Are T12 bulbs being phased out?
Daniel Cobb
Updated on January 04, 2026
In effect since July 2012, the legislation eliminates nearly all 4-foot T12 lamps, some 4-foot T8 lamps, most 8-foot T12 lamps, and almost all standard halogen PAR38, PAR30 and PAR20 lamps from the market. T12 technology is over 80 years old.
Are T12 bulbs going away?
As a result, in 2009, the department announced the eventual phase out of the 1.5-inch-diameter fluorescent T12 tubes. The mandate said production of the tubes would have to cease after July 14, 2012. Big-name manufacturers like Philips and Sylvania were granted two-year extensions on the deadline.Can I replace a T12 with LED?
Can you actually retrofit T12 to LED without changing out the ballast? Actually, yes. But before you make a decision, there are other LED solutions to consider for a high-efficiency lighting option for existing T12s. A lot has changed in just a few years in the lighting industry.Are fluorescent bulbs being discontinued?
US Department of Energy (DOE) regulations began phasing out various sizes of commercial fluorescent light bulbs in 2012. About all you can get today is the fluorescent workhorse of commercial lighting—the T81 bulb. By January 26, 2018 even T8s will be banned to align with new DOE energy efficiency standards.Can I replace a T12 bulb with a T8?
T12 vs T8 Fluorescent TubesT12 tubes are 1.5" in diameter while T8s are just one inch. All other things—socket sizes, lengths, distance between pins—are the same. T8 LED tubes won't fall out if you try to install them in a T12 fixture—they'll fit just fine.
T12 Fluorescent Lighting Phase Out
What bulbs are being discontinued?
The European Union Regulation 2019/2015/EU will stop the production of some CFL bulbs, R7s and low-voltage halogen bulbs in the future, so that only remaining stocks may be sold.What light bulbs are being discontinued?
Halogen Light Bulb Ban September 2021
- Compact Fluorescent Helix Light Bulbs.
- Halogen Linear R7s Lightbulbs (over 2,700 lumens)
- 12V Halogen Spotlight Bulbs (MR11, MR16)
- Lower performing LED lamps.