Fluorescent Tubes

Criteria for Limited Use products:

If LED replacements do not exist, suppliers may only sell products meeting specifications below.

Linear T8s, 48 inches:

• Minimum rated life (hours): 24,000
• Minimum warranty (years): 3
• Minimum color rendering index (CRI): 80
• Maximum mercury content (mg): 3.5

Linear T8s, <48 inches:

• Minimum rated life (hours): 18,000
• Minimum warranty (years): 2
• Minimum color rendering index (CRI): 80
• Maximum mercury content (mg): 3.5

Linear T8s, >48 inches and U-bent T8s:

• Minimum rated life (hours): 18,000
• Minimum warranty (years): 2
• Minimum color rendering index (CRI): 80
• Maximum mercury content (mg): TCLP-compliant** required

Standard linear T5s (high-efficiency linear):

• Minimum rated life (hours): 24,000
• Minimum warranty (years): 2
• Minimum color rendering index (CRI): 85
• Maximum mercury content (mg): 3.0

High-output linear T5s (T5H0s) (high-efficiency linear):

• Minimum rated life (hours): 30,000
• Minimum warranty (years): 2
• Minimum color rendering index (CRI): 85
• Maximum mercury content (mg): 3.0

Prohibited products are all other fluorescent lamps including:

• All general service (not specialty) T12, T10 and T9 fluorescent lamps (including linear, u-bent and circular models);
• Preheat T8s and T5 fluorescent lamps; and
• Circular T5 fluorescent lamps.

*Minimum rated life is based on 3-hour/start cycle testing on an electronic instant start ballast

** TCLP-compliant lamps have reduced mercury content and often are labeled “ECO”.