Fluorescent light tubes are glass lamps that use fluorescence to produce light.
(Fluorescence is the result of certain chemicals giving off a visible light).
What Is a Fluorescent Light Tube?
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The inside of the tube or bulb is coated with phosphor powder.
LED bulbs produce light from electrical current passing through microchips.
This makes it difficult todispose of fluorescent light bulbssafely.
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Always consult your local waste management agency for advice on what to do with burned-out fluorescent bulbs.
Another reason to avoid fluorescent lighting is that LEDs are more cost-effective over the long run.
A T2 bulb, on the other hand, is 2/8, or 1/4 inch, in diameter.
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T2 Bulbs
T2 fluorescent bulbs have tubes that are 2/8, or 1/4 inch, in diameter.
These bulbs are space savers but still put out the same amount of light as the larger bulbs.
These bulbs are good for fixtures mounted on lower ceilings and on the underside of cabinets above countertops.
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Being small, the space required to accomplish this lighting task is minimal, and the result is great.
Be creative in using these space-saving light bulbs.
These bulbs are said to be twice as bright as T5 bulbs.
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They are a great addition to rooms with taller ceilings.
T8 Bulbs
T8 bulbs are 1 inch (8/8) in diameter.
They are more expensive than T12 bulbs but will start much faster.
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They are excellent at starting at all temperatures, including temperatures below freezing.
A rapid-start, instant-start, or electronic-pop in ballast may be the right choice for you.
T12 Bulbs
T12 tubes are 1 1/2 inch (12/8) in diameter.
The biggest drawback of these tubes is that they are warm-weather bulbs.
They need temperatures to be 60 degrees Fahrenheit or higher to start and operate properly.
Below that temperature, the light may appear to flutter and is much dimmer during start-up.
These are now less popular as users have migrated to smaller and more efficient T5 and T8 tubes.
In a fluorescent tube, there is an electrode at either end of the tube.
The exception is CFL T2-size bulbs, which will fit in any standard screw-in light socket.
For example, you may need to look for LED tubes specifically designed to retrofit linear fluorescent lamps.
The short answer is yes.
Overall, LED and fluorescent lights produce nearly the same amount of bright light.
LEDs may be slightly brighter but they are much more cost-efficient.
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How to Choose Your Fluorescent Bulb.