Will T12's work on a T8 ballast?

[Carissa]

I am making a lighting system and I went and bought two T8 ballasts before I realized that I had to buy T12 bulbs. My question is, will the bulbs still work ok? My plan was to overdrive the bulbs 2x. The ballast itself does not list T12's on it, it appears to be made for T8's (normal output). But what would the difference be between a ballast for T8's and T12's? All I can find online is references to the old magnetic ballasts, this is obviously an electronic ballast, instant start. Will I just end up shortening ballast life losing efficiency or something like that? Will it even matter if I'm overdriving them anyway?

 

[eznet2u]

Depends on the ballast. What brand is it?

 

[Harry_Fish]

Yes check the ballast it should say, many do but some don't

Good Luck

 

[Carissa]

It's a GE432-120RES-DIY. I looked it up online and it only lists T8's. I'm hoping it will work anyway.

 

[PaulErik]

If wired normally the ballast will under drive T12 bulbs. T8 lamps are designed to be operated at 265mA. T12 lamps are designed to be operated at 430mA.

 

[Carissa]

Ok, so if I overdrive 2x I'll just get less overdriving than I would with T8's. Thanks.