Fluorescent Bulbs Types

Find the light bulb base type you re looking for with this visual chart detailed illustrations of general bases fluorescent bases and specialty halogen base types.

Fluorescent bulbs types. There are three common sizes shown in the chart the below. T12s are 1 5 inch diameter. Fluorescent bulbs also produce about 75 less heat than incandescent bulbs so they keep rooms cool with less energy. Fluorescent tubes won t work without a ballast a device that regulates the current to the bulb.

With so many types of fluorescent bulbs it can be easy to get lost in the jungle of options. These are bigger bulkier bulbs and the least expensive to buy although they are not the most efficient bulbs. Bulb companies appear to be overflowing with fluorescent lights that differ in shape size color brightness fixture and longevity. Choosing the right fluorescent light bulb can seem impossible.

T12 bulbs are the oldest type still in use in some fluorescent fixtures. All fluorescent lamps use the same technology but there are several different variations and sizes. A fluorescent lamp or fluorescent tube is a low pressure mercury vapor gas discharge lamp that uses fluorescence to produce visible light. An electric current in the gas excites mercury vapor which produces short wave ultraviolet light that then causes a phosphor coating on the inside of the lamp to glow a fluorescent lamp converts electrical energy into useful light much more efficiently.

Lamps are typically identified by a code such as fxxty where f is for fluorescent the first number xx indicates either the power in watts or length in inches the t indicates that the shape of the bulb is tubular and the last number y is the diameter in eighths of an inch sometimes in millimeters rounded up to the nearest millimeter. Fluorescent lights are usually long and tube shaped but also come in u shaped bulbs. The biggest drawback of these bulbs is that they are warm weather bulbs. The difference is in the diameter.

They need temperatures to be 60 f or more to start and operate properly. Tube lights also known as linear light bulbs are frequently used in office buildings kitchens work spaces and commercial installations as well as homes with varying sizes and brightness levels this guide reviews the different types and configurations of tube lights both fluorescent and led so you can choose the best tube lights for your light fixtures and other lighting needs. Certain longer fluorescent led tubes will be assessed a shipping surcharge.