Also known as fat tubes and strip lights, these are the original fluorescent tubes.

They are one and a half inches in diameter otherwise 12 eighths of an inch hence their real name T12 tubes

A lot of people have changed to the slim line versions which are more energy efficient; they fit in the same fittings without any modification.

Some people still prefer the larger tubes and some very old fittings cannot use the slim tubes, you can tell whether they are too old because they will not have a starter on the side.

The light output of the slim tubes is actually slightly greater but some people just prefer the larger area.

With the 8 foot tubes another problem is there two wattages the 100 watt will go into any 8ft light fitting and will work, the 125 watt tube will only work in a 125 watt fitting.

The T12 Fluorescent tube in 6 foot and above requires a different starter to most lamps, it is usually called a FS125. It is advisable to replace the starter at the same time as replacing the tube.

There is also an electronic starter available which protects the control gear inside the fluorescent fitting when the tubes fails, stops flicker and "Soft Starts" the tube which increases its life.
You will find starters at the bottom of the main fluorescent tube page.

The colour options are the three different whites:

Warm -comfortable with lots of yellow - (obsolete in 8ft)

Normal - a neutral white

Cool white - a clean crisp white, best where cleaning and inspection processes are carried out.

Don't forget these are now classified as "Hazardous Waste" and should be recycled.
For business we have several options available see our recycling section.

There are sleeves for fluorescent tubes which are used in catering applications to ensure a broken tube will not spread glass everywhere should it be broken, they are also used for changing the colour of the light. Call us if you need some

For bulk /volume orders, or if you would rather talk than type, please call us, we like to talk!


There are big discounts for boxes of 25 tubes.

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Florescent, fluorescent, fluorescent, kitchen light, pelmet light, fat tube, T12,