1. through Diameter: Like friends with specific Waist Sizes
The "waistline" (diameter) of fluorescent tubes is the maximum honest manner to tell them aside, marked as "T + number". T8 is the medium-sized antique pal, about 26mm in diameter, familiar to most vintage domestic furniture, with 30W and 40W as its not unusual electricity ranges. T5 is the slender electricity-saving expert, 16mm in diameter, vivid enough and saving 30% on strength payments. offices and new houses adore it, with 14W and 28W models being commonplace. there is additionally the slimmer T4 (12.7mm) and slightly plumper T12 (38mm), but T12 is step by step retiring because it's too power-hungry.
2. by way of duration: different Sizes for extraordinary levels
Tube lengths are like garb sizes—they want to healthy the fixture. The zero.6m little guy, with 14W-20W strength, is ideal as a supporting function in cabinet lighting fixtures or reflect lights. The 1.2m standard version is the primary player, with 30W-40W power ideal for grid lighting in lecture rooms and places of work. The 1.5m and 1.8m lengthy-legged ones, with over 58W energy, are meant for big areas like factories and warehouses. consider to degree your old tube's duration before buying, so the new one would not "not fit".
3. by way of light supply: A conflict between Classics and traits
Phosphor tubes are the old-timers, needing a ballast to paintings, and occasionally blinking when beginning. LED tubes are the new favorites in latest years, working with out a ballast, lasting five-8 times longer than traditional ones, and containing no dangerous materials like mercury—super ! among LEDs, there are "retrofit fashions" (compatible with old ballasts) and "direct models" (desiring vintage ballasts removed). just ask about your fixture's circuit while buying.
4. choice suggestions: 3 Steps to keep away from mistakes
remember 3 tricks whilst replacing tubes: first, test the label at the old tube's quit, just like the code "T8 36W"; then see if the bottom is G13 (works for T8 and T5) or G5 (only suits T5); in the end, select the colour by way of scene—6500K cool white for paintings/observe, 4000K impartial light for comfortable homes, 3000K warm yellow for a exceptional vibe in living rooms and bedrooms. turn off the power before putting in, let the base and socket "shake hands" properly, and no extra flickering!
