Heat Output from T5?

[butt0n]

I have a set of T5's coming in the mail soon and was wondering what everyone's experience is with the heat output of this fixture. The particular one I purchased said it was made to be "cool running," but was wondering if anyone has experienced something different.

[mayres]

I have a fixture with SIX tubes - it is definately warmer than economy shoplights. I think the term "cool" running is a relative one. Cooler than incandescent or HID - but I would still expect a certain amount of heat. The tubes themselves don't emit a lot of heat -it comes from the ballast area and rises up (as heat does). I was actually able to utilize this heat as supplemental heat for my orchid area during the winter - which enabled my thermostat controlled heater to stay mostly off - except during the evening when the fixture was off. As long as you have a fan for good air circulation - which you need regardless - I wouldn't expect significant heat issues.

[butt0n]

I was curious since the topic of burning the carpet in our living room came up...LOL. I just got a set up that allows for light placement underneath 2 tiers, the lowest at which is approximately 3 to 4 feet from the floor.

[digitalgate]

I thought using T5 was hot. HID even hotter. However, after moving to Metal halides
nah.... not a problem.

[mayres]

I don't think you'd burn a hole in the carpet with the bulbs resting ON the carpet? Temps not THAT hot - that I have noted. Good luck setting yours up and post us a pic when you are all ready to go.

[PhalPal]

button heat has not been an issue with my T5's. I have two small fans running when they are on, but I would have these going for air circ even if I did not have lights. There isn't anything on the set-up that I can't touch with bare fingers. My orchid room stays about two degrees warmer than the rest of the house if I close the door to the room.

[butt0n]

Originally Posted by mayres

I don't think you'd burn a hole in the carpet with the bulbs resting ON the carpet? Temps not THAT hot - that I have noted. Good luck setting yours up and post us a pic when you are all ready to go.

LOL...yeah would hope not. I will definitely post pictures when I have everything up and running.

[butt0n]

After having the T5's up for a week now, I've noticed almost no significant heat output from this fixture. Just thought I'd let you know my findings in the case someone was curious about this particular one.