Quick Fluorescent tube?

[ParaJack]

Hi, I've just been to both Wickes and Screwfix to get a replacement 1500mm x 36mm fluorescent tube. However, both places said that they haven't seen the 36mm tubes for a long time! Screwfix suggested to try the 26 mm tube in the fitting and see if it works as the pins are exactly the same width apart.

I put the slimmer tube into the fitting and it turned on straight away, so my question is: Is it 100% safe to use a 26mm diameter fluorescent tube in a 36mm holder?

May be a daft question, but I thought I'd make sure!

This is the new tube Sylvania Luxline Plus Triphosphor Fluorescent Tube T8 5200Lm 58W | Screwfix.com

The old tube just says Sylvania F 65/80 W/W

Thanks in advance

 

[Buckfast]

Should have no problem at all. T12 tubes (65W Getting harder to get hold of now). T8 (58W) ok to use.

 

[snowhead]

Perfectly safe to use T8

 

[ParaJack]

OK cheers guys, thought it would be OK but you never know with electrics, at least you've put my mind at rest

 

[Marvo]

You may get slightly shorter lifespan if the tube is over-ballasted with an inductive ballast, most electronic ballasts will compensate to some degree if a lower wattage tube is installed. Bottom line is if the original tube isn't available then give it a whirl, if the tube doesn't last very long then convert to an electronic ballast if it's wirewound at present.