T6 Circular Light Bulb

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TheCircline fluorescent bulb has been around for decades, but it is still a mystery to many consumers. Not only is the Circline light bulb design less common than more traditional light bulb shapes, but it is also more confusing to replace. There are several different factors to consider when replacing your Circline fluorescent bulbs to ensure that you get the correct light bulbs for your particular fixture.

To help you better understand Circline bulbs, we will take a closer look at what they are and how they work. Additionally, we will address a few common questions related to the fluorescent Circline bulb. For example, how do Circline bulbs work? What are the different sizes available to consumers? How can you measure a Circline bulb on your own? Finally, what do you need to know to properly change a Circline bulb?

Aside from manuals related to sizes and compatibility with different light fixtures, there is very little written about the Circline bulb. Experts believe that it was first introduced sometime in the mid-to-late 1940s. Since then, Circline fluorescent bulbs have been used in homes and businesses all over the world. Despite the fact that Circline fluorescent bulbs are far more energy efficient than incandescent light bulbs, they are not nearly as common because they feature many different pin layouts that make it more difficult to find the right bulb to fit each light fixture.

If you have used fluorescent light bulbs before, you are probably familiar with the long tube design that is commonplace in many offices. These tubes have pins on each end that connect them to the light fixture. While Circline fluorescent bulbs look very different, they work in much the same way.

The sealed glass tube of a fluorescent bulb (regardless of the design) contains a little bit of mercury combined with an inert gas like argon. The inside of the glass is also coated with a phosphor powder. Every fluorescent bulb has some kind of electrode setup that is wired to an electrical circuit.

When a fluorescent bulb is connected to a light fixture with an adequate power source, the electrical current flows through the circuit to the electrodes. The voltage produced by the electrodes causes electrons to migrate through the glass tube. This naturally forces electrons and charged atoms to collide with gaseous mercury atoms, causing the electrons to have higher energy levels. When the electrons return to their normal energy level, they release light photons, which is how fluorescent bulbs produce light.

While this may sound very confusing and complex, it all takes place very quickly. This is why a fluorescent bulb turns on almost instantaneously when you flip the light switch on. As previously mentioned, this process happens in all fluorescent bulbs, including Circline bulbs. With a Circline bulb, the key differentiation is the shape of the glass tube (circular) and the placement of the pins and diodes.

Additionally, you also have various codes that refer to the size and pin layout of the base. However, it is not as easy to understand these codes based on the letters and numbers alone. For example, one of the most common layouts is the 2GX13 base, which has two pairs of pins facing in opposite directions (4 pins in total). Alternatively, the G10Q base features 4 pins in a square layout, all facing in the same direction.

There are two ways to measure a Circline bulb. First, you can measure the diameter of the bulb tube. This will tell you if you have a T5, T6, or T9 bulb. This works using any standard measuring tape or ruler. You simply measure how wide the tubing is at any given point in the circle.

The second way to measure a Circline bulb is by measuring the length of the tube. This will tell you if you have FC8, FC12, FC16, etc. To find out this measurement, place measuring tape along the outside surface of the bulb and measure the entirety of the circle (excluding the non-tube base).

In some cases, you may find that your results come out slightly longer than the standardized sizes. This is due to the fact that you are measuring the bulb from the outside, providing the longest possible measurement. If this happens, you can put your measuring tape along the interior of the bulb as well, record both measurements, add them up, and divide by two. After that, you should be left with a more accurate measurement of your Circline bulb.

Before you do anything, make sure that your light fixture is turned off. Depending on the type of fixture, you may need to remove the covering of the light to access the bulb. Most light fixtures will have moveable parts that hold the bulb in place. Simply remove the bulb from these holders.

We hope you found this guide on Circline bulbs both fun and informative! Are you interested in learning more about Circline bulbs? Are you ready to purchase high-quality light bulbs at affordable prices? If so, be sure to check out the products available at Bulb Center today!

This collection of circular fluorescent bulbs provides outstanding brightness with a convenient long-lasting lifespan. Compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, circular ones emit the same amount of light while using much less power. They can be used for homes or offices that have the goal of using more energy efficient lighting. Circular bulbs only fit certain light fixtures, so be sure to check to ensure you are purchasing the correct type. With more than 20 varieties to choose from, these bulbs fit any aesthetic and preference need. Choose from multiple styles of long-lasting, high-quality bulbs to illuminate any room.

BulbAmerica offers hundreds of different light bulb types at the lowest prices online. The company was established in 2003 with the goal of proving the best lighting to customers and maintaining its presence in the industry. For all your lighting needs you only need to visit one place - bulbamerica.com.

Eco-conscious lighting for circularity products, especially when paired with our services and systems can help to reach sustainability development goals and enhance your store experience at the same time.

An electrician installed this ceiling fixture years ago. I replaced the bulb 3 years ago and it worked. Now I am replacing it again with an extra bulb I bought and tested 3 years ago. The light is not working with the new (stored unused) bulb.

I should be receiving 2 more bulbs in the next couple of days that I can test with. Do you think it's the stored bulb or something else? Can the bulb be installed with either side up? I tried both sides and neither worked. What else could I be doing wrong? Can I test the connection with my 2 pronged voltage tester without removing the light or cutting the wires?

OK, gave up on the LED option and ordered 2 ballasts from replacementlightbulbs.com, along with an extra connector in case I break one. That pretty much covers all the components. I should receive everything by middle of next week.

Just as with (the soon to be gone) standard incandescent light bulbs, circline lamps use wattages to measure how much power is used to light a bulb. By comparison, the circular fluorescent lights emit the same amount of light (lumens) while using less power than incandescents. A circline light bulb of only 13 watts can replace a 60 watt incandescent bulb and has an output of 650-900 lumens. The wattage of the bulb also determines the diameter of the bulb which in turn determines if it will fit the fixture. So unlike standard spiral CFLs you may not be able to go up or down in wattage range because it will affect the size of the bulb possibly rendering it unusable with your fixture.

Color temperatures represent how bright a bulb is. Circular fluorescent bulbs can range in color from warm white to the brightest daylight just like standard compact fluorescent lights. Color specifics are all varying shades of white:

This is where using a circular fluorescent can get tricky. Depending on the manufacturer, some light fixtures only use bulbs from their own line. Yeah, I know it can be tempting sometimes to go with an off/generic brand, but in this case your generic circline lamp may not work in the fixture. When replacing a Circular Lamp, first make sure that there are no manufacturer specifics determining what bulb can be used. Next, determine what the lamp type (e.g. T6 , T9) and pin type is (e.g. 2 pin, 4 pin). When finding the right lamp for your fixture, you have to choose the same lamp type and pin types as these are not interchangeable.

For light fixtures that use circular bulbs that are too big or too small will not work, even if it is from the right manufacturer. Make sure to replace these bulbs by measuring the diameter of an existing bulb then purchase the right size. If you would rather leave measuring alone, you can also use the manufacturer model number to find a replacement bulb.

This article was co-authored by Daniel Stoescu and by wikiHow staff writer, Christopher M. Osborne, PhD. Daniel Stoescu is a Master Electrician and the Owner and Operator of Home Tech Solutions, LLC in Hampton, Virginia. With over a decade of experience, Daniel specializes in wiring residential, commercial, and light industrial structures. The Home Tech Solutions team has over four decades of combined experience and offers comprehensive solutions for residential electrical needs.

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Circular fluorescent light bulbs can be a great decorative feature, and changing the bulb is only slightly more challenging than a standard screw-in light bulb. It only takes a few minutes to switch bulbs if you use a matching replacement bulb and prioritize safety by shutting off the power supply and being careful not to break the bulb. After that, your ring of light will glow brightly once more!

Offering the same brightness as fluorescent and LED tube lights, 2D bulbs are turned into more compact shapes, making them more convenient and easier to install. 2D lamps, also known as Double D bulbs are available with two different cap types: the GR8 or the GR10q. The easiest way to tell which type of cap your bulb has is to count the pins on its underside: if there are 2 pins, it is a GR8 connector, and if there are 4 pins, it is a GR10q. Like 2D bulbs, circular bulbs offer the same brightness as standard fluorescent tubes, but they are turned into more compact shapes, making them more convenient and easier to install. Circular bulbs are available in 2-pin and 4-pin versions, and are usually installed as part of integrated light fittings, or in inspection lamps and magnifiers.

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