It just keeps getting thinner when it comes to lighting! Sylvania engineers wanted an extremely thin lamp which could be used where nothing else would fit, the answer was the Sylvania T2 fluorescent subminiature fluorescent light bulb.  The T2 lamps are only 1/4" inch in diameter and have an unconventional socket connection.  It consists of a couple of lead wires which utilize poke-in wire connections. These are far more energy efficient and operate on an electronic ballast usually configured to run several variances of T2 lamps.  They have a programmed start so the bulb will last longer and there will be less chance of end blackening.  There are many different applications where a very thin lamp is required such as wall mount, display cases, edge lighting, cabinet or sign and back-lit displays.  These come in several wattages of 8, 11 and 13 watts with code numbers of FM8, FM11 or FM13.  Sometimes the code includes the color, such as FM11/830, FM11/841, FM13/830 or FM13/841.

As with all fluorescent bulbs, they rely on ballasts inside of the fixtures in order to make them work. Ballasts are available from Universal or Osram Sylvania, among others. Almost all fixtures for Sylvania T2 fluorescent bulbs come with ballasts already mounted and wired. The ballast is important because it is specific for each type of bulb.  You can't change from one type of fluorescent to another without changing the ballast in most cases.  In some occasions, there may be a ballast that is made for several different wattage like these lamps. Most of the time the ballast in the lamp are matched electrically and so it's good to make sure the ballast you have is the right one for the lamp you choose.  The ballast label should clearly mark which lamp or lamps it is to be used with.

You can get these in two basic color temperatures, 3000K and the more popular 4100K.  Most offices use the 4100K color as it matches up with most overhead lighting.  The 3000K is a much warmer color appearance and gives off a flattering light which is good with skin tones or earth tone colors.  In either case, the light that is given off has an excellent color rendering which will make your colors more vibrant.

Remember that there are many types of fluorescent bulbs, we describe some latest Sylvania T2 fluorescent technology here.  Whatever type you choose, you will be getting the best possible lighting in color and efficiency while maintaining a very thin profile.  We have a large inventory of fluorescent bulbs for nearly every type of light fixture in the field.  If you need help identifying a bulb, our customer service representatives can help you determine what you have.