Fluorescent Lamps, Ballasts, and Fixtures

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For decades, Fluorescent lighting was the money-saving staple of commercial lighting. Fluorescent lighting gained popularity in the 1960's because it was significantly more energy efficient and cost-effective than incandescent lights. Today, when installing new commercial lighting, LED lights are the most popular choice - for good reason. LED lighting is significantly more energy efficient and cost-effective than fluorescent lighting.

If you have burned out fluorescent lights, you have options:

• Replace your burned out fluorescent lamps (bulbs and tubes) with new fluorescent lamps
• Retrofit your fluorescent fixtures to use LED lamps, or
• Replace your fluorescent fixtures with LED light fixtures

Each fluorescent light fixture includes one or more lamps (light bulbs) and a ballast. The ballast regulates the electrical current through the lamp. If a light is out, the lamp, the ballast, or both may no longer be working. During a complimentary onsite visit, we check your fluorescent lamps and ballasts to determine which need to be replaced.

For fast turnaround, we stock the most common fluorescent lamps (bulbs and tubes), and ballasts in our Renton warehouse.

POPULAR FLUORESCENT LAMPS

T12 Fluorescent lamps

• T12 is a common (older) lamp style
• T12 ballast uses older, less-reliable, magnetic technology
• Contains mercury; because of the mercury, these lamps require careful handling and special disposal as hazardous waste.
• In 2012, to promote energy efficiency and protect the environment, the production of magnetic T12 ballasts and fluorescent T12 lamps was banned in the US.
  

T8 Fluorescent lamps

• Fluorescent T8 lamps were introduced in 1981 to replace fluorescent T12 lamps.
• The T8 ballast has a longer life (than a T12) because it uses more reliable, electronic technology.
• T8 lamps use one-third the energy and perform at least three times longer than T12 lamps.
• T8 ballasts are more energy efficient, produce less flicker, less noise, and less heat than T12 ballasts. 
• T8 fixtures can house either a fluorescent T8 lamp OR an LED T8 lamp.
• Uses a glass housing and contains a small amount of mercury. (An LED T8 lamp is available in a durable plastic or glass housing and is mercury-free; no special disposal required.)
• Available in a wider spectrum of colors than T12 fluorescent lamps

T5 and T5 HO Fluorescent lamps

• T5 HO (high output) lamps deliver more light than standard T5 lamps and are available in higher wattages.
• T5 HO 54 watt lamps are popular for warehouse lighting in linear high bay fixtures.
• T5 28 watt lamps are generally used in offices.
• T5 and T5 HO lamps are smaller in diameter and shorter in length than T8 and T12 lamps and must be used a fixture designed for T5 / T5 HO lamps.

If you have burned out fluorescent lighting at your property in greater Seattle / Puget Sound, schedule a complementary walk-through. We'll review your lighting and talk with you about your lighting issues, energy expenses, and options. You will receive a written, no-obligation lighting quote, including energy-company rebates for which you may qualify, so you can choose the option that best fits your budget and future plans for your facility.

Request a quote or contact us today to talk with a lighting specialist about replacing your fluorescent lamps / tubes or bulbs.