Reply by JustJoe

T12 are phased out, no longer being produced, obsolete.
That should make it a bit easier to pick T8 or T5.

The T means tube, the number is the diameter in 1/8 (T12 is 1.25”, T8 is 1” diameter).
The smaller the diameter, the more efficient to an extent.
For the 48”, a T12 is 78 lumens (brightness) perwatt, and a T8 is 90 an T5, if you have the $, is 99.
And the color rendering index (CRI – wavelengths covered, bigger makes it look more natural) is better too.
For T12 it was low 60s, for T8/T5 it is mid 80s.

Because of the new regulations phasing out T12 and incandescents I’m sure the internet is full of sites that can explain it better than that if you try googling “difference between fluorescent lights” or “T12 vs T8 vs T5” might get you something better.

My workshop is full of 8’ T12s. I hope they don’t burn out before I die.

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