Upgrade The Tube

[wei0204]

I have a 2 X 14Watts T5 lighting. Thinking of change the tubes to higher wattage, is that possible?

I went to my LFS, checked on that and the LFS owner told me that I it is hard to get a higher wattage tube as I need to pay more and she is not sure whether a higher wattage tube is compatible with my lighting unit or not.

Anyone could help ?

 

[SkiFletch]

Sure, fourescents have a wattage per length which is why it would be tough to fit a higher wattage bulb in the same socket Normal output 14w T5 lights are 15 or 18" tubes I THINK, not sure on the lower length ones . Either way, going up to an 18w or 24w tube would require a longer fixture cause the tubes are longer.

Furthermore, flourescent lighting fixtures are ran by a ballast (the thing that converts the power so the lamp can actually light). Ballasts are designed for a specific number of bulbs at a specific wattage. Going outside of the ranges of the ballast is not reccomended and may have bad consequences.

In short, you'll need to either buy a new fixture with longer tubes, or purchase a retrofit kit of bulbs and ballast(s) and fit it into your current hood yourself

 

[wei0204]

Sure, fourescents have a wattage per length which is why it would be tough to fit a higher wattage bulb in the same socket Normal output 14w T5 lights are 15 or 18" tubes I THINK, not sure on the lower length ones . Either way, going up to an 18w or 24w tube would require a longer fixture cause the tubes are longer.

Furthermore, flourescent lighting fixtures are ran by a ballast (the thing that converts the power so the lamp can actually light). Ballasts are designed for a specific number of bulbs at a specific wattage. Going outside of the ranges of the ballast is not reccomended and may have bad consequences.

In short, you'll need to either buy a new fixture with longer tubes, or purchase a retrofit kit of bulbs and ballast(s) and fit it into your current hood yourself

Ic. Thank you for the info, at least I have learnt something this morning.