Sylvania 21616 F15T8/CW

The Sylvania 21616 F15T8/CW is a 15W preheat-start T8 linear fluorescent lamp engineered for 18-inch preheat fluorescent fixture applications in residential kitchens, workshops, under-cabinet strips, and commercial utility lighting. Delivering 825 initial lumens of 4200K cool white output through a G13 medium bi-pin base, this 18-inch T8 lamp provides a 7,500-hour rated service life when operated with a compatible preheat ballast and starter combination.

ADL Supply Expert Application & Replacement Guide

The Sylvania F15T8/CW (Order Code 21616) is primarily utilized by electrical contractors and facility maintenance teams servicing 18-inch preheat fluorescent fixtures in residential under-cabinet strips, workshop strip lights, commercial utility fixtures, and retail display cases where the preheat circuit standard is the installed platform. This lamp uses preheat start technology — a legacy fluorescent starting method that requires both a preheat-rated fluorescent ballast and a separate glow starter (such as an FS-2) installed in the fixture's starter socket. The starter preheats the lamp's cathodes for a brief period before striking the arc, producing a characteristic flicker at ignition. This lamp is not compatible with modern instant-start or programmed-start electronic ballasts — it must be used in a fixture specifically designed for preheat operation with a starter. Confirm your fixture has a preheat ballast and an accessible starter socket before ordering. The G13 medium bi-pin base is the same physical format as standard 4-foot T8 lamps but the 17.78-inch overall length means this lamp will only seat correctly in 18-inch preheat T8 fixture lampholders.

Product Specifications

• Brand: Sylvania (Ledvance)
• Product Line Series: T8 Preheat Linear Fluorescent
• Manufacturer Part Number: F15T8/CW
• Sylvania Order Code: 21616
• Core Technology: T8 Linear Fluorescent — Preheat Start
• Ballast Requirement: Preheat-rated fluorescent ballast plus FS-2 glow starter — electronic instant-start and programmed-start ballasts not compatible
• Wattage: 15W
• Initial Lumens: 825 lm
• Color Temperature (CCT): 4200K Cool White
• Color Rendering Index (CRI): 60 — confirm with Sylvania specification sheet
• Base Type Configuration: G13 Medium Bi-Pin
• Tube Diameter: T8 — 1.0 inch (25.4mm)
• Maximum Overall Length (MOL): 17.78 inches (451.6mm)
• Nominal Length: 18-inch class
• Start Type: Preheat — requires separate glow starter
• Rated Average Lifespan: 7,500 Hours (based on 3-hour burn cycles)
• Burn Position: Universal — Any Orientation
• Mercury Content: Contains mercury — recycle per applicable regulations

Operation, Safety & Mounting Compliance

Preheat Circuit Requirements — Ballast, Starter & Compatibility

Preheat fluorescent circuits require three components working together: the lamp, the preheat-rated ballast, and the glow starter. The glow starter (typically an FS-2 for 15W T8 applications) is a thermally-activated switch that closes to allow current through the lamp cathodes for a brief preheating period, then opens to trigger the ballast's voltage spike that strikes the arc. Without the starter, the lamp will not ignite. Modern electronic instant-start and programmed-start T8 ballasts use different electrical ignition methods and are not compatible with preheat lamps — operating a preheat lamp on an instant-start electronic ballast will result in non-ignition or premature cathode failure. Replace the glow starter whenever the lamp is replaced to ensure correct starting behavior and rated lamp life.

Before You Order 

Industry Cross-Reference Data

• GE Lighting: F15T8/CW (equivalent 15W 18-inch T8 preheat cool white G13)
• Philips: F15T8/CW (equivalent 15W T8 preheat cool white 18-inch G13 platform)
• Osram: F15T8/CW (equivalent 15W 18-inch T8 preheat cool white linear)
• Legacy Cross-Reference: Direct replacement for 15W 18-inch T8 preheat cool white lamp positions in preheat-circuit under-cabinet strip, workshop, and utility fluorescent fixture installations

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