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Fluorescent Lamp Caps
For the straight tubes there are just two caps for the three lamp diameters.
Figure 2.16. Fluorescent lamp caps.
Note that the pin spacing is the same for T8 and Tl2 lamps so in most cases lamps
of the same length are interchangeable. Some modern luminaires may not accept T12 lamps if the
lampholders are designed to position a T8 lamp very close to the luminaire body or louvre. Old
luminaires may also be incompatible electrically.
Other fluorescent lamp caps include:
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Single pin - used on Slimline lamps
(not interchangeable with the European TLX lamp)
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Four pin - used on Circline, Biax
and Biax 2D
-
Two pin - used on Biax and Biax
2D
Figure 2.17. Other fluorescent lamp caps.
Wattage Rating
Fluorescent lamps are rated in watts much the same as incandescent lamps. The standard
fluorescent range is from 4 to 125W and is a more limited range than other lamp types.
Voltage Rating
Fluorescent lamps do NOT have a voltage rating. Each fluorescent luminaire contains a
ballast that provides the correct voltage to the lamp for the connected supply voltage.
Lamp Shape and unlit appearance.
All fluorescent lamps have a smooth tubular shape with an internal phosphor coating.
Blacklight Ultra Violet lamps are made of Woods glass and have an almost black appearance when not
operating. Gold or Radar Red tubes (both obsolete) have additional filters so look Yellow or Red
even when not operating. All other tube colours look the same white colour until the lamp is
switched on.
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