How Fluorescent Lamps are Labeled

Want to know how to identify the various fluorescent tubes available?

Fluorescent tubes are identified by several letters and numbers printed on the end of the tube, which looks something like this: F40CW-T12.

Therefore the typical labeling form would be FSWWCCC-TDD. Use the chart below to identify the markings:

# F	- Fluorescent lamp. G means Germicidal shortwave UV lamp.
# S	- Style - no letter indicates normal straight tube; C for Circular.
# WW	- Nominal power in Watts. 4, 5, 8, 12, 15, 20, 30, 40, etc.
# CCC	- Color. W=White, CW=Cool white, WW=Warm white, BL/BLB=Black light, etc.
# T	- Tubular bulb.
# DD	- Diameter of tube in of eighths of an inch. T8 is 1", T12 is 1.5", etc.

PLEASE NOTE: Variations on this format are possible.