PC lighting

[Willie_6]

How often should I replace PC bulbs?

If I replace my 54w bulbs with 65w does that equate to having more lighting?

 

[pjf]

T5 > PC

T5 > PC

I think you are asking how to compare PC lamps with T5 lamps.

The electrical power consumed can be determined by the wattage. A 65-watt PC lamp will consume more electricity than your 54-watt T5HO lamp.

As for light output, the PC lamp produces ~60 lumens per watt (http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/info/documents/pdfs/lmc_vol1_final.pdf), so a 65-watt PC will generate 60x65 = 3900 lumens.

The T5HO lamp produces ~90 lumens per watt (http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/nlpip/lightingAnswers/lat5/pc1a.asp), so a 54-watt T5HO will generate 90x54 = 4900 lumens.

In other words, the T5HO consumes less electricity and produces more light. If you factor in individual reflectors for each T5 lamp, you are getting even more lighting.

I don't know how often you should replace bulbs but T5 lamps do last longer than PC lamps.

 

[monkey61672]

Willie

pjf opened my eyes to the benefits of the T5s. I needed to replace my (4) 96 watt PCs and just finished three days of research (hundreds of threads/posts on T5s Q&A) and I made the jump. Take a look they really seem to that good!!!!

thanks again PJK

 

[Willie_6]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8992047#post8992047 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by monkey61672
Willie

pjf opened my eyes to the benefits of the T5s. I needed to replace my (4) 96 watt PCs and just finished three days of research (hundreds of threads/posts on T5s Q&A) and I made the jump. Take a look they really seem to that good!!!!

thanks again PJK

Thanks for the info. T5's are better lights you are correct. Unfortunantly, that is not an option for now.

So back to my original question. How often should I change the bulbs of a PC fixture?

 

[J. Montgomery]

About every six months.

 

[Willie_6]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8994792#post8994792 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by J. Montgomery
About every six months.

gulp. At $27 a bulb x 8 bulbs, I am looking at $216 every six months!?!?!?!? I am getting dizzy...I need to sit dowwwwwwwww