This type of lamp can last for over 20,000 hours, according to Facilities Net. The ballasts featured in high output fluorescent lamps produce up to 100,000 starting voltages before showing signs of wear. "Lumens" measure light output, and "lumen depreciation" refers to a decrease in light output throughout the life of a lamp. T5-HO lamps offer an average of only 9 percent lumen depreciation throughout their life.
Despite the benefits linked with this type of bulb's ballasts, they can overheat and require repair or replacement. Another drawback with these ballasts is that they can take over two minutes to heat up to the temperature required for producing visible light. Lighting Associates recommends that ideal applications for T5-HO lamps are in light fixtures 18 feet or more above the ground.
Four high output fluorescent lamps offer the same light output levels as one single high-intensity discharge lamp. High output fluorescent lamp peak light outputs occur at temperatures in the 95-degree F range.