Fluorescent tubes generally have a two-pin fitting at both ends of the tube and generally, length goes hand in hand with wattage – the longer the tube the higher the wattage.

T12 38mm (G13) Fluorescent Tubes

The largest size T12 (38mm) is no longer being manufactured, however, they did use the same G13 cap as the T8 fluorescent tube which means that you can replace the T12 tubes with the more efficient T8 of the same length. See T8 section below for suitable alternatives.


T8 26mm (G13) Fluorescent Tubes

Standard size T8 (26mm) tubes use the G13 fitting with 13mm between the two pins.


T5 15mm (G5) Fluorescent Tubes

The small T5 (16mm) tubes use the G5 fitting with 5mm between the two pins.


T4 12mm (G5) Fluorescent Tubes

The undercabinet T4 (12mm) tubes use the G5 fitting with 5mm between the two pins.


T2 7mm (W4.3) Fluorescent Tubes

The ultra-slim T2 (7mm) tubes use a fitting called a W4.3 with 4.3mm wide push-fit fitting.


Colour Temperature

Although most lamps emit white light, this can vary from a cosy warm white to a cold white according to the colour temperature of the lamp. The following chart shows the code numbers used for some of the most popular types:-

Colour TempColour CodeDesignationApplication
2700K827Very warm whiteSimilar light to incandescent light bulbs, giving a warm cosy feel
3000K830Warm whiteThe colour of most halogen lamps. Appears slightly whiter than ordinary incandescent lamps
3500K835WhiteThe standard colour for many fluorescent and compact fluorescent tubes
4000K840Cool whiteGives a more clinical or high tech feel
6000K860DaylightFluorescent or compact fluorescent lamps simulating natural daylight.
6500865Cool daylightExtremely white light used in specialist daylight lamps

Colour Temperature Codes (for illustration only, colours may not be exact)

You can read our guide to find out more about colour temperature.


Colour Rendering Definition

The Colour Rendering Index is an industry-standard reference to a light bulb on how well it renders colours of objects it is illuminating. Codes range from 0 to 100, the higher the number the more vivid and lively things look under that light. The lower the CRi rating the more ghostly (faded, dead) objects appear.

If you want your items and people to look good, then high CRi is required. High CRi light bulbs generally cost more to buy and cost more to operate as they have low lumen output per watt consumed. Low CRi light bulbs put out low-quality light, but are very cheap to operate as they have high lumen output per watt consumed.

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Malcolm Davenport

I am trying to replace a 4 ft T8 Tube, 36w Triphoshor white F36W/835 fluorescent light bulb without success. I am struggling to find any. I just need one or two of them. Any ideas.

Brenda Wilson

Good morning l am looking for 3 foot flourescent tubes and starter. I have read that these particular tubes are no longer available but wondered if you had any stock as l don’t want to change the whole fittings. They are under counter lamps on to my work top . Hope you can advise. Many thanks

Mohammed Idris

Hello. My name is Mohammed. I wanted to ask I have one of your light tubes for the kitchen which has stopped working. The model is a 36w 865 E09. I just wanted to know is that a four foot tube or is it less? And when it stops working is it normally the starter motor is it the tube that normally stops? Thank You.

Marina

Hi, do you sell a tube which is 1760mm? Not sure if I need to measure the pin length too which would maybe take it to 1800mm? Thank you.

Brian Standfield

My last note to you should have said realised that the tube i ordered was the wrong length

Brian Standfield

I have a light fitting with a lampT4 20W 520 between pins. would you have one in stock, I ordered one last night through you but now resized it is 580 in length

Dave

Hi, I have a bathroom mirror cabinet with T2 18w 6400k bulbs. I can’t seem to find the exact replacement. Also, if I were to go with a lower W, say 11W and 6000k, will this still work ok?

Do I need to consider the fitting type or are all T2 bulbs the same?

Any help would be great, thanks

Dave

Thank you, unfortunately I don’t know who the manufacturer is, I guess it’s put up without lights or change the cabinet. I’m unable to find a supplier

Fiona Aylett

I am looking for a T2 15w 6400 with a push-fit fitting for a bathroom cabinet, . Can you help

Winnard

Hi. I have a strip light bulb which states 36w/23. I am looking for a replacement but can only see 36w/865. What is the difference? Can I use 865 as a like for like replacement? What do yhe numbers after the slash mean?

Thanks

Micheál

Hi, is there an alternative for an f58w/33-640. I know they’re being discontinued and want a straightforward swap

Crissy

Hi I want to buy a 1 foot 12 inches fluorescent 2 pin 15w bulb for my old Panasonic light it has the 2 end connectors for the tube to go into but not sure which tube bulb to buy and if any wattage is ok to use?
any advise guys!

Rebecca Sweterlitsch

I have an excellent light box (Porta-Trace) that is a few years old. The bulb is Hitachi 15 watt F15T8/EX-N Hi-Lumic N Tri Phosphor Made in Japan. 18 inches. I’m using the light box currently to digitize old slides and have begun to see 2 yellow bands show up through my camera and on the resulting photo. I thought I’d try a new bulb. I can’t find one, even on eBay, with that exact description. I don’t mind a different brand, but I don’t know how to decipher that it will be the same output. Can you help? Thank you.

David Hebden

Need T2,15w,6400k bulb for bathroom cabinet

Ingrid

Hi, I’m looking for 1500mm by 26mm tube. The box from the old tube says 5200 Lumen and 68 KWh F58W/835
Which tube can I order from your site?

Last edited 7 months ago by Ingrid
Mike

I have an older big electronic bug killer that takes F25ft8/350BL bulbs that cost $35 a piece and are eighteen inches long. F15t8 bulbs are also 18 inches long and 8 to 10 bucks. Will this cheaper bulb work in its place?

Peter Hill

I have two different types of 4-foot tubes and I want to make sure I order the same but the letters and numbers do not match – I have L36W/23 and I have F40W/W-RS. Can you please advise what I need to order as replacements? Thank you – Peter

Tracy

Hi can you help me please, looking to replace the following fluorescent tube bulbs, WL2001-6W ,8W and 24W T5 220-240V 50HZ G5,with possibly LED tube lights? What do you recommend? Thank you.

Jon Phillips

I have an Osram LUMILUX HO54W/840 which I want to replace. It is 116 cm long and has a diameter. Of 15 mm. Do you have it? jon_phillips@mail.com.

Steve Murphy

Hi guys … I am planning to make an exposure ‘light box’ for screen printing. I would like to use 5, Sylvania UV tubes (BL368). Friends now tell me that I may need ballasts … ? What do you say and how would it (they?) be wired to the lamps? Please advise … Cheers – Steve

pAUL

I have fitted a new tube and started motor but the light is still flickering on and off. Any idea how I can fix this?

RICHARD

Is there an equivalent for the T2 640mm 15W 6400k
Thanks,
Richard

David Hebden

Hi Richard, I need same bulb for bathroom cabinet, did you manage to get one ?

Elizabeth

F18W/35 – what is the bulb on your website that will match this fluorescent tube?

David Blakeslee

I have been looking for a replacement florescent tubes for our undercounter kitchen lighting. I have been searching at Home Depot, Ace, Lighting stores and on line for 3 months now and I cannot find the replacement tubes that I need. The replacement tubes need to be F10T5/cool white 10 watt. this tube is total length (including connecting prongs) is 50mm or 16 3/8 inches, Diameter is 5/8 inches. Can you tell me if these are still available and where I can find them. Thank you

David Blakeslee

Sue

Help please I need to replace a crompton 13w 835 A01 fluorescent tube tight measuring 65cm or 23 inches without pins. Thank you.

Ken

How do i replace an old starter for a 48inch tube?

Chris B.

I’d really like to send an email to someone to ask for advice but I can’t locate an email address. Basically I need to order 2 x F16W 135 T8 warm white. What product code?

Richard Latham

Im Trying to build a moveable wall of 8 ft x 6 ft with a florescent tube 1 ft apart the whole way down the wall is this possible with just the tube showing not the whole tin housing 

Ralph

Dose the fluorescent tube size include the pins

Teres

Why don’t they put the color of the light on the tube. ? So I know what color to buy again.

Steve

Thanks for clearing up a query that was giving me a headache. Was trying to find a 4ft tube with a 38mm diameter which is apparently the old style tube and hard to find as discontinued. You can now use the newer T8 tube which is 26mm diameter but with the same end fittings. Many thanks.