T5 vs. T8 vs. T12

ljosh · 02/23/2007, 10:54 AM

What makes t5 lighting so popular?

pvtschultz · 02/23/2007, 12:17 PM

The light source is more concentrated to a line (like a MH) which can then be reflected easier. Using more smaller lamps allows for better reflector performance resulting in a hight lighting efficiency. But if you aren't going to buck up for decent reflectors, then you're just wasting your time.

There is a new T6-HO out now that may give the T5 a run for its money. The T6 uses the same endcaps as a T8 so retrofitting will be easy (plus companies are way overcharging for T5 equipment now the way it is). Prices will probably come down if T6 takes off.

pjf · 02/23/2007, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pvtschultz
There is a new T6-HO out now that may give the T5 a run for its money. The T6 uses the same endcaps as a T8 so retrofitting will be easy (plus companies are way overcharging for T5 equipment now the way it is). Prices will probably come down if T6 takes off.

Two T6HO lamps have replaced T12 lamps in my fixture. Retrofitting T8 and T12 lamps with T6 lamps is plug and play. T6 VHO's can replace T12 VHO's.

jlemieux123 · 10/12/2007, 08:43 PM

So I have a question I have 2 -48"vho 96watts (I think) can I replace them with HO T6 lights?

What do you mean by plug and play?

nicksc · 10/13/2007, 10:29 AM

I would add that according to this article (which does not provide sources for all of its numbers)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luminous_efficacy

T5 is far superior in terms of efficiency to most flourescent lighting, nearly double that of compact flourescent, T12 and some types of T8. Some T8 bulbs appear to approach it, but still provide less light per unit power.

nicksc · 10/13/2007, 10:29 AM

Oh, forgot to note - I did not see numbers for T6. Does anyone know how they compare?

02/23/2007, 10:54 AM	#1
ljosh Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: B.C. Canada Posts: 354	T5 vs. T8 vs. T12 What makes t5 lighting so popular?

02/23/2007, 12:17 PM	#2
pvtschultz Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: New Berlin , WI Posts: 1,247	The light source is more concentrated to a line (like a MH) which can then be reflected easier. Using more smaller lamps allows for better reflector performance resulting in a hight lighting efficiency. But if you aren't going to buck up for decent reflectors, then you're just wasting your time. There is a new T6-HO out now that may give the T5 a run for its money. The T6 uses the same endcaps as a T8 so retrofitting will be easy (plus companies are way overcharging for T5 equipment now the way it is). Prices will probably come down if T6 takes off.

10/12/2007, 08:43 PM	#4
jlemieux123 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 188	So I have a question I have 2 -48"vho 96watts (I think) can I replace them with HO T6 lights? What do you mean by plug and play?

10/13/2007, 10:29 AM	#5
nicksc Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bellevue, WA Posts: 6	I would add that according to this article (which does not provide sources for all of its numbers) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luminous_efficacy T5 is far superior in terms of efficiency to most flourescent lighting, nearly double that of compact flourescent, T12 and some types of T8. Some T8 bulbs appear to approach it, but still provide less light per unit power.