What do fluorescent bulbs look like

We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. In other words, more T8 fixtures are needed to produced the same amount of light generated by significantly fewer high output T5 bulbs. Although the newest T5 lights generally cost more than T8 models, they are lower maintenance than other fluorescent bulbs.

By replacing all of the tubes in batches, you can will eliminate the issue of inconsistent colors and brightness in your space.

Another consideration is an LED upgrade for your tubes. We talk about the options for T8 LED tubes in this article. To clarify, both linear and compact fluorescent bulbs use the same technology to produce artificial light.

The biggest difference is the form factor — or size and configuration — of the CFL tubes. Compact fluorescent lamps CFLs are simply an enhancement to the linear fluorescent technology, using less energy. They are also designed to screw into a regular incandescent socket or plug into a recessed can. These are often referred to as "spring lamps" or "plug-in" CFLs depending on the use and shape.

Learn more about compact fluorescents in our post, 'What are CFL bulbs and where should they be used? While fluorescent light bulbs are used in a wide variety of applications, they don't work well everywhere. The most common reason people use fluorescent bulbs is to save energy with minimal up-front cost. Typically, office spaces are not too concerned with decorative and accent lighting.

The main priority is general lighting that is functional for the office environment. Because of this, linear fluorescents are the main bulb used in office spaces in the US.

These bulbs can last up to 90, hours and produce more light lumens than thicker linear fluorescent tubes such as T12s and T8s. Because of this, they are a great choice for warehouses — or really, any high-bay ceiling where a significant amount of light is needed. Similar to office spaces, hospitals also use linear fluorescents to save money on energy and to produce a white, clean, efficient source of light.

And 80 percent of it should be standard general lighting. Have more questions about whether fluorescent lighting is right for your application? Talk with a lighting expert who can speak to the specifics of your space. Topics: Lighting , Energy savings , Fluorescent light.

When finalizing your outdoor lighting or pendant selections, it's important to figure out what type of lamp you'd like to go with. An incandescent lamp generates light when electric current heats a tungsten filament wire so that it glows, or incandesces. As the lamp continues to operate, the tungsten slowly evaporates due to the heat. When the filament loses enough tungsten or breaks from shock , the lamp fails. Incandescent lamps are easily dimmed.

Lamps with the same base can often be used interchangeably in the same fixture size and wattage permitting. An incandescent lamp includes:. Incandescent lamps can be categorized as conventional or halogen, according to the fill gas and pressure in the lamp, which affect efficiency, life and color.

Line voltage or low voltage, according to the electric current that powers the lamp. Both types are available as conventional and halogen.