Can You Use T8 Led Bulbs In A T12 Fixture

Converting T12s to LED: Here are your replacement options

Tin can you lot actually retrofit T12 to LED without changing out the ballast?

Actually, yes. But earlier you make a decision, at that place are other LED solutions to consider for a high-efficiency lighting option for existing T12s.

A lot has changed in just a few years in the lighting industry. In 2016, we told you well-nigh a plug-and-play LED replacement for T12 lamps from Philips. It was chosen the InstantFit LED tube and it was compatible with quondam-schoolhouse magnetic ballasts. That product was discontinued.

Fast frontward, and Philips has released a new option with some pretty nice improvements — the UniversalFit LED tube. This product is unique considering information technology is uniform with both the magnetic ballast found in nigh T12 fixturesand electronic ballasts that you would need to employ when the old ballast finally fails. This means yous should have no problem getting the total life out of a UniversalFit LED tube. More than on this beneath.

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Why T12 tubes are practiced candidates to upgrade to LED

T12 fluorescents haven't been manufactured in large quantity in the United States for a few years now, making them 1 of the endangered species of the lighting world. You're probably already considering options for replacing your erstwhile, inefficient tubes unless you lot have some mega backstock.

Additionally, beginning in 2010, legislation to cease the production of magnetic ballasts – the functional heart backside T12 lamps – went into event.

While there are still some of these 1.five-inch-diameter fluorescent tubes today, in that location volition be fewer and fewer tomorrow. Free energy regulations and the recently boosted affordability of more energy efficient lamps are snuffing T12s out.

What'southward the all-time LED retrofit choice for T12 replacement?

If you're converting your existing T12 lamps to LED, you have half-dozen options to choose from:

one. Install anchor-bypass linear LED lamps

Correct at present, a ballast-bypass is our tiptop LED replacement pick for T12 fluorescent tubes. But read carefully, because in that location are safety concerns. We only recommend a ballast-bypass using double-ended LED tubes. Single-ended tubes can present various safety hazards. With whatsoever ballast-bypass or direct wire solution, nosotros advise using a qualified electrician. Some other do good to using a double-ended tube is most are compatible with shunted and non-shunted sockets.

Anchor-bypass LEDs work straight off the line voltage flowing directly to the sockets, requiring you to remove the original fluorescent anchor. This solution might price more in labor and sockets, but it volition pay off in energy savings.

Purchase ballast-bypass T8 LED tubes here.

Want to know the pros and cons of a ballast-bypass? Check out our complete article, "Plug-and-play vs. ballast-bypass and other linear LED options."

two. Install plug-and-play magnetic and electronic ballast-compatible linear LEDs

For the easiest and quickest T12 to LED upgrade, the Philips UniversalFit tubes are probably your best bet. These plug right in and work off the existing ballast. When the anchor gives out, swap it for a newer electronic anchor, and the tubes will continue to light your space. The wattage is slightly higher here than a typical ballast-bypass pick, but you can't beat the simplicity of this approach. Pretty nice.

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three. Install electronic ballast-uniform linear LEDs and a new electronic ballast

This is another top recommendation if yous want to gain substantial free energy savings, avert mercury, and gain long life lighting. Current electronic ballast-compatible LED tubes give you lot great flexibility and savings, provide a solution that you shouldn't have to touch for years, and go along the upwardly-forepart cost lower than a new fixture.

Buy electronic ballast-uniform LED tubes here.

4. Install a new LED tube with a remote driver in the fixture

Remote-commuter LEDs are the nigh energy-efficient option in this list every bit there is no anchor draw involved in powering the lamp. This setup has a bang-up reputation for performance and reliability, only the cost is mostly a hair higher than an electronic anchor and plug-and-play lamp philharmonic. The best uses for a remote commuter LED are places where you're looking for high-performance lighting, or where you need to maximize every chip of free energy savings.

Read more than about ballast draw in our article, "What is a ballast factor and how does it affect my fluorescent tubes?"

5. Install an LED retrofit kit

This solution is in between an LED tube plus remote commuter and a full LED fixture replacement. If you want to freshen up the look of your fixtures but you don't desire to open the ceiling or completely remove one-time fixtures, this could be a great option.

Buy LED retrofit kits here.

6. Install a new LED fixture

If you are still on the fence about LEDs, and you're looking for a long life option for the lowest upward-front toll, yous might consider a long-life linear fluorescent retrofit. Consider though, that the toll difference to go with an LED may be minimal. We cover this topic in great detail in our mail service, "Linear LED vs. linear fluorescent: A look at the pros and cons of different linear tubes."

Payback on T12 replacement options

Whether you're making spot replacements as the T12s fire out or yous are working on a remodel and considering a consummate T12 to LED retrofit, the payback on your lighting investment is likely a big part of the conversation. We take a few tools that you can use to help navigate the waters and cut through the calculations.

Energy Savings Calculator

Visit our lighting retrofit computer if y'all need to get a quick gut-check on the proposed savings and ROI for your project.

Lighting calculator: calculate energy savings on lighting projects

The Ultimate Guide to Energy Savings, Calculations, and Payback

If you'd like to empathise the intricate details of the savings calculations, we've got you covered. Check out our written guide to energy savings and payback calculations that tin serve as a reference. Each step of each calculation is spelled out, and we also requite our recommendations on when to include which variables.

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A human being guide

If yous're looking for someone to talk over the options with, we're happy to help. You tin can contact us using the form beneath.

In an endeavor to serve our customers more efficiently, we're also investing in online shopping tools to brand purchasing great products easier. If you're a concern client, y'all can sign up for an account and receive business pricing hither.

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This article was originally published in 2016. It has been updated with the latest lighting applied science.

Read more about T12s: "The phase out of T12s: Everything you lot need to know about discontinued tubes"

"Here are your LED replacement options for T12 fluorescents"

Topics: LED, T12, Fluorescent low-cal