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The Extinction of the T12

The dinosaur Tyrannosaurus Rex (T-Rex) has been extinct for a long time. Those not-so-lovable creatures of yesteryear preyed upon the energy of those less fortunate.  Now-before our eyes, another dinosaur, the T12 fluorescent light, is on the path of extinction. The inefficient T12 had a penchant for eating up the energy of outdated lighting systems.

The demise of T12 was set in motion by the U.S. Department of Energy when it passed an official mandate informing U.S. citizens that as of July 1, 2010 that magnetic ballasts most commonly used for the operation of T12 lamps will no longer be produced for commercial and industrial applications. In addition, starting in July 2012, most T12 Fluorescent Lamps used for overhead lighting in office buildings, schools, warehouses and other commercial settings will be eliminated.

Regulations have already curtailed production of nearly all four-foot and most eight-foot T12 lamps. These are tubular-shaped fluorescent lamps with a 1.5-in. diameter that came into production during the 1950s. Also on the extinction list is the T8 “700 series” Fluorescent Lamp Family.  These 32W, 4-foot 1.0 in. diameter “700 series” lamps are commonly used for general lighting. More efficient 4-ft. T8 lamp options that meet the regulations are available today, and the commercial market is already converting to the newer T8 technology.

Take note of this date: July 2012. It is imperative to take action by replacing fixtures and or retro fitting existing fixtures with the new T8 fluorescent bulbs and electronic ballasts before this deadline. The good news is that there are incentive programs and rebates available to help ease the transformation’s initial bite on company budgets. Techsmart Environments can help you walk through the skeletal remains of prehistoric T12 carcasses and survive the transition.

Techsmart Environments will help you evolve to the new T8 technology and save you money at the same time. With an ROI, in many cases, of only two to three years, your lighting needs will be paid for, while your company continues to save money on your future energy bills. 

The death of the T12 is imminent, so don’t find yourself in a bind trying to find the last of a decreasing supply of magnetic ballasts or scrambling to find soon-to-be extinct T12 bulbs. The time to go Green is now. 

Techsmart Environments specializes in energy compliant, energy efficient high bay lighting. We can analyze your facilities and produce a painless transition from T12 or HID fixtures to an up-to-date Green Solution.  Don’t go the way of the Dinosaur.  Be Techsmart. 

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