Customer Reviews

TrueColor TC10002 / T13330 13-Watt Ott-Lite Replacement Bulb

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

OttLite is a little too coy about describing their replacement lamps.
The lamp I received said nothing about neither TrueColor nor TC10002,
but was in fact an OttLite 13wHW model T13330.

Any PL13 bulb with G23 2-pin base should work;
one pays a premium for the OttLite name
and better color rendering index (CRI).
Amazon sells a pack of 4 Feit PL13 bulbs for
less than one of these.

As with other fluorescent bulbs, lifetime rating
is based on continuous duty. Per Wikipedia,
"If the lamp is installed where it is frequently switched on and off,
it will age rapidly."

The first time I tried to replace the old bulb, I ordered two of them on line and when I received them is when I found out that these "U" shaped bulbs can have different pin configurations. I had purchased the 4-pin one and that's how I realized that I needed the 2-pin one, which is this one, which is the one I'm very happy with.

Yes, the daylight-like quality of light is very good, but the bulb life is nowhere near the 10,000 hours claimed for it. In my experience, the bulb lasted about 500 hours, then began rapidly flickering on and off continuously.

Amazon has a great price for this. I found this exact same bulb at Michaels and used a 40% coupon to pay for it, but wound up returning it to Michaels and purchasing it from Amazon instead because even with the 40% off it was much more expensive at Michaels than Amazon.

Be sure to order the correct type of 13-W bulb for your ott-lite. They now have 2 types, 1 has a magnetic ballast and 1 has an electronic ballast. Here is some info from ott-lite:

Please Read This Important Information Regarding 13 Watt Replacement Tubes Before Purchasing

There are two different types of 13 Watt Replacement Tubes available from OttLite. Although they look similar, there is an important difference that will affect the performance and durability of the bulb itself.

Two Types of 13 Watt Tubes

The older type of 13 Watt Replacement Tube is used in lamps with a magnetic ballast (Option 1). The other, newer kind is used in lamps with an electronic ballast (Option 2). This is an important factor when purchasing a replacement tube, so we've provided this page to provide you the information you need to purchase the correct replacement tube.

How Do I Tell What Tube I Need?

Start Here:
Step 1: When did you purchase your lamp?

* If you purchased your lamp before January 2008, you need to purchase Option 1. Click here to buy now.
* If you purchased your lamp after January 2008, proceed to step 2.


Step 2: Is there an "E" on your tube, lamp or bulb box?

* On products sold after January 2008, there will be an "E" marking on lamps (see images below) requiring Option 2 type of tubes. If your tube, lamp or tube box has an "E" on it, you would need to choose Option 2. Click here to buy now.


Step 3: No Product Markings?

* If your lamp, tube or tube box does not have any of the markings, choose Option 1. Keep in mind that the "E" may not necessarily appear on all three locations (the lamp, the box or the tube itself). If you see the "E" on any one or more, you will need Option 2. If not, you need Option 1.

If you have an Ott-Lite, the bulb burns out about every two years & has to be replaced. They are very expensive, but the light is good and makes reading a lot easier.

I've had an Ott-Lite for about 8 years. I've used non Ott bulbs, but the Ott bulbs are so much easier on the eyes when you sit at a computer desk all day. So I'm sticking with the Ott bulb. I agree with another reviewer - the bulbs do not last 10,000 hours. Of note, mine is on continuously all day, so maybe the heat shortens the life. Still- worth it for eyes that aren't irritated and tired at the end of the day.

This is a handy little light that gives great full spectrum light, just like daylight. Super for crafts or any activity where you want to save your eyesight and/or cause less eye strain. I got a bulb to send to my daughter who is at a US service academy and wants to save her eyes (wants to be a pilot).

This is not a review of Ott-lite bulbs, but of Amazon's error.

I have a swingarm lamp. The bulb was fine and lasted about 2-3 years. When I needed replacement, I researched the correct bulb and bought 2x TrueColor TC10002 / T13330 13-Watt Ott-Lite Replacement Bulb from Amazon. It didn't fit.

I called an internet bulb supplier with the bulb number. He couldn't find it in his catalog.

I called Ott and checked to see if it was the correct bulb. They said they changed the catalog number, but that I purchased the correct one. A woman tried to help, but it still didn't fit. She asked me to send photos of the socket for the engineer. I did. He said it should fit, but it didn't.

Examining the old and new bases, they are slightly different.

The Ott representative worked with me and sent another bulb. This one popped right in.

A note from the Ott employee explained what happened. "For future reference, you need the "notched bulb" and the model number is Z23112. I apologize for all of the confusion and delay. I also appreciate you giving me a chance to correct the situation for you. If there is ever anything that I can assist you with in the future, please let me know."

In sum, Amazon sold the incorrect bulb. In fact, a search showed that Z23112 was not even listed on the site. This caused frustration and an unnecessary waste of time. Were it not for the help received through Ott, I would have had to buy a new lamp. I can't be sure as to who is at fault, but I messaged Ott to inform Amazon of this.

UPDATE: The appropriate bulb is a delight (no semi-pun intended). Make no mistake that this was a review of Amazon's error, not Ott's quality.

The Ott light is one great light, especially for reading or sewing. Colors are true under this full spectrum light.

The light fell and broke the lamp. I requires a proprietary bulb and it's expensive. But if you like Ott Lights, this bulb is the only one that works.