The Differences between T2 & T3 Lighting

T is for...

• The letter "T" in a bulb rating tells you that it's a tube-shaped bulb; such bulbs have two-pronged end caps on both sides. T bulbs are installed by opening the fixture's lid and sliding the bulb up into the outlet on each end, then rotating the bulb until the prongs slip into place.

The Number Stands for...

• The number after the "T" tells you the diameter of the bulb in eighths of an inch. A T2 bulb has a diameter of 2/8-inch (1/4-inch); a T3 light bulb has a diameter of 3/8-inch. Depending on how much room there is in the fixture, you may be able to use both T2 and T3 bulbs in the same fixture if the end caps are the same size, which they often are.

T2 Uses

• Because T2 bulbs are very narrow they work well in confined spaces. Bookshelves with concealed lighting over a desk work well with T2 bulbs; some refrigerators and oven hoods use T2 bulbs as well.

T3 Uses

• In addition to fitting into some T2 outlets, T3 bulbs are also useful for areas in which a brighter light must come from a small fixture. Several different types of studio lamps and stage lights use T3 bulbs.