T5 the Latest Buzz Word in Energy Saving

Energy saving and energy management is the latest cry globally. When comes to lighting we all think of CFL (Compact Fluorescent lamp) but when you start comparing with the efficacy and luminous flux CFL cannot be compared with FTL or the latest T5. CFL are the replacement to GLS lamp (General Lighting System or incandescent lamp), but not to FTL (Fluorescent lamp).

CFL, FTL and T5 Lamp
CFL are the latest buzz word as far as energy efficiency, but CFL have their own limitation as far as efficacy is considered. An 15Watt CFL lamp gives luminous flux of some watt 800 lumens, but a 40 watt FTL give 2500 lumens and it is 64 Luminous efficacy. A 36watt FTL gives 2400 lumens and is 68 luminous efficacies. Both 40 watt and 36Watt FTL have life of 5000 burning hours as compared with 8000 burning hours of normal CFL.

That means in comparison with luminous flux and Luminous efficacy is considered FTL is far better choice than CFL. Many places still people use FTL in major installations and industries; they cannot just throw those FTL light fixtures just like that.

Therefore in those places as well at new complexes where luminous efficacy and luminous flux is the major factor, FTL can be replaced with T5 lamps and fixtures. A T5 lamp has high luminous efficacy that means high lumen per watt (Lumen/Watt).

Comparisons of FTL and T5 lamp
T5 lamp is a new generation fluorescent lamp with 16mm diameter compared with normal 40 watt FTL 38mm diameter and 36watt has 26mm diameter. It also means you have more sleek fittings .

T5 lamp has higher lumen per watt, which means higher luminous efficacy. In normal man language conversion of electrical energy to light energy T5 is most efficient and effective.

T5 has long longevity or longer life compare to FTL or CFL. T5 has 18000 burning hours compared with FTL 5000 burning hours and CFL 8000 burning hours.

T5 has reduced luminous flux depreciation compared to FTL or CFL. Lower luminous flux deprecation implies that is deprecation of flux compared to new lamp is less compared to FTL. Flux means the light out produce by a bare lamp. So the light out put by a new T5 lamp and a used T5 lamp out put will not be much different.

T5 lamp renders better light utilization in conjunction with superior optics fixtures compared to FTL.

More over T5 lamp high frequency operation it is mandatory to have electronic choke in the system, which makes T5 soft start as well as high 18000 burning hours, which is not always in the case of FTl. FTL's can run on other chokes as well.

So the bottom line is T5 lamp is better choices compare to FTL or CFL lamp. So I recommend T5 lamp to be energy saver in those installations where FTL family is more. Its pay back period is also quite impressive.