What's the difference between T5 and T8 tube sizes? Lighting experts explain how to choose the right tube size!
When designing or installing interior lighting, carefully selecting LED tubes is crucial to ensure your lighting system meets your needs and adapts to the environment. Choosing a suitable tube requires considerable expertise, and people are often confused by the T5, T8, and T9 symbols on tube packaging. What do these symbols actually mean? Below, we'll delve into five key areas: tube size, brightness, energy consumption, environmental performance, and application range. This will provide a comprehensive understanding of the differences and characteristics of different tube sizes, helping you choose the most suitable tube size.
How to read the size of the lamp? Understand the specification symbols of the lamp size
Common tube sizes on the market include T5, T8, and T9. The "T" stands for "Tube," which translates to "tube" in Chinese. The number following the "T" indicates the tube's diameter, not its length. Tube sizes are measured in inches, with one inch equal to approximately one-eighth of an inch, or roughly 2.6 centimeters. For example, for the T5 tube size, the "T" stands for "tube" and the "5" stands for "five centimeters." Below, we'll explain in detail the corresponding centimeters for the diameters of T5, T8, and T9 tubes.
T5 Tubes, T8 Tubes, T9 Tubes
Tube Inches: 5/8 inch, 8/8 inch, 9/8 inch
Converted to Decimals: Approximately 1.6 cm, Approximately 2.6 cm, Approximately 2.9 cm
Converted to Millimeters: Approximately 15.8 mm, Approximately 25.4 mm, Approximately 29 mm
What are the common sizes of LED tubes?
The three most common sizes of LED tubes on the market are T5, T8, and T9. In fact, the T9 was the most widely used tube size in the early days. The T8, which has the same length as the T9, is more energy-efficient, has a common base, and offers advantages like a slimmer appearance and lower wattage. Therefore, the T8 has largely replaced the T9, making T5 and T8 the two most common tube sizes on the market! Now, let's explore the differences between these two sizes in terms of size, brightness, and application range.
T5 Lamp Size
T5 lamps have a diameter of approximately 15.8mm and a more refined appearance than T8 lamps. Due to their smaller size and reduced electron and gas content, they produce a relatively low brightness when powered on. Therefore, they are suitable for environments requiring softer lighting, particularly in homes and places requiring subtle lighting. Furthermore, T5 lamps utilize rare earth tri-phosphors, effectively saving energy.
T5 lamps are generally more durable than T8 lamps. Their newer design reduces internal wear and tear, resulting in a longer operating life of up to 25,000 to 35,000 hours. They also offer excellent energy-saving and environmental performance, with some models even being completely mercury-free. T5 lamps also have a higher luminous efficiency, delivering more luminous flux per watt, saving energy while maintaining the same brightness. Furthermore, T5 lamps typically have a higher color rendering index (CRI), resulting in a more realistic rendering of colors, making them an ideal choice for high-quality lighting applications.
T8 lamps are slightly wider than T5 lamps, with a diameter of approximately 25.4mm. In terms of brightness, T8 lamps offer higher brightness and are suitable for brightly lit environments, such as public spaces, offices, classrooms, industrial facilities, hospitals, and other large spaces. They can also be used in homes. While T8 lamps consume more power than T5 lamps, they still outperform traditional lamps. For the same lighting duration, T5 lamps consume less energy, saving over 22% compared to T8 lamps!
Dancing Light's high-efficiency lamps are designated for "Energy Label Luminaires" and are T8 models. T8 lamps offer a variety of color temperature options, from warm white (3000K) to cool white (6500K), allowing for flexible configurations tailored to specific lighting needs. Compared to T5 lamps, T8 lamps offer a wider range of applications and greater installation compatibility, allowing them to directly replace traditional T8 fluorescent lamps, reducing retrofit costs. This makes them the preferred choice for many commercial and industrial environments. At the same length, LED T5 tube size generally provides higher luminous efficacy, while T8 may be slightly lower, but with technological advancements, this difference is gradually narrowing.
| T5 lamp | T8 lamp | |
|---|---|---|
| size | With a diameter of approximately 15.8mm and a slim appearance, it is suitable for smaller lamps or narrow spaces. | The diameter is about 25.4mm, which is large in size and suitable for installation in a wider range of lamps. |
| Compatibility | Compatibility is low, and LED T5 tubes may need to remove the ballast and change the wiring to adapt to traditional T5 fluorescent lamps. | High compatibility: LED T8 tubes are generally designed to be compatible with traditional T8 fluorescent lamps, making upgrades and replacements easier. |
| Environmental performance | The mercury content is low, and some models are completely mercury-free, which is more environmentally friendly. | Compared to traditional fluorescent tubes, LED T8 tubes have better environmental performance, but some traditional T8 tubes still contain mercury. |
| Service life | Long service life, about 25,000 to 35,000 hours, and low loss rate. | Long service life, about 25,000 to 35,000 hours, and low loss rate. |
| Main advantages | It has a delicate appearance, good energy-saving performance and softer brightness. | The luminosity is high and the application range is wide, and the brightness is high. |
| Common uses | As an indirect lighting option for home decoration, it is often used with bracket lamps. | It is used in offices, stores and other environments that require higher brightness, and is often used with light steel frame lamps and mountain-shaped lamps. |
What are the key points to consider when choosing the right tube size?
In both residential and commercial lighting, tube size not only impacts the aesthetics of the interior, but also significantly impacts lighting performance and energy efficiency. Let's take a look at the key considerations when choosing tube size!
1. Installation Environment
When considering the installation environment for tubes, we need to pay attention to temperature, humidity, and ventilation to ensure proper operation and lifespan. Especially in humid outdoor environments, it's recommended to choose moisture-proof lamps or waterproof tubes. Additionally, we should choose the appropriate lamp size based on the venue size and lighting needs to avoid overly large or undersized lamps that affect the overall visual effect.
Larger lamps are suitable for T8 lamps, while smaller lamps are recommended for T5 lamps. Before purchasing, it's best to measure and record the lamp dimensions to ensure you choose the right lamp! You can also replace T8 lamps with T5 lamps, but you'll need a converter. Currently, the most popular tube size on the market is T8, widely used due to its relatively low cost and high upgrade compatibility. However, installing LED T5 tubes in traditional T5 lamps is more inconvenient, so T5 tubes are usually only chosen if the original fixture is already T5 and there are no plans to replace the fixture.
2. Energy Efficiency
When selecting a lamp size, to reduce power consumption and energy costs, choose a model that meets energy-saving standards, preferably those that comply with the latest 2012 National CNS standards and adhere to the principle of "high lumens, low wattage." It is recommended to prioritize high-efficiency lamps with high luminous efficiency and excellent lighting effects to achieve optimal energy savings.
3. Lamp Input Specifications
LED tubes on the market are categorized as either single-sided or double-sided. Choosing the right tube to match your fixture is crucial! Incorrect selection can cause the tube to not ignite or even cause a short circuit. Tubes with dual-sided inputs are now available. If you're concerned about choosing the wrong tube, consider purchasing a double-sided, double-pin tube to ensure compatibility.
4. Confirm the Lighting Fixture Type
Before installing a tube, be sure to confirm whether it is a traditional or LED fixture. The installation methods for traditional T8 and LED tubes are completely different. Installing an LED tube in a traditional T8 fixture can create risks such as wiring shorts, electric shock, or fire. Traditional T8 fixtures require wiring replacement and ballast removal before installing LED tubes, but LED fixtures do not require this and can be installed directly. If you are unsure of the fixture type or the appropriate tube specifications, it is recommended to seek professional assistance to ensure a safe installation process and avoid accidents.
5. Application and Lighting Requirements
When choosing a tube light, the application and lighting requirements are key considerations. T5 tubes, with their smaller size and softer light, are suitable for home lighting, display cabinets, indirect lighting, and other applications, creating a comfortable lighting environment. T8 tubes, with their higher brightness, are ideal for spaces requiring strong lighting, such as offices, schools, hospitals, shopping malls, and factories. Furthermore, for greater energy efficiency, high lumen output T5 tubes can be chosen, while T8 tubes are suitable for environments requiring high brightness or weather resistance, such as outdoor lighting or industrial lighting. Therefore, when choosing a tube light, you should consider the actual installation environment and lighting requirements to select the most suitable tube for optimal lighting and energy efficiency.
Recommended Tube 1: T5 Tube (Built-in Driver)
Dancing Light T5 tubes feature a built-in driver, eliminating the need for a separate ballast and simplifying installation. They can be used with T5 fixtures without a ballast and include a built-in safety device. A built-in fuse prevents burnout from improper installation.
With a luminous efficacy of up to 140 lm/W, they offer 50% energy savings compared to traditional T5 fluorescent lamps. Available in two sizes, 2 and 4 feet, they are suitable for a variety of indoor lighting applications.
Recommended Tube 2: High-Efficiency Energy-Saving T8 Tube
Designed for energy conservation, this energy-saving T8 tube boasts a luminous efficacy of up to 160 lumens per watt, effectively reducing power consumption and contributing to an eco-friendly and carbon-reducing lifestyle. It features a dual-side power input, a non-directional design, and built-in safety features for added peace of mind.
It comes in two sizes, 2 feet and 4 feet, and three color temperatures: white, natural light, and yellow, providing the flexibility to meet diverse lighting needs.
Recommended Tube #3: Full-Spectrum T8 Tubes
The top choice for eye-friendly lighting! Wuguang's full-spectrum T8 tubes boast an ultra-high color rendering index of RA90, simulating natural light to improve concentration, reduce eye strain, create a comfortable lighting environment, and enhance lighting quality. Available in two sizes (2 feet and 4 feet), they can also be used as grow lights, adding light energy that's effective for plant growth.
Recommended Tube #5: Waterproof T8 Tube
A great companion for outdoor and humid environment lighting! This waterproof T8 tube features an IP66 triple waterproof structure (waterproof lamp head, glued joints, and film coating), effectively protecting against dust and water. Equipped with a durable rubber cable with a length of up to 50 cm, it offers high installation flexibility, making it particularly suitable for signage, outdoor lighting, and other applications.
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