How long do typical flourescent commercial bulbs last?

[beer]

I'm specifically thinking about the typical 5' bulbs used in offices, etc. They just replaced a whole bunch of ones that were out in my study area and he said they only last a month or so. I don't believe that for a second. Can anyone enlighten me?

 

[bradruth]

Originally posted by: beer
I'm specifically thinking about the typical 5' bulbs used in offices, etc. They just replaced a whole bunch of ones that were out in my study area and he said they only last a month or so. I don't believe that for a second. Can anyone enlighten me?

I wouldn't believe it either. We have flourescent lights here in the dorms and I've never seen one replaced in my or my friends rooms.

 

[K1052]

Generally 20,000 hours at least.

 

[Platypus]

No, they should last a few months.

 

[PowerMac4Ever]

12-17 years

 

[TechnoKid]

20,000 hours. What will happen is that lumens will decrease over time, but maybe only by like 10%. The newer T8 bulbs have a better avg lumens than its T12 counter parts.

http://www.lighting.philips.com/nam/feature/alto/tech.php Is a good info on various T12 and T8 fluorescent lighting technology.

edit: its spelled fluorescent, not flourescent. i make the same mistake all the time.

 

[rival]

they're 4' btw

 

[MournSanity]

Depends on how many rolling blackouts you get in your area.