The main feature of the T8 ballasts means that they can operate on T8 bulbs, a particular type of fluorescent bulbs, although it can also match other types of bulb which fluoresce. … Cheaper and more efficient, the T8 Electronic ballast is definitely preferable to the old fashioned style of bulb.
– Flickering. …
– Buzzing. …
– Delayed start. …
– Low output. …
– Inconsistent lighting levels. …
– Switch to an electronic ballast, keep lamp. …
– Switch to an electronic ballast, switch to a T8 fluorescent.
Thereof, How do I know if my ballast is t8 or t12?
If no markings are available, the size in diameter of the tube is the easiest way to determine the type you have installed. T8 tubes are 1-inch in diameter and T12 tubes are 1 1/2 -inch.
Also to know is, What are the signs of a bad ballast? – Buzzing. If you hear a strange sound coming from your bulbs or light fixture, like a buzzing or humming noise, that’s often a sign your ballast is going. …
– Dimming or flickering. …
– No lights at all. …
– Changing colors. …
– Swollen casing. …
– Burn marks. …
– Water damage. …
– Leaking oil.
Subsequently, question is, What is the difference between t8 and t12 ballast? Fluorescent lights are tube shaped lamps with a chemical phosphor coating on the inside of the tube. The have small pins on each end that fit into the ballasts located in light fixtures. T12 lamps have a diameter of 1 ½ inches (or 12/8th of an inch.) T8 lamps are fluorescent lights one inch (or 8/8ths) in diameter.
Also, How do you tell if it’s the ballast or the bulb?
– Buzzing. If you hear a strange sound coming from your bulbs or light fixture, like a buzzing or humming noise, that’s often a sign your ballast is going. …
– Dimming or flickering. …
– No lights at all. …
– Changing colors. …
– Swollen casing. …
– Burn marks. …
– Water damage. …
– Leaking oil.
Do t8 LED bulbs need a ballast?
Most T8 LED bulbs do not need a ballast. The only type of LED tube that does require a ballast is plug-and-play tubes. Used as a direct replacement for a fluorescent tube in a fixture, plug-and-play LED tube lights are installed without any rewiring to the fixture, keeping the fluorescent ballast.
Can I use a t8 in a t12 fixture?
T8 tubes are simply 1 inch in diameter versus the 1.5 inch diameter of T12 tubes. In an effort to make LED tube lights compatible with the internal dimensions of most fixtures, you will find that most LED tube lights feature a T8 or 1 inch diameter. They can indeed be used in T12 fixtures.
Why do fluorescent lights not turn on sometimes?
The fluorescent tube won’t turn on No electrical power due to a tripped breaker or blown fuse. A dead or dying ballast. A dead starter. A dead bulb.
How long should a ballast last?
According to the Certified Ballast Manufacturers Association, the average magnetic ballast lasts about 75,000 hours, or 12 to 15 years with normal use. The optimum economic life of a fluorescent lighting system with magnetic ballasts is usually about 15 years.
Can I put LED bulbs in fluorescent fixture?
With the advent of LED tubes as a drop-in replacement for fluorescent tubes, the return on investment for LED conversion can be very appealing; the fluorescent fixture can be reused, with only some minor rewiring. However, the differences between the two technologies can result in unexpected side effects.
Can you fix a ballast?
While simply swapping burned out bulbs in an existing ballast is deemed “ballast repair” by many – and can offer advantages in longevity and energy savings – sometimes this simple “fix” is not enough.
Are t8 and t12 sockets the same?
Both T12 and T8 lamps use the medium bi-pin base, which allows T8 lamps to fit into the same luminaires as T12 lamps of the same length.
What happens when a ballast goes bad?
If the ballast is bad, then the needle won’t move. If you’re using a digital multimeter, often the digital readout will possibly list a “1” when it doesn’t find a measurable resistance.
How do I know what type of ballast I have?
You can determine whether you have a compatible fixture in seconds. Simply turn the light on, then take a photo of the fixture using your smartphone or digital camera. If there are no dark bands on the resulting image, you have an electronic ballast that will work with direct drop-in LED tubes.
How do I know if its the ballast or bulb?
– Buzzing. If you hear a strange sound coming from your bulbs or light fixture, like a buzzing or humming noise, that’s often a sign your ballast is going. …
– Dimming or flickering. …
– No lights at all. …
– Changing colors. …
– Swollen casing. …
– Burn marks. …
– Water damage. …
– Leaking oil.
How do you test a fluorescent light bulb?
Set a multimeter to the ohm (Omega symbol) setting, then touch one tester probe to each of the pins at the end of the bulb. If the tester shows a reading between 0.5 and 1.2 ohms, the bulb has continuity. Repeat the test at the other end of the bulb.
Can you use a t8 bulb with a t12 ballast?
As far as safety is concerned, you can exchange them. If you place T12 tubes in a fixture with a T8 ballast, you will wear out the ballast and have to replace it. If you place T8 tubes in a fixture with a T12 ballast, then the tubes will have a shorter life due to a higher current through the tube.
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