About T5
T5s are fluorescent lamps or tubes which are gas-discharge lamps using electricity to excite mercury vapour. The excited mercury atoms produce short-wave ultraviolet light that then causes a phosphor to fluoresce, producing visible light.
Lamps are typically identified by a code such as F##T##, where F is for fluorescent, the first number indicates the power in watts, the T indicates that the shape of the bulb is tubular and the last number is the diameter in eighths of an inch (alternatively indicated in millimeters).
Standard diameters are T12 (11/2" Ø) which are being phased out in 2010,T8 (1" Ø) and T5 (5/8" Ø).
Unlike incandescent lamps fluorescent lamps always require a ballast to regulate the flow of power through the lamp. However, a fluorescent lamp converts electrical power into useful light far more efficiently than an incandescent lamp giving much lower energy costs.
In combination with the new type of high frequency ballast, or control gear, the latest generation of T5 Triphosphor High Efficiency tubes has many advantages:
- Up to 65% less energy useage giving cost and carbon savings
- T5 HE triphosphor tubes have more than twice the life of halophosphate T8 tubes (20000hrs +) so reducing re-lamping frequency, maintenance and carbon waste
- T5 HE triphosphor tubes have a maximum 5% fade over life compared with 35% with conventional T8 tubes so provide consistent light. Refer to this chart.
- No stroboscopic flickering which can cause headaches and eye problems
- T5 HE triphosphor tubes use less material in manufacture so create less consumption
and waste. T5 tubes contain 38% less glass and phosphorous than T12 tubes and contain only 5mg of mercury. - T5 HE triphosphor tubes can be used in existing T12 or T8 fittings with SaveItEasy ® adaptors allowing an immediate switch at a far lower cost than completely replacing existing fittings.
- No ray-emission through minimisation of the electromagnetic discharge. No PCB emission, thereby anticipating new compliance