1st Generation Fluorescent Fixtures

We sometimes describe light bulbs by their shape and size. Fluorescent lights are tubes. The diameter of the tube is measured in eights of an inch. A tube that is 12/8 of an inch is referred to as a T12. In addition to the T12, we have the T8 and the T5, one inch and 5/8 inch respectivelyT12 fluorescent lamps should be replaced by T8 or T5 lamps.

The T12 is the original fluorescent developed in the 1930's. As construction boomed after WWII so did the popularity of fluorescent light. By 1950 fluorescents supplied 50% of our light. Fluorescent technology has been updated twice by the T8 in 1981 and the T5 in 1995. Today commercial lighting is still 40-50% first generation T12 lighting. The system is not only less efficient but may present a serious risk to the business.

Risk Management (PCB)

T12 fluorescent lighting fixtures typically have magnetic ballasts. Magnetic ballasts made before 1979 probablyThe Issue is the Magnetic Ballast that may contain PCB contain PCB. The PCB is found in a yellowish oil used in capacitors and sometimes in the potting material. When contained in the capacitor there is no risk and in fact many jurisdictions allow non-leaking ballasts to be sent to the land fill for disposal.

The problem comes with a leak or a fire involving magnetic ballasts with PCB. The ballast and everything coming in contact with the oil or the smoke becomes hazardous waste and must be treated as such. What are the odds of having a problem? The odds of either a leak or a fire are really pretty low. What are the costs in the event of a spill? Costs would be troublesome in the event of a leak and punitive in the event of a fire. The risk requires immediate replacement in my book.

Since 1979 magnetic ballasts have become safer and there are now electronic ballasts for T12 systems. Performance of modern, T12 systems is good but not as good as alternatives. By the time you pay to install a new ballast in an old fixture you are close to the cost of a new fixture that has better light and lower operating cost.

Tremendous Benefits of Change

  • Save 35%-50% in Electricity
  • T8 Lasts 80% Longer
  • Better Quality Light
  • Use T8 at 14 Feet or below
  • Use T5 at 14 feet or above

The performance difference for new technology is typically half of the cost to get the same amount of light. T12 fixtures often had two magnetic ballasts T8 fluorescent bulbs were intended to replace the first generation T12 bulbs.and four lamps for a total consumption as high as 160 input watts. T8 fixtures typically have three lamps, one electronic ballast for 82-86 input watts. T12 magnetic ballast distribution has been limited since 2005 and will be outlawed in 2010.

Beyond a 35%-50% savings in electricity cost the T8 fluorescent lamps last 80% longer and that means fewer changes for lower maintenance cost. The two lighting systems, T12 and T8, are very different.

If you have worked in an office with magnetic ballasts you have probably heard a hum. The potting material is intended to muffle harmonic vibration coming from the coils of the magnetic ballast but sometimes that does not work. You may have noticed a flicker from something very subtle to a strobe like effect. The magnetic ballast uses power at 60 cycles and we can perceive that frequency.

Modern electronic ballasts conditions the power with circuits as you would find in a computer or HDTV. There is no hum and the cycles are stepped up to 20,000 cycles per second well beyond our ability to visually perceive a flicker.

The better quality light also includes color rendering. The color rendering of T8 and T5 tubes is better than the T12 and less expensive to achieve. Where we would add $1 in the T8 for excellent vs good color rendering we could be looking at adding $5-$6 for the same results in a T12.

The T8 was developed as a replacement for the T12 and can be used anywhere to replace T12 fixtures. Typically that will be at 14 feet and below. The T5 and T5/HO (High Output) was developed for special applications and is best above 15 feet or in indirect fixtures.

The T5 is an intense light source. In an indirect fixture the lamp is shielded from direct view and reflects from the fixture or ceiling to the workplane below. The T5 can be used to replace metal halide fixtures in most warehouse or industrial applications.

Fixtures replaced in this lighting action should be recycled. We have a specific action related to recycling.

Top