T5 Fluorescent

T5 Fluorescent Tubes

During the past few decades, significant improvements have been made in the development of commercial and residential lighting technology. Some of the most influential advancements have occurred in the area of fluorescent, which has emerged as the increasingly preferred choice for illuminating industrial, professional and residential settings.

Among the most recent and noted additions to the fluorescent line-up are T5 fluorescent light bulbs. Developed in Europe, these lights were in use for years before being introduced to the American market in 1995. But despite having greater efficiency, versatility, and long-term cost-savings, T5 bulbs are typically more expensive to purchase than older versions of fluorescent lighting systems. This is one reason why high-end T5 bulbs have only recently gained a strong following in the U.S.

What sets the T5 light tubes apart?

Fluorescent lights, or tube as they are also known, are categorized according to their wattage, shape and diameter. The "T" in T5 indicates the bulb is tubular shaped, while the "5" denotes that it is five eighths of an inch in diameter. Other common measurements are the larger model T12 or T38 bulbs. These older generation fluorescent bulbs generate light through electromagnetic induction, which is considered less efficient method of creating light compared to that of newer electronic based circuits.

The most recent and widely used predecessor to the T5 is the T8. Both bulbs create light through advanced electronic circuits, and both are available in the standard 2, 3, 4, and 5 foot lengths. However, what sets T5 fluorescent lights apart from T8 bulbs is their dramatic reduction in size. T5 lamps are 40% smaller than T8 fixtures, but are capable of containing just as much and sometimes more light in a smaller area. This capacity to contain light is measured in a unit called lumens.

One striking contrast is the lumen measurement of the high output version of a T5 bulb. A high output T5 lamp that stands 4-feet in length has a typical lumen rating of 5,000. This figure is twice the amount produced by a T8 bulb of the same size. This means more T8 fixtures are needed to produced the same amount of light generated by significantly fewer high output T5 bulbs. Although the newest T5 lights are generally pricier than T8 models, they are lower maintenance than other fluorescent bulbs. This combined with the T5 bulb's impressive lumen measurements can equal long-term cost savings on commercial and residential construction projects.

What are T5 fluorescent tubes used for?

In addition to the increased use of T5 tubes in new housing, commercial and industrial projects, more consumers are finding uses for this advanced fluorescent system in their homes. One example is the growing number of hobby fish enthusiasts using T5 lighting fixtures and bulbs to light up their aquariums. Because of their efficiency and small size, T5 bulbs can provide desired illumination at a rate that is less intense and potentially damaging to aquatic life. T5 bulbs can also be used in terrariums, and have become a lighting source of choice for owners of exotic desert dwelling reptiles pets like tortoises, geckos and pythons.