68x40 shop / garage under construction - Advice?

[AZhitman]

Hi all - I was reluctant to start a new thread here at GJ, since it seems every possible permutation of any question has been answered a hundred times.

However, I own/operate a huge forum as well, so I'm hoping for a 'free pass' on this one thread.

Anyway, I've been lurking / reading for several months now, as I am in the process of building a 68 x 40 garage / shop in the far NW corner of the Phoenix metro area.

As of today, plumbing is in and slab is poured, framing begins in a few days, and I am starting to think about lighting... I've read some great discussions, done more math than I care to, made dozens of sketches, and am still somewhat lost.

The northwest room is a "dirty room" (welder, grinder, chop saw, blaster, polisher, etc). The northeast room is an office / bedroom.

This space will have a ceiling height of 10' 8". Walls and ceiling will be white, and floor will be very light grey gloss epoxy.

I'm mid-40's, prefer a brightly-lit space (due to some vision problems). I'll be using this space for restoration / maintenance of my collection of antique Datsuns.

For lighting, I'm looking at some 48" T8 56W 2-lamp fluorescent strips, with Maxlite Super T8 Series 5000K 32W lamps, flush-mounted to the ceiling in rows

Am I way off? Any suggestions n a # of lamps / fixtures?

Also, brainstorming / critiques / suggestions are VERY welcome and appreciated. You guys have been a HUGE help already, and I'm looking forward to learning more through this process.

Thanks in advance.

 

[bomber85]

Have you considered T5 fixtures, I have put them in a shop about this size and the lighting is outstanding. You can get them in a four or six lamp configuration. You may also qualify for a rebate from your power company.

 

[AZhitman]

I haven't - I guess I don't know much about them.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

You can also get the T5HO in open strips as discussed in THIS THREAD. Many have suggested that these lights need to be "up high" but at 10 ft 8 in, this should work fine.

If considering T5HO make sure you are looking at HO fixtures, 54watts per bulb. The standard T5 is basically a replacement for a standard T8 fixture and is 28 watts per bulb.

Charles

 

[kenfath]

Would the water heater be better located adjacent to the hand basin? Shorter piping would be one advantage. Not sure size or fuel type, but could WH be mounted above the floor leaving the floor space open? Presume code will require WH to be 18" above floor IF NG or propane fueled?

 

[AZhitman]

You can also get the T5HO in open strips as discussed in THIS THREAD. Many have suggested that these lights need to be "up high" but at 10 ft 8 in, this should work fine.

If considering T5HO make sure you are looking at HO fixtures, 54watts per bulb. The standard T5 is basically a replacement for a standard T8 fixture and is 28 watts per bulb.

Charles

Thanks Charles, I will look at those. More lumens per lamp?

 

[AZhitman]

Would the water heater be better located adjacent to the hand basin? Shorter piping would be one advantage. Not sure size or fuel type, but could WH be mounted above the floor leaving the floor space open? Presume code will require WH to be 18" above floor IF NG or propane fueled?

Hi Ken - Totally a good idea. Makes more sense, considering that also opens up the rest of the storage space. Thanks much!

Unfortunately, it'll be electric, but it will be mounted up high (it's a small unit, won't get much use considering our tap water is warm all year anyway).

 

[AZhitman]

http://relightdepot.com/fixtures/fl...light-strip-electronic-multivolt-120-277.html

Am I on the right track here?

 

[bomber85]

AZhitman, yes you are on the right track with those fixtures above.

 

[AZhitman]

Ok, we're almost to the wiring - any advice on # or configuration, considering my shop layout? Thanks guys!

 

[Aceman]

Depending on where your service is, you may want a subpanel installed just for the office area.

 

[ditchfisher]

Google sawmill creek, good forum, in the workshop area there is great lighting sticky. It what I used to calculate and plan my lighting. I ended up with T5 HO fixtures. (11ft ceilings)

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Need to know what size service you have....... 100 amp, 200amp.... what? Separate meter? supplied off house?

 

[AZhitman]

Guess that would be helpful, sorry Charles!

Shared meter, but split (200a to house, 200a to shop).

 

[AZhitman]

Google sawmill creek, good forum, in the workshop area there is great lighting sticky. It what I used to calculate and plan my lighting. I ended up with T5 HO fixtures. (11ft ceilings)

I'm reading it right now - thanks DF!

 

[86turbodsl]

http://relightdepot.com/fixtures/fl...light-strip-electronic-multivolt-120-277.html

Am I on the right track here?

I think you still don't beat the HD lights. It's about how many bulbs you can hang for the price. Hanging 4 T5HO bulbs for $84 is going to be tough to beat.