So apparently the only difference between standard bi-pin lamps and single pin “slimline” lamps is just the bases on the end. They aren’t HO or VHO, they are just instant-start only versions of the “normal” lamps.

Why would they feel the need to make an entirely new fluorescent tube base (adding ambiguity) when there literally is no difference between them and standard bi-pin lamps? Is it a durability thing? As far as I am aware, everything you can do with a single-pin (mono-pin?) lamp you can also do with a bi-pin lamp.

Just… why?

So apparently the only difference between standard bi-pin lamps and single pin “slimline” lamps is just the bases on the end. They aren’t HO or VHO, they are just instant-start only versions of the “normal” lamps.

Why would they feel the need to make an entirely new fluorescent tube base (adding ambiguity) when there literally is no difference between them and standard bi-pin lamps? Is it a durability thing? As far as I am aware, everything you can do with a single-pin (mono-pin?) lamp you can also do with a bi-pin lamp.

Just… why?

instant-start lamps generally have more robust cathodes designed for instant-starting (well as best as you can, it will always be damaging to a hot cathode) the most prime example is the special cathodes you find in SOX lamps for example, while you can instant start a bi-pin lamp, but its not good for it, (even a F40T12/IS tube the rare instant-start *bi-pin* version of the F40T12 has the pins shunted together internally on each end)

r17d bases where introduced for electrical safety reasons, to lessen the chance of getting a shock from the tube if your holding one end of it while inserting the other end into a live fixture (and I certainly remember shocking myself doing that with an F20T12 when I was young LOL)


Never seen a single pin T5 tube mind, but there is the single pin F42T6 and F64T6, T6 series of slimline tubes

Ease of handling I bet.

In Europe, the use of single pin lamps is very minor, and AFAIK limited to explosion proof luminaires for mine lighting.


 

instant-start lamps generally have more robust cathodes designed for instant-starting (well as best as you can, it will always be damaging to a hot cathode) the most prime example is the special cathodes you find in SOX lamps for example, while you can instant start a bi-pin lamp, but its not good for it, (even a F40T12/IS tube the rare instant-start *bi-pin* version of the F40T12 has the pins shunted together internally on each end)

I guess if you don't have to worry about a preheat voltage on the cathodes, then you can have a little more design freedom because if the filament does end up shorting out, it doesn't actually matter. Do they actually make instant-start fluorescent tubes with beehive cathodes like SOX?

r17d bases where introduced for electrical safety reasons, to lessen the chance of getting a shock from the tube if your holding one end of it while inserting the other end into a live fixture (and I certainly remember shocking myself doing that with an F20T12 when I was young LOL)

Isn't r17d only for HO and VHO tubes? Also, if you are holding a lamp by the pins (especially when installing it), I think that is just some Charles Darwin action (no offense). I guess you were young so that's okay lol.