Magnetic Ballast

Magnetic Ballast

The T12 is one its way out and the T8 is taking its place. Since this is an improvement upon the T12, it is expected that the T8 is superior to the one that is displacing. As of now, the T8 ballast needs replacement ballast since those manufactured for T12 are magnetic while the T8 uses electric.

Here are five differences between the two lamps:

1. Price - there is hardly any price difference today between the T12 and T8, which induces people to buy T8 more since this is a better and more improved version of the lamp. However, this will change in the future since manufacturers are gradually stopping the T12 production. Additionally it has electronic ballast which makes it more efficient.

2. Size - the T indicates the size of the lamp in 1/8th of an inch. Therefore, the T8 has a one inch diameter lamp and the T12 is one and half inches. The lamps can come in type of design and model, but when we are talking about T8 it means that the diameter of the lamp - no matter what design - is 1 inch.

3. Energy efficiency -the thinner the tube of the lamp the more effective is the lamp in saving energy. Though the T8 is only one half-inch less than the T12, the latter can save you more than 40% on the utility bill costs. This is one of the most important reasons why there is a gradual phasing out of the T12.

4. Ballasts - The other reason is that the T12 is designed to use magnetic ballasts which are slower, while the T8 uses electric ballast which is faster and lasts much longer. According to information given on the US department of Energy website, the T12 can be retro fitted with the advanced T8 ballasts.

5. Coloring - each of these lamps come with a CRI or color rendering index, which measures the variation of color that the human eye can identify. The T8 CRI is 75-95 while the T12 has a CRI of only 60-65. Though this is not too big a difference to the eye of humans, this is important if you plan to use the lamps to grow or nurture plants.

As you can see, the T8 is an improvement upon the T12 in many ways. Today the modifications of these lamps focus on energy-saving and environment friendly disposal. The latter delivers on both aspects and this is the main reason why the Government is discouraging the production of T12 even though these can be fitted with T8 ballasts.

At the moment the price disparity is not much, but with the production dwindling, the T12 would become more expensive which will further encourage people to go for the T8 rather than the outdated T12. Within a few years, it is hoped that all lamps would use electric ballasts which increase the life of the lamp, the capacity to use less energy and also can be disposed off in a more environmentally friendly manner.

Stewart Wrighter recently started purchasing lighting supplies such as T8 Ballast online. He ordered a Replacement Ballast online for his office.

G E Ballast G E Ballast F20t12 Magnetic Ballast 89711 $4 F20t12 magnetic ballast Rapid start ballast 120V Brand #: G E Ballast 89711 UPC: 043168897112 Keywords: flourescent ballast magnetic fluorescent

G E Ballast G E Ballast F20t12 Magnetic Ballast 89712 $10.11 F20t12 magnetic ballast Rapid start ballast 120V Brand #: G E Ballast 89712 UPC: 043168897129 Keywords: fluorescent ballast magnetic flourescent

G E Ballast G E Ballast Fc8t9 Magnetic Ballast 89720 $15.39 Fc8t9 magnetic ballast Rapid start ballast 120V Brand #: G E Ballast 89720 UPC: 043168897204 Keywords: ballast fluorescent flourescent magnetic

G E Ballast G E Ballast F20t12 Magnetic Ballast 80819 $14.06 F20t12 magnetic ballast Rapid start ballast 120V Brand #: G E Ballast 80819 UPC: 043168808194 Keywords: ballast fluorescent flourescent magnetic trigger start

Utility Magnetic Ballast 19-Inch White Ceiling Light $147 -White acrylic diffuser. -Magnetic ballast.

Designer Magnetic Ballast 24-Inch Bronze Bowl Pendant $849 -Magnetic ballast. -Frosted acrylic diffuser.

Designer Magnetic Ballast 31-Inch Bronze Bowl Pendant $1036 -Magnetic ballast. -Frosted acrylic diffuser.

Utility Magnetic Ballast 11-Inch White Ceiling Light $70 -Clear fluted acrylic diffuser. -120V Magnetic ballast.

Utility Magnetic Ballast 14-Inch White Ceiling Light $82 -Clear fluted acrylic diffuser. -120V Magnetic ballast.

Utility Magnetic Ballast 17-Inch White Ceiling Light $108 -White acrylic diffuser. -120V Magnetic ballast.

Utility Magnetic Ballast 21-Inch White Ceiling Light $146 -White acrylic diffuser. -120V Magnetic ballast.

Designer Magnetic Ballast 30-Inch Nickel Tone Bowl Pendant $1014 -Magnetic ballast. -White acrylic diffuser.

Designer Magnetic Ballast 36-Inch Nickel Tone Bowl Pendant $1082 -Magnetic ballast. -White acrylic diffuser.

Magnetic Ballast ADA Black Sconce $76 This outdoor area and security luminaire is the answer to a variety of application considerations. -120V Magnetic ballast.

Architectural Magnetic Ballast ADA Bronze Sconce $158 Sleek lines are the hallmark of this sconce design. -120V Magnetic ballast.

Architectural Magnetic Ballast ADA Brushed Nickel Sconce $115 Exquisite designer wall sconce with elegant etched glass diffuser. -Magnetic ballast.

Utility Magnetic Ballast 12-Inch Chrome Bath Fixture $107 -Chrome endcaps. -White acrylic diffuser. -120V Magnetic ballast.

Designer Magnetic Ballast Bronze Ceiling Light $309 This design features an acrylic diffuser that "floats" beneath the ceiling. -Magnetic ballast.

Utility Magnetic Ballast Clear Sconce $63 Economical wall or ceiling rectangular luminaire works well in commercial buildings, carports, garages, hallways, tunnels, walls and general security applications. -120V Magnetic ballast.

Weathermate Magnetic Ballast Nickel Tone Outdoor Wall Light with Dolphins $258 -Clear prismatic polycarbonate diffuser. -120V Magnetic ballast.

Weathermate Magnetic Ballast Nickel Tone Outdoor Wall Light with Snowboarder $258 -Clear prismatic polycarbonate diffuser. -120V Magnetic ballast.

Architectural Magnetic Ballast Brushed Nickel Sconce $100 This bell shaped wall sconce is available in many finishes. -Ballast: Magnetic -Diffuser: White acrylic -Material: Steel

Architectural Magnetic Ballast ADA Jade Onyx Sconce $117 Decorative interior quarter-sphere wall sconce is ideal for commercial, hospitality and healthcare applications. -120V Magnetic ballast.

Designer Magnetic Ballast Rustic Bronze Ceiling Light $136 Translucent bowl luminaire has acrylic diffuser with painted trim and matching finial. -120V Magnetic ballast.

Architectural Magnetic Ballast ADA Black Sconce $149 Rectangular half-cylinder wall sconce. Ideal for commercial, hospitality and healthcare applications. -120V Magnetic ballast.

Architectural Magnetic Ballast ADA Nickel Tone Sconce $167 Square half-cylinder is ideal for general lighting. Top and bottom are open for the maximum light output. -120V Magnetic ballast.

Weathermate Magnetic Ballast Bronze Outdoor Wall Light $221 Weathermate series sconces are excellent for the more decorative outdoor applications. The outer shroud is easily removable for servicing. -120V Magnetic ballast.

Architectural Magnetic Ballast ADA Gold Dust Sconce $132 This ADA compliant cylindrical sconce features an open top and bottom to create both up and down lighting. -120V Magnetic ballast.