Shop lighting options

[Air_Cooled_Nut]

I have a 36' x 36' x 12' shop, unfinished ceiling (see attached photos). As you can see, the PO put 8' CFL and they are for cold weather (F96T12 CW HO CT). Work just fine, even when the inside shop temp gets in the mid-30s. They do provide good light even w/o a nice white ceiling. I plan to have the ceiling covered in sheet rock and when that happens the existing lights will need to come down. Since that has to happen I'm contemplating new fixtures.

I eventually plan on installing a two-post lift on one half of the shop so height/location restrictions will play a factor in at least part of the shop. I don't need top-of-the-line, ubber-expensive product. Plenty of bright, white, usable light is what I need. Currently have a single, 20A breaker for the whole shop lighting (16 tubes with a total of 15.4A consumption). All of the lights are currently wired direct, none are "plug-in" type. (The one light you see plugged in is now moved to a different circuit).

So I have an open canvas. My shop is for working, not a museum. If it's recommended I keep what I got then I can do that. If something better is out there that gives me more light for less power consumption without a huge cost then I can sell what I got. Given that, any experienced recommendations?

 

[Air_Cooled_Nut]

I've been reading more about LED units in the threads in this sub-forum and that looks like a possibility. It'd be cool/neat to put recessed/flush mount units above the future lift area to allow for maximum clearance and continue to use the current fluorescent units, just placed else where (remap the lighting).

 

[cybrdyke]

If you decide to keep those original, I'd recommend stocking up on the lamps. They are gonna get harder and harder to get.
CD

 

[Charles (in GA)]

8 ft bulbs are a pain, and as noted, T12 is becoming obsolete in favor of T8 and T5/T5HO fixtures, so dealers will slowly reduce inventories on the bulbs.

Yours appear to do a good job of lighting the area, and that is part of what counts. Be prepared for a broken bulb or two, as you handle them.

With a white sheetrock ceiling, I would use simple open strip fixtures if you decide to install anything different, as the ceiling will become your reflector. You will have a lot more light than you do now, the ceiling will eliminate that "cave effect" that absorbs a lot of the light. If you are happy with the light from the present fixtures, I would reinstall them and if you need more, add some 8 ft 4 bulb fixtures that use 4 ft bulbs in tandem. As your present fixtures go, you can replace them with more of the 8 ft 4 bulb fixtures.

Many will tell you the T5HO is too bright for 12 ft, but I don't think so. It depends on how much money you want to spend as to whether you go with T8 or T5HO fixtures (don't bother with standard T5, too much money for no more light than a T8.

Charles

 

[TheEquineFencer]

I have a 36' x 36' x 12' shop, unfinished ceiling (see attached photos). As you can see, the PO put 8' CFL and they are for cold weather (F96T12 CW HO CT). Work just fine, even when the inside shop temp gets in the mid-30s. They do provide good light even w/o a nice white ceiling. I plan to have the ceiling covered in sheet rock and when that happens the existing lights will need to come down. Since that has to happen I'm contemplating new fixtures.

I eventually plan on installing a two-post lift on one half of the shop so height/location restrictions will play a factor in at least part of the shop. I don't need top-of-the-line, ubber-expensive product. Plenty of bright, white, usable light is what I need. Currently have a single, 20A breaker for the whole shop lighting (16 tubes with a total of 15.4A consumption). All of the lights are currently wired direct, none are "plug-in" type. (The one light you see plugged in is now moved to a different circuit).

So I have an open canvas. My shop is for working, not a museum. If it's recommended I keep what I got then I can do that. If something better is out there that gives me more light for less power consumption without a huge cost then I can sell what I got. Given that, any experienced recommendations?

FWIW, Right now I think you're running at the limit for your wire size and breaker if all is up to code.

 

[TheEquineFencer]

I myself like the tandem T-8's with 5000K or 6500K bulbs. The bulbs are easy to install over the 8 foot ones.

 

[Air_Cooled_Nut]

FWIW, Right now I think you're running at the limit for your wire size and breaker if all is up to code.

Correct, I am. I did the math and know I can't [safely] pull more wattage. Thus the though of maybe LED.

 

[Air_Cooled_Nut]

...
Many will tell you the T5HO is too bright for 12 ft, but I don't think so. It depends on how much money you want to spend as to whether you go with T8 or T5HO fixtures (don't bother with standard T5, too much money for no more light than a T8.

Charles

Thanks for all the advice. As for "too much light" that has never been my issue for a shop/garage environment. I'd rather have too much than not enough. Now, in the cubicle farm that I program in I'd rather have a lot less light