T12s Still Popular Despite 2010 Phase-Out

Sept. 10, 2009
Many building owners haven’t upgraded their four-foot T12 fluorescent lighting systems, despite the fact that much more efficient alternatives have been available for at least a decade

Many building owners haven’t upgraded their four-foot T12 fluorescent lighting systems, despite the fact that much more efficient alternatives have been available for at least a decade, according to a recent study by the National Lighting Bureau (NLB), Silver Spring, Md.

“T12 fluorescent technology is 70 years old and is generally considered outdated when compared to the far more efficient T8 and T5 fluorescent technologies currently available,” said Susan Bloom, NLB’s vice chair and director of corporate communications for Philips Lighting and Philips Lighting Electronics. “Nonetheless, industry sales data reveal that less-efficient T12s still account for three out of every ten four-foot fluorescent lamps sold in the U.S. This means that literally millions of existing T12 fluorescent lighting sockets will have to be upgraded sooner rather than later, because the lack of these replacement ballasts will make T12 lighting harder to maintain.

“The good news is that owners and managers of America’s commercial, industrial and institutional facilities who still rely on T12 lighting can rest assured that there are high-performing and more energy-efficient lighting technologies readily available to them that will also serve to support our national goals of energy independence and a clean environment.”