Which Lights to Choose? (Tables! Graphs! OK, not quite)

[Zengineer]

A bit of a different take on this common question. I've done the analysis already for my 16x24 garage.

Current solution is 8 x 60w bulbs with plastic/ceramic bases. Listed 1st on the list.

This is supposed to be a budget build, which is holding me back a little from going with the T8 solution. However, as you can see the light output from the current solution is less than ideal, even as general shop lighting with the intent to add task lighting later.

Thoughts and comments appreciated.

 

[Jeff]

Re: Which Lights to Choose?

I used 150w equivalent CFL's.

 

[Zengineer]

Re: Which Lights to Choose?

I used 150w equivalent CFL's.

That's what the 42w CFL's I've listed are. How do you like them? Any cold-start irregularities?

 

[s-one]

I'm new to all this but is there a comparable LED solution in lumens? I realize price would be high on first purchase. thanks.

 

[gatchel]

Beta-LED fixtures or Cree LR6 Dr1000 6 inch can retrofits would be a close comparison. You'll pay out the *** for them though.

 

[A_Pmech]

You misled me into thinking there was at least ONE graph in this thread.

I'm disappointed.

 

[s-one]

Thanks OP and gatchel. expensive. May just go with OP's t8 results.

 

[Zengineer]

Well I can whip up a graph if you really need one.

Warning to those using the foot-candles as a guideline, it's based on my 384sq-ft garage. Size up or down appropriately.

 

[SgtRauksauff]

Re: Which Lights to Choose?

I used 150w equivalent CFL's.

Do you ever end up seeing spots from looking at the lights inadvertently? Say, when you're looking out from under a car or something? From the looks, you've got mostly a wood shop, so I dunno if you've got that problem ever.

We just ran some 200W equiv Daylight CFL's in our 24x24.. four of them in 6" cans (to help prevent the eye-spots) over the 8' workbench against one wall, and a couple other areas for specific task lighting. For general fill, we're going to go with T8's

 

[electrodude]

Your chart is a bit misleading about the T-8's, as your initial cost figure adds the fixture into the mix. Older fixtures can be had for next to nothing, reducing your cost to ballast replacement and bulb purchase...

EDIT: ****, I misread the table, sorry about that. Still, the fixtures can be had fairly cheaply.

 

[Tsunami]

Wonder how the 150 watt equivalent CFL's would perform from a 15 foot ceiling?

 

[Zengineer]

Your chart is a bit misleading about the T-8's, as your initial cost figure adds the fixture into the mix. Older fixtures can be had for next to nothing, reducing your cost to ballast replacement and bulb purchase...

EDIT: ****, I misread the table, sorry about that. Still, the fixtures can be had fairly cheaply.

These were $20.99ea new + bulbs... figured I won't get much cheaper than that.