T5 ballasts

[captexas]

I do a lot of work on new retail store construction and have noticed lately many places like Home Depot and Lowe's changing over from the big metal halide lamps to the new T5 light fixtures. Yesterday I actually got to see the ballasts they were using at a Home Depot being built up north and they were the Advance brand electronic ballasts. They were like 18in. long by 2in. wide by 3/4in. thick. Pretty need looking and had simple wire connections for running one or two bulbs. If the big commercial places are going with them, the prices should come down soon. Definately a sign that they are much more energy efficient as the stores are looking for ways to cut expenses.

Hopefully I can get my hands on one to play around with sometime soon.

[TexasState]

I heard rumor that T5 fixture are available at Home Depot. I wonder what kind of bubls those T5 fixture uses. NO, or HO, or VHO?

[captexas]

I know the shop light fixtures they sell have changed from the old T12 to the smaller T8 bulbs. I have two of those in my garage.