I just replaced an old 48 Watt, 48", two-tube T12 fixture in my kitchen with a new 32-Watt, 48", two-tube T8 fixture. They weren't even 42 Watt T8s.
T8 instead of T12, but using 33% less power.
That new light is BRIGHT!! I mean, the cat scrunches up his eyelids and then glares at me as he stalks out of the kitchen when I turn it on.
I mean, I almost think about wearing sunglasses, and sometimes I flinch.
Maybe choosing "cool blue" tubes added to the shock. The old tubes were "warm" color and many years old, so the tubes and ballast were on their last legs. Whatever it was, it feels like 2-3 times as much light.
