Got some free lights, now I need a plan

[corner27]

I came across some fluorescent lights that were pulled out of a building for renovations. They are 2 bulb 4' T12 light fixtures. I am told I can take however many I need.
My garage is 22' x 30'. Currently there are 2 4' T8 lights and 2 26w CFL lights. You can see them in the diagram below.
The only plan I have right now is to take the existing fourecent lights and move them directly over the workbech for better lighting, and then put the new flourecent lights in either 2 or 3 rows over the rest of the garage.
I guess my question is would you do 2 or 3 rows going the long way, and how many in each row?

 

[ForceFed70]

Personally, I wouldn't install T12 fixtures if they were free, cleaned, and delivered.

I suppose if money is tight and your time isn't worth much, it would be worth it tho.

It would be a big help if you added your doors (especially the overhead garage door) to the diagram. General rule of thumb is that you want your fixtures parallel to the long walls of the garage.

 

[corner27]

I added the doors in red.
I would definetly rather use T8 or T5, but with them being free, I'll put those in for now and I can replace them in the future.

 

[383 240z]

Id mount ones over the bench, a few over any machines in the shop (or work stations) then 3 rows parallel the 30' wall One centered and the outside ones split between the wall and the center row. Just my thoughts. Keith

 

[ForceFed70]

Id mount ones over the bench, a few over any machines in the shop (or work stations) then 3 rows parallel the 30' wall One centered and the outside ones split between the wall and the center row. Just my thoughts. Keith

That would be my placement as well.

 

[Grazz256]

Im with ForceFed, T12 lights are being phased out so if you install them be prepared to replace them in a few years.

Something like this would probably serve you better...
http://www.homedepot.ca/product/4-ft-t8-4l-32w-grid-shop-light/825098

 

[SCTony]

If you do go with the t12 fixtures, you can replace the ballasts when you want to burn T8 bulbs. The bulb holders (we call them tombstones because of their shape) are the same size for T8s and T12s. Sometimes the bulb holders need to be rewired, but they usually will work. Ballasts aren't too expensive, if you need to go that route. example

 

[kbs2244]

Check the ballasts for 110VAC supply.
You may have single wire 220VAC9 one leg of 440VAC)
That would make free kind of expensive.

 

[Norcal]

Check the ballasts for 110VAC supply.
You may have single wire 220VAC9 one leg of 440VAC)
That would make free kind of expensive.

Not one of those voltages exist anymore in the US, but the point is good, the ballasts should be 120 volts (if T12 yellow label) another common voltage is 277 volts, and again if T12 would have a red label, but if the fixtures are really good it may be worth it to retrofit to T8, but if 2X4 recessed troffers for installation in a suspended ceiling, I would not bother.

 

[Full Size 66]

For what it is worth I am using 16, two tube, T-8 fixtures in my shop. My dimensions are 28x32 with a 15.5 ceiling height. Four rows of four lights and four switches. I used a lighting calculator found on line. Although it did not have my exact dimensions available as a choice it was close. I still have not used all at once but I am confident when sheet rock is done and painted it will be bright enough.

 

[corner27]

I got the lights today. I took 10 2 bulb units. I will get a few bulbs this week and test to make sure they all work.
I think I will probably end up doing 3 rows of 3 plus the 2 t8s above my workbench, but for now I'll focus on making sure they all work.