T8 lamps w/ T12 ballast

kj5kb

kj5kb

KEEPER OF CATS, FISH AND CATFISHES
Mar 1, 2007
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OK...the cheap shoplites I'm finding lately are no longer rated for T8's, only 25-40W T12's. They seem to light up a T8 just fine, IMHO...but I don't have a light meter to verify output.

Any reason NOT to use a T8 in them...if it works?
 
A T8 lamp in a T12 system works well and may shorten the life of the lamp. That is the only thing that will happen. The T12 puts out more wattage, not voltage.

Conversely, if you put T12 lamps in a T8 system it will overwork the ballast shortening it's lifespan.

One way shortens the lamps life and the other way shortens the ballast life. Not a big deal other than not getting maximum lifespan out of either.
 
OK, Thanks. T8s are cheap around here, especially by the box...I use them for plant growth too (tomatoes/peppers) and I'd prefer to standardize. I'd rather have a little brighter w/shorter life.

Anyone else?
 
Does the brightness appear the same for a t8 in either fixtures?
 
T8's emit more light on less wattage vs. a T12. Will it give off more than if it was T8/T8 - maybe but I don't know it is enough to tell the difference. It has the same effect as overdriving the lamps. Logic would dictate that it would be brighter. I personally used T8's in a T12 system and didn't notice any difference, but I didn't have new T12's to compare with.
 
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