulbs are not dimmer than T12. This brings us to the next point.

Light Output, Brightness

The reason we are buying lamps is to provide proper lighting to the our living spaces, whether it is the office, home, garden or other areas. We want to purchase fluorescent bulbs that are not only energy efficient but able to provide sufficient bright lighting at the same time.

Most consumers find that T8 light bulbs provide a good level of lighting. When compared to the traditional T12 bulbs, they are even slightly brighter. Both T8 and T12 bulbs are designed to produce around the same level of brightness (2500 - 3000 lumens).

As a side benefit, one user also said that her full spectrum T8 bulb was a great alternative for SAD lighting and helped to ease her mood.

Length Of Use

We want to install T8 fluorescent bulbs that will last a reasonably length of time. Besides the replacement costs, it's also a hassle to have to switch bulbs every 6 months. For most of us, changing out fluorescent tubes is not as easy as replacing a light bulb. Luckily, most T8 bulbs will last a good 2 years and even much longer.

If this is an area of concern, verify the life expectancy of the bulb before you purchase. Most will run a minimum of over 7,000 hours and some will go up 20,000 hours. A 7,000 hours life span means 2 full years of running the bulb for close to 10 hours a day. It is not uncommon to see bulbs go on for 5 to 8 years and longer.

T8 Ballast And Fixtures

Ballasts are part of the light fixture that provide the starting voltage to light a bulb up. Most T8 fluorescent bulbs work with the newer electronic ballasts. The advantage is that electronic ballasts are 25% more energy efficient than traditional magnetic ballasts. Some T8 bulbs are recommended to work with electronic ballasts as they will light up better that way. Take a look at the product description to see what is suggested.

Older fluorescent fixtures may have magnetic ballasts attached. Some of these may still work with T8 bulbs, if they have the right pin configuration. If the ballast is intended for a T12 bulb and you install a T8 bulbs in there, you may not receive the full benefit of energy efficiency. In addition, the benefits of a natural full spectrum lighting experience may be lost. The T8 bulb may also be driven to work a lot harder and therefore not be as long lasting.

To recap, when purchasing the best fluorescent bulbs or T8 bulbs for your needs, you want to find bulbs that fits well with your fluorescent fixture, is energy efficient and provides good quality lighting for years to come. The next step is to look more closely at specific models at different websites and products descriptions and make sure they fit the criteria.