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Might sound crazy but how can you tell the difference?
PCs or Fluorescents?
- Thread starter sprinklerman500
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PC lamps look very different than fluorescents.
These are PC (Power Compact or Compact Fluorescent)
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:CcewrN2uI9VGEM:http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/PetsUnited/T720036_55317" alt="" />
[IMG]http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:AKbm23X33VZP3M:http://ebay.f3images.com/IMD/feeds/PC1657_50.jpg alt="" />
Regular flourescents look just like regular long tubes. Some are T12, some are T8 (narrower diameter) and others are T5. Some are "normal output" (32-40 watts on a 48" lamp), some are smaller diameter, but similar wattage (T8). T5s come in normal output and high output... a T5HO is 54 watts on a 48" lamp.
Fixtures are specific to what types of lamp they will fire. You can't fire compact lamps in a normal flourescent fixture. There are some small PC screw-in lamps for old-style incandescent fixtures.
Hope this helps.
Jenn
These are PC (Power Compact or Compact Fluorescent)
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:CcewrN2uI9VGEM:http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/PetsUnited/T720036_55317" alt="" />
[IMG]http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:AKbm23X33VZP3M:http://ebay.f3images.com/IMD/feeds/PC1657_50.jpg alt="" />
Regular flourescents look just like regular long tubes. Some are T12, some are T8 (narrower diameter) and others are T5. Some are "normal output" (32-40 watts on a 48" lamp), some are smaller diameter, but similar wattage (T8). T5s come in normal output and high output... a T5HO is 54 watts on a 48" lamp.
Fixtures are specific to what types of lamp they will fire. You can't fire compact lamps in a normal flourescent fixture. There are some small PC screw-in lamps for old-style incandescent fixtures.
Hope this helps.
Jenn
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Nice Jenn! Way to cover all the bases!!
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I must say that when i ask question I get a very good answer.IM so thankful for ARC.You guys and GIRLS really know what you are talking about.Once again TY so much no matter how small the question.Chris
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FYI the T12 T8 T5 represents the diameter of the bulb. multiole the number x1/8" equals the diameter T12 is 1.5" T8 is 1" and T5 is 5/8"
Not important but may help you id unmarked bulbs until you can visualize the difference
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No problem Jenn I am full of useless info. It is the useful stuff I run shy on!!
cr500_af;498470 wrote: That's exactly right... and I'll mark this down as the only time in history I was aware of something Jenn wasn't... and I'm sure it will never, ever happen again!
I'm sure you're wrong about that, Barry. There's plenty I don't know. I do know a thing or two but that's about it! :lol:
Jenn
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Wow,you just lost me but I do understand the difference.TY
Sprinklerman - concerns the size of the lamp (diameter/thickness).
I never realized what the "number" meant other than a T12 lamp is thicker than a T8, which is thicker than a T5. Lamps the same length (ie 48" or whatever), but different T-value and wattage. All are fluorescent.
And if we didn't give you enough information overload... there are also T12s that are "VHO" (Very High Output). I believe 110 Watts on a 48" lamp. Those are getting more scarce these days but for a while they were the way to go for reef lighting.
Jenn
I never realized what the "number" meant other than a T12 lamp is thicker than a T8, which is thicker than a T5. Lamps the same length (ie 48" or whatever), but different T-value and wattage. All are fluorescent.
And if we didn't give you enough information overload... there are also T12s that are "VHO" (Very High Output). I believe 110 Watts on a 48" lamp. Those are getting more scarce these days but for a while they were the way to go for reef lighting.
Jenn
I love my 72" VHO's for actinics.. Bright as all hell..
