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Why T-5
T-5 HO (high-output) fluorescent lamps are the newest generation of fluorescent
lighting products. The previous generation was the T-8 most commonly found in
offices and a few high-bay applications.
Fluorescent lamps are classified by the shape and diameter of the lamps. T-5
refers to a tubular lamp that is 5/8” of an inch in diameter, a T-8 is 1” in
diameter and a T-12 is 1 ½” in diameter.
The smaller diameter of the T-5 HO lamp provides superior optical control and
enables them to be used in applications where historically only metal halide
and high pressure sodium (HPS) have been used.
Performance
High Output T-5 Fluorescent lamps deliver up to 85 lumens per watt (LPW) and
outperform T-8 systems at 81 LPW and T-12 systems at 69 LPW. The T-5 high
output lamps also out perform metal halide lamps which only have 62 LPW. High
pressure sodium with a 97 LPW appears high, however due to the low color
rendering index (CRI), our eyes can process only a portion of the lamps lumens
rendering the light output as low quality.
Note all LPW are based upon mean lumens at 40% of rated lamp life
Maintenance
T-5 HO lamps offer better lumen-maintenance performance than all of the above
mentioned lamps. The T-5 lamps retain about 95 % of their output after 40
percent of their rated life, compared with less than 90% for T-8 lamps, 70-80%
of the T-12, 60% plus for the metal halide and 70-80% for the HPS.
In addition, the T-5 HO has a rated lamp life of 35,000 hours where T-12 and
metal halide lamps range from 10-20,000 hours. The T-5 HO will reduce the
lighting systems maintenance labor cost significantly.
Management
T-5 is the only lighting technology for high bay applications that has an
instant start and re-strike capability without having significant negative
impact to lamp life and lumen output. T-8 & T-12 fluorescent lamps turn on
instantly like the T-5’s, however with high volumes of switching these lamps
experience accelerated lumen depreciation and reduced lamp life. Metal Halide
and HPS fixtures have a very slow warm up and re-strike time rendering theses
as totally unmanageable.
The T-5 is the total package and can utilize individual or area motion sensors,
photo-cells, timed energy management systems or manual switching. With the
T-5’s instant switching ability it is an ideal choice for additional energy
savings as well as extending the maintenance cycles.
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