PowerSwitch

8 watt flourescent tubes are widely used for standby lighting, emergency lights, and in 12 volt light fittings for off grid premises or vehicles.

Until recently, these small tubes were only readily available in the older and less eficient halophosphate type.
The light output at rated wattage being typicly in the region of 340 to 385 lumens, or about 42 to 48 lumens per watt.

Slyvania Lighting now produce an 8 watt tube that uses the newer and more efficient triphospor technology with a light output of 500 lumens or 62 lumens per watt.
The colour rendering is also improved, which tends to make the light look brighter.
Reducing energy used for lighting is allways desireable, but is especialy important when the electricity supply is either expensive or limited, as may often be the case.

These lamps should be available from most larger wholsalers, but might have to be ordered.

adam2 wrote:8 watt flourescent tubes are widely used for standby lighting, emergency lights, and in 12 volt light fittings for off grid premises or vehicles.

Until recently, these small tubes were only readily available in the older and less eficient halophosphate type.
The light output at rated wattage being typicly in the region of 340 to 385 lumens, or about 42 to 48 lumens per watt.

Slyvania Lighting now produce an 8 watt tube that uses the newer and more efficient triphospor technology with a light output of 500 lumens or 62 lumens per watt.
The colour rendering is also improved, which tends to make the light look brighter.
Reducing energy used for lighting is allways desireable, but is especialy important when the electricity supply is either expensive or limited, as may often be the case.

These lamps should be available from most larger wholsalers, but might have to be ordered.

How much do they cost?

I paid about £3 each, trade.
Probably more than that retail.
Arguably worth it though, the improved light output might permit the installation of 2 fittings instead of 3, or the use of an 8 watt fitting when a 13 watt one would otherwise have been needed.

Sylvania are a good brand in general, I've found.

RenewableCandy wrote:Sylvania are a good brand in general, I've found.

In general yes, but be aware that they still make the older 8 watt tubes as well for unimportant purposes like emergency lighting in public buildings, for which purpose lowest price is the main factor.

Be certain to ask for "luxline plus, 8 watt triphospor lamps with an output of 500 lumens"

The manufacture or import of larger flourescent lamps that use the old style halophosphate coating has been prohibited (subject to certain minor exceptions) Small lamps are exempt from this restriction.