Are Super T-8s Really Super?

In answer to the question, "where do I use Super T-8s," Morante recommended the following:

In a retrofit:

• As a one-for-one replacement of existing lamps, because it increases work surface illuminance;
• To replace a lamp and ballast with Super T-8 and low ballast factor ballast, which will maintain work surface illuminance and reduce energy requirements by 14 percent;
• In the redesign of a lighting system, to reduce the number of fixtures, so that work surface illuminance is maintained while energy requirements are reduced by 16 percent.

In new construction and remodeling, you can:

• Design a lighting system with Super T-8s to use fewer fixtures and less energy, assuming the necessary fixture spacing can be achieved to lower first cost and operating costs;
• Design a lighting system with Super T-8s and low ballast factor ballasts, which would use the same number of lighting fixtures, but reduce the energy needs by 14 percent, thereby lowering operating costs.