Lol I'm an electrician too., the t-8 is just the lamp size..but a t5 is a great lamp.. How old are your fixtures? It might be old or really cheap ballast..
I recently put T5's in my garage.I love 'em,I will say this,,,,,,,,,a 4ft t5 puts out much more light than the old 8ft'rs.Not knowing when I hung 'em,I have more light than I need:eusa_eh:
