Fluorescent lights are a major component of commercial lighting. They are found in a wide variety of commercial and industrial structures. In fact, in 2010, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) reported the amount of this type of lighting to total around 1 billion. Many of these utilize T-8 sockets making them T-8 lamps.
Types of Fluorescent Lights
Two basic types of fluorescent lights exist. They are:
- Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs): CFLs are more commonly employed in households. They have both screw bases and integral ballasts. This makes them easily applicable for residential usages. In other words, an individual can simply screw in a CFL into most fixtures that currently accommodate an incandescent bulb. It is important, however, to make certain the socket is compatible. Follow instructions.
- Fluorescent Tube and Circline Lamps: This form of fluorescent light is the type more frequently employed in commercial and industrial institutions. These last longer than the CFLs. These are currently among the most popular types of lighting systems in the industry resulting in a springing up of component manufacturers who provide such things as shunted, un-shunted and T-8 sockets.
Why T-8 Lamps?
T-8 lamps have been the business standard since the 1980s. That was when the 32-watt version made its debut in the United States. It has since become the standard in all new homes and structure. In fact, around 60% of all current fluorescent lights are T-8 lamps. As a replacement, it takes over from the less efficient 34-watt T-12 lamp. In fact, T-8 sockets and lamp holders – shunted or un-shunted (it depends upon whether they are instant or rapid start) are now commonplace and readily available.
Why is the T-8 fluorescent lamp still popular? The reasons are relatively simple:
- The quality of the lighting is excellent
- It is a very efficient light source
- It is more energy efficient than previous models, including incandescent light and T-12 fluorescent lights
- They are more durable than either incandescent lamps or T-12 fluorescent lights – as much as 10 times longer
- These are excellent reasons to purchase T-8 fluorescent lamps.
T-8 Lamps and T-8 Sockets: Business Enterprises
In the United States, the popularity of T-8 lamps and therefore, T-8 sockets and other related components, has resulted in several industries focused in this field. They understand the need by companies and institutions for lighting systems that provide quality, energy efficient light over an extended period. They know their client base includes many major institutions, industries and commercial enterprises. Customers include not only new builds but also
- Industrial compounds
- Office spaces
- Hospitals
- Grocery stores
- Education facilities
- Warehouses
T-8 Sockets
Commercial lighting is big business in the United States. Over half of the billions of fluorescent lamps sold annually have T-8 sockets. The latest figures from the DOE note that this figure is not declining. In fact, in 2014, the combination of sales for both the newer T-5 and the more common T-8 sockets collectively amounted to more than $4 billion.
