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Lighting Trends - Product Insight - Industry News

Circline Bulbs: Fun Design, Confusing to Replace

6/8/2018

3 Comments

 
​Circline bulbs can be especially challenging for consumers looking to replace one that has burnt out. When it’s time to switch out that old, circular bulb with a new one, there are three important details to keep in mind:

  • Wattage
  • Bulb Size
  • Pin Configuration
 
Let us explain a bit further…
 
WATTAGE
First, determine the wattage of the bulb you are trying to replace. This information should be marked on your existing bulb. If by chance it is rubbed off or not shown, always check your fixture for the maximum wattage it can handle. This information is usually located within the fixture, often near the socket. If you’re looking to convert from older fluorescent technology to newer LED technology, we can help you determine the new lower wattage which will generate similar light output.
 
BULB SIZE
Next, figure out the bulb size. In the case of circlines, you will need the diameter of the bulb. Diameter is a unit of measurement found by measuring from side to side through the center of the object. The most common sizes include T5, T9, and T6 – where the T stands for “tubular” and the number is a measurement in eighths of an inch. For example, a T5 is a tubular bulb that is 5/8” in diameter. A T6 will typically be a double circline bulb which will make this step much easier.

​PIN CONFIGURATION
Lastly, it is especially important to take note of the pin configuration. The pins must be the same as the replacement bulb in order to fit back into the existing fixture. Not only will you need to know how many pins the bulb has, but where exactly on the lamp they are positioned. Let’s take a look at a few different examples:
​
Picture

GOING IN FULL CIRCLE
Next time you’re in the market to replace your circline bulb, remember these three, easy pieces of information.
 
And while you’re at it, consider replacing your entire fixture with a new, energy efficient LED fixture.
 
Whatever your lighting needs, reach out to the pros at Lighting Supply. As one of the most widely known and respected lighting distributors, we have all the products and answers you need – and we’re always happy to help!
 
Contact us here or leave a comment below.
3 Comments
Rick link
8/27/2019 01:55:35 am

I really appreciate your post and you explain each and every point very well. Best fluorescent light panels in cheap rate available on USASKYPANELS .

Reply
Mariah link
7/16/2020 02:36:40 pm

I've never replaced a circline bulb before, so is the diameter of the bulb measured from outside to outside of the circle or inside to inside? Mine is measuring 11.5 from the outside of the circle but 9.5 from the inside so I'm not sure with what diameter I need to replace with. I checked your "diameter of the bulb" link from above, however, it does not cover this type of bulb.

Reply
Brittney @ Lighting Supply
7/21/2020 08:43:01 am

Hi Mariah -

Great question! When measuring a circline, you will typically need to know two different diameters. First, the diameter of the entire circline - measured from the outside of the circline. Second, the diameter of the tube itself - measured from the outside as well. For example, if you have an FC16T9 bulb, it is 16" across the entire bulb and the tube itself is 9/8ths of an inch in diameter.

I hope this helps! If you have further questions, please give us a call at 877.231.2852.

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