T bulbs are used for their long life and ability to light up wide spaces. They are especially beneficial for large rooms, factories, basements, and offices. And one of them can even light up a whole small room. Making it an efficient and inexpensive light solution.
But as technology developed, so did the T bulbs. From T12 to T8 and now it came to T5. All of them started as fluorescent bulbs but later on moved to LEDs.
The question is can a T5 bulb fit in a T8 fixture? You might have a T8 fixture but want to upgrade to the newer light version.
We are going to talk about the possibilities, effectiveness, and the option to just switch out light bulbs in different fixtures today.
Can a T5 Bulb Fit in a T8 Fixture?
Jumping into the answer, you basically cannot put a T5 bulb in a T8 fixture. Although they look the same in length and have the same connector type, it is due to their diameter that they won’t fit.
T5 bulbs have the same two-pin connector as the T8. But their diameter is drastically different which makes them unfit to fit into each other’s fixture.
The only way you can put a T5 bulb in a T8 fixture is to get the ballast along with the connector. You can find them in any electrical store and remove the older T8 one. Then place the T5 connectors and ballast inside them.
It will work perfectly after that. Without that transformation, putting a T5 in a T8 tube light fixture will damage it.
Can You Put a T5 Bulb in a T12 Fixture
T12, being the oldest version of the Tubelight family, has a larger diameter than any T series bulbs. And they run on electromagnetic transfer rather than the latest LED technology.
So if you are thinking of putting a T5 in a T12 fixture, don’t. If you are eager on using the fixture, you will need to change the whole wiring, sockets, and ballast.
Only then it will be able to work perfectly. Otherwise, the T5 will burn out in a few hours or even damage the fixture itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert T8 to T5?
Yes. You can convert a T8 fixture to a T5 fixture. You will need to buy the connecting sockets, and wiring along with the ballast. Otherwise, the T5 bulb in a T8 fixture will burn off quickly and run down its 36,000-hour lifespan to 2000 hours.
Can I put a T5 bulb in any fixture?
No. You will specifically need a T5 fixture for a T5 bulb. Putting it in an older fixture will destroy the bulb along with the fixture.
What’s the difference between a T5 and a T8 bulb?
The main difference between a T5 and a T8 bulb is their diameter. The T8 has a 0.80-inch or 1-inch diameter while the T5 has a ⅝” to an inch. This makes their connectors to be a little bit different in size although both are pin connectors.
Are T5 and T8 the same size?
In length, both of T5 and T8 can be found in different sizes. And most of the time you will find the same length. But as for diameter, they are very different. T5 is less thick than T8 bulbs and has better light and lifetime compared to a T8.
Conclusion
Getting the latest tech has a lot of options. Although you can get the same diameter or T5 that is identical to a T8 bulb, you shouldn’t put it in the same fixture with the older ballast. The bulbs are built differently that are not clear to the open eye. And this will damage the bulb if you put them in an older fixture. Rather switch out the wiring and connector then place the T5 bulb in a T8 fixture.
