Fluorescent tubes generally have a two-pin fitting at both ends of the tube and generally length goes hand in hand with wattage – the longer the tube the higher the wattage.
T12 38mm (G13) Tubes
The largest size T12 (38mm) is no longer being manufactured, however they did use the same G13 cap as the T8 tube which means that you can replace the T12 tubes with the more efficient T8 of the same length. See T8 section below for suitable alternatives.
T8 26mm (G13) Tubes
Standard size T8 (26mm) tubes use the G13 fitting with 13mm between the two pins.
T5 15mm (G5) Tubes
The small T5 (16mm) tubes use the G5 fitting with 5mm between the two pins.
T4 12mm (G5) Tubes
The undercabinet T4 (12mm) tubes use the G5 fitting with 5mm between the two pins.
T2 7mm (W4.3) Tubes
The ultra slim T2 (7mm) tubes use a fitting called a W4.3 with 4.3mm wide push fit fitting.
Colour Temperature
Although most lamps emit white light, this can vary from a cosy warm white to a cold white according to the colour temperature of the lamp. The following chart shows the code numbers used for some of the most popular types:-
| Colour Temp | Colour Code | Designation | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2700K | 827 | very warm white | Similar light to incandescent bulbs, giving a warm cosy feel |
| 3000K | 830 | warm white | The colour of most halogen lamps. Appears slightly whiter than ordinary incandescent lamps |
| 3500K | 835 | white | The standard colour for many fluorescent and compact fluorescent tubes |
| 4000K | 840 | cool white | Gives a more clinical or high tech feel |
| 6000K | 860 | daylight | Fluorescent or compact fluorescent lamps simulating natural daylight. |
| 6500 | 865 | cool daylight | Extremely white light used in specialist daylight lamps |
Colour Temperature Codes (for illustration only, colours may not be exact)
Colour Rendering Definition
The Colour Rendering Index is an industry standard reference to a bulb on how well it renders colours of objects it is illuminating. Codes range from 0 to 100, the higher the number the more vivid and lively things look under that light. The lower the CRi rating the more ghostly (faded, dead) objects appear.
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