Can you replace a T12 with a T8 LED?

Direct-wire compatible T8 LED tube lights can be used in a T12 fixture, as long as the T12 ballast is either bypassed, or completely removed.

Why are T12 lamps still available?

In response, Congress made legislation stating that T12 linear fluorescents and other inefficient lighting technologies would no longer be manufactured. This legislation was put into action in 2012 with the DOE regulating T12 linear fluorescent lamps as a way of encouraging consumers to be more energy efficient.

What can I replace a T12 bulb with?

Generally, there are two ways to replace existing T12 lighting systems:

• Replace each lighting fixture with a new one containing more energy efficient components such as ballasts and lamps.
• Retrofit each existing fixture with electronic ballast(s) and T5 or T8 lamps. This may also require replacement of lamp holders.

Do LED T12 bulbs need a ballast?

Essentially, LED bulbs do not require ballasts in them to work. Unlike fluorescent lights, it is not a ballast that controls the LED’s current and voltage regulation.

Can you replace old fluorescent tubes with LEDs?

Yes, you can replace fluorescent tubes with LED tubes or LED-integrated fixtures. If you just want to replace the bulbs, you can use plug-and-play, direct-wire, or hybrid LED tubes. Plug-and-play tubes are the easiest to install as they do not require any rewiring to the fixture.

What happens when you put a T8 bulb in a T12 fixture?

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.

Are T12 fluorescent lamps still in production?

Per the guidelines of legislation that came into effect on July 14th, 2012, T12 fluorescent lamps are no longer in production What do the New DOE Laws Mean for T12 Lamp Manufacturers and Users?

What are the new Doe laws regarding T12 lamps?

The new DOE laws regarding T12 lamps bring into effect a ban on the manufacturing of T12 fluorescent lamps. The laws imply that after July 14th, 2012, lamp manufacturers will not be able to manufacture that size of fluorescent lamps.

What are the different types of T12 lamps?

The above-mentioned ban affects the following varieties of T12 lamps: the two-foot (24 inches) U-shaped lighting devices, the four-foot (48 inches) lamp fitted with a bi-pin base, and the eight-foot (96 inches) lamp that may be equipped with either a single-pin or a recessed double contact base.

Are T8 bulbs being banned in Canada?

About all you can get today is the fluorescent workhorse of commercial lighting—the T81 bulb. By January 26, 2018 even T8s will be banned to align with new DOE energy efficiency standards. Are t12 bulbs being discontinued in Canada?