The Best Light Fixture Ever!

[cory58]

I apologize if this has already been covered, but I've read through most of this thread and haven't found the answer. What is the approximate amperage I should use for the 4 ft LED lights recommended in the first post, when planning the electrical circuit for the lights?

I see that the 2 options are 36w and 40w, but I don't know what power factor to use for an amperage calculation.

Thanks!

Cory

Bought an electrical wiring book recommended in another thread here, and answered my own question. According to the book, the power factor for lights without ballasts is 1.0, so the basic watts/volts formula is correct.

40w / 120v = .3333333 amps per fixture.


Cory

 

[Jim_Z]

New Project

i am in the process of building a 24' x 36' garage with 11' ceilings and a 12' wide attic loft. Framing is done and starting on electrical stuff. After looking around at lighting fixtures and found the Lithonia model 1284GRD RE fixture at Home Depot. it is a 4' fixture that uses 4 T8 fluorescent lamps. I played around with the Lighting Layout Estimator mentioned previously in this thread. The plan is to use 12 fixtures in three columns spaced 7' apart and the 4 fixtures in each column spaced on 8' centers. I plan on hanging the fixtures at about a 10' height and and should have about 80 footcandles at a normal work height of 30". I think I have my bases covered, but wonder if I missed anything. Any suggestions from the GJ forum?

Jim Z

 

[ATM]

This is what I did. Still working on it. Garage is 28 deep, 30 wide. Ceiling is at 12 foot.

Going to put in 8 more doubles over here. We cut them like we did the troffer lights in the event that I can find four more for a good price.

It's going to be fairly bright once done.

These are all T8 fixtures. I found the lights for about $5 each and bulbs for $0.50 each.

 

[minytrker]

I have a 24x40x12 with 15'6" interior peak height. The walls are painted medium grey and the floor is epoxied in medium grey and the ceiling is yellow spray foam. I am looking at 15- 4ft T8 setups so I would have 30- 4 ft T8 LED bulbs 2200 LM 18watts 5000k.
Will that work or is there a better way to light it?

 

[nsula_country]

This is what I did. Still working on it. Garage is 28 deep, 30 wide. Ceiling is at 12 foot.

Going to put in 8 more doubles over here. We cut them like we did the troffer lights in the event that I can find four more for a good price.

It's going to be fairly bright once done.

These are all T8 fixtures. I found the lights for about $5 each and bulbs for $0.50 each.

Nice recycle with the troffers! I never can find deals like that.

CT

 

[Mkamin100]

Hey Guy's, long time lurker, first time post. I've followed this for some time knowing I would eventually get my building built and it finally happened early this year. Now I need to light it, I plan to use the LED fixtures recommended by Platonic Solid updated on 5/7. The interior of the building is insulated with a white backing so all the walls and ceiling are white. I have tried but have a hard time understanding some of the lighting tools available. I want this to be well lit, the two front bays may be used to work on cars so I want to have light around them if I do. I've attached sketches of what I think might work, I would prefer to attach the lights directly to the purlins, regardless they will be mounted at the ceiling, not hanging down.
I'm hoping Platonic Solid or someone else with experience on lighting layout will comment on this layout. Just to be clear the carport is roof only, no walls.
I'm just outside of Houston, TX so it is humid here, any thoughts on if the LED fixtures I want to use will do well in the carport or will I need to use something specifically for damp locations? Thanks for the help guys!

I got concerned about the light layout I proposed above and spent some more time over the weekend trying to figure out how to use the "Visual Interior Tool" "nsula_country" mentioned in his reply. I found a strip light fixture and changed the lumens to reflect the the "Best light fixture" values. I underestand the suggested fc is to be 50 to 100 so I shot for 75. It came up with 28 fixtures, this is a shock to me, can anybody take a look at what I used and tell me that hopefully I screwed up and don't need this many?
THANKS in advance!

 

[builthatch]

finally finished my setup. i got the rest of my bulbs today. 22 Maxlite 4' dual bulb fixtures, 44 Diva/James bulbs, the high output ones. two are 4000k over my workbench area and the rest are 5000k. installation was arduous but turned out great. i need to caulk the wire holes in the sheet rock and then i'll be done with the lighting.

i am THRILLED with the end result. the only thing i would change...and it's minor...is the spread of the lighting angle. these are, i think, 120* and i'd like a little more spread but with the ridiculous amount of fixtures and the placement...i'm a-ok.

i will post pics of the garage soon.

here is a quick video. obviously the spot is a work in progress.

here is an underexposed pic to show the core difference between the 4000k and 5000k. to the naked eye, even when next to each other, they look similar. 4000k slightly yellow. reflection tells the story moreso.

 

[shawnoen]

Hi, just a followup.

Purchased 15 of these: http://www.beeslighting.com/product-p/lss2xt8use4803.htm

And 30 of these: http://www.beeslighting.com/product-p/t818w1200bixxdf50f1.htm

Installed them in 5 rows of 3 each spaced about 30" between fixtures front to back.

Couldn't be happier! Great light output and quick delivery by Bees Lighting. First project I completed on our new house. Told my wife I needed to get the lights and workbenches done first so I have somewhere to do everything else!

Hi, just read through the whole thread and still undecided. In the process of having our new house built right now. They started framing today. I have a walkthrough with the electrician on the 30th so I need to figure out several things prior to then, including the garage light layout.

I'll be installing the light myself but they'll wire whatever I want. Garage is a 3 car with one 18' door and one 9' door. Overall size is about 24'x36' with 10' high finished ceilings.

What should I use and quantity? I'm thinking the suggested lights and 4 rows of 3 fixtures each with the 4000K bulbs? Evenly spaced across the width so as not to interfere with the garage door openers or mounting.

 

[78bambam]

Hi All,
This is my first post here. I think this is a great site with a lot of excellent information. I'm glad I stumbled on to it! I'm in the process of deciding on lighting for 2 pole buildings (1 30x36 and 1 30x48). I have a question about the James LED tubes. Bees has the Diva Lite for $9.99 and Contractors Commercial has the Magic T8 Plug and Play tube for $7.43. Is there a difference between the two? I couldn't see anything myself. Thanks in advance.

Mike

 

[drawz]

Any suggestions for a 22x20' garage with approx 9' ceilings? Well 9' to the frame - there is no ceiling per se.

I am specifically interested in how many fixtures/bulbs to install so that this will be a well-lit work space. I will go with the 1st post recommendations unless you all think those won't work for me.

This is a new, detached, steel garage (Versatube) in New England. Link to similar garage for those unfamiliar with Versatube:
https://www.versatube.com/building-kits/garages-buildings/frontier-garage-607?

 

[builthatch]

Hi All,
This is my first post here. I think this is a great site with a lot of excellent information. I'm glad I stumbled on to it! I'm in the process of deciding on lighting for 2 pole buildings (1 30x36 and 1 30x48). I have a question about the James LED tubes. Bees has the Diva Lite for $9.99 and Contractors Commercial has the Magic T8 Plug and Play tube for $7.43. Is there a difference between the two? I couldn't see anything myself. Thanks in advance.

Mike

i couldn't seem to get the price to change on that other site no matter what the options i selected but it looks like you must buy in lots of 30, which is not that big of a deal for a lot of lighting setups but keep in mind the lumen/wattage of the $9.99 ones on Bees site and make sure you get those as opposed to the lower output cheaper versions. if the other site can confirm they can sell you the 2000+ lumen output James/Diva bulbs for 7 and change and shipping works out too (didn't catch that part), then by all means do that deal.

 

[jt1961]

Platonic,

I value your input. What would you recommend for a 60x40 shop with 16' ceiling?

Thanks a lot!

 

[Pig In A Poke]

Is there a "ideal" lumens per foot? Or is there another parameter that should be examined to determine luminaire number?

 

[MJockey]

Hi All,
This is my first post here. I think this is a great site with a lot of excellent information. I'm glad I stumbled on to it! I'm in the process of deciding on lighting for 2 pole buildings (1 30x36 and 1 30x48). I have a question about the James LED tubes. Bees has the Diva Lite for $9.99 and Contractors Commercial has the Magic T8 Plug and Play tube for $7.43. Is there a difference between the two? I couldn't see anything myself. Thanks in advance.

Mike

Same LED tube just one includes the shipping in the price and one doesn't.

 

[MJockey]

Is there a "ideal" lumens per foot? Or is there another parameter that should be examined to determine luminaire number?

We which it was that simple. Lumens is a measure of light output but we care more about the Illuminance (measured in Foot Candles or LUX) at the work surface. Unfortunately there is a lot of factors that effect the amount of light reaching the work surface(distance, type of fixture used, reflection and refraction of surrounding surfaces).

You can get a general idea of the number luminaires needed to get a target FC using http://www.visual-3d.com/tools/interior/default.aspx

 

[Pig In A Poke]

We which it was that simple. Lumens is a measure of light output but we care more about the Illuminance (measured in Foot Candles or LUX) at the work surface. Unfortunately there is a lot of factors that effect the amount of light reaching the work surface(distance, type of fixture used, reflection and refraction of surrounding surfaces).

You can get a general idea of the number luminaires needed to get a target FC using http://www.visual-3d.com/tools/interior/default.aspx

Is there an ideal FC at the work surface I should be setting as a minimum?

 

[badrea]

Is there an ideal FC at the work surface I should be setting as a minimum?

There are a few guidelines you can find by doing a Google search. Here is one example http://www.bristolite.com/interfaces/media/Footcandle Recommendations by Guth.pdf. This one shows 50-100fc for Garage - Service Areas.

Personally, I am targeting around 60fc for general lighting in my 2 car garage, with additional task lighting beyond that for workbenches.

 

[Pig In A Poke]

There are a few guidelines you can find by doing a Google search. Here is one example http://www.bristolite.com/interfaces/media/Footcandle Recommendations by Guth.pdf. This one shows 50-100fc for Garage - Service Areas.

Personally, I am targeting around 60fc for general lighting in my 2 car garage, with additional task lighting beyond that for workbenches.

Thank you, as I do a lot of wood working and detailing with a bit of auto maintenance I think I need to be between 75 - 100.

 

[Trey T]

Anyone here use or recommend a single T8 LED fixture? I have a standard 2-car garage and I want the minimalist look

 

[jbabek]

Thanks for the excellent posts and information. I am getting ready to put in some lights in my garage, and seem to be missing something.

Both the sites listed in the OP show light fixtures with no shipping costs.

Both Contractors Commercial and Bees want between $60-100 for shipping. This makes the fixtures more expensive than the local fixtures at HD.

Is there a shipping code, or do I need to shop these elsewhere for a better deal?

Thanks in advance.

 

[SliderJack]

Thanks for the info! Contractors Commercial is saying everyone is out of stock on the James LED Magic T8 TubeItem #:ZY-T8-20W1200 BIXX-50K and are suggesting the 18 watt version instead: ZY-T8-18W1200 BIXX-50K

Had planned to purchase 60 tubes and put 25 fixtures in my 28'x32' garage with 10.5 ft ceilings. White finished ceilings and walls.

Sound okay or am I better off waiting for the 20 watt to come back in stock. Garage will be used for auto work and various tasks.

Looking forward to being able to see the size on sockets easier.

 

[keystone]

FWIW I placed an order with Contractor's Commercial for 30 ZY-T8-20W1200 BIXX-50K and 15 of the Maxlite housings on 5/28 and haven't received a response to a single inquiry since whether submitted through their web form, direct via email, or via voicemail (VM just earlier this week).

They have had my money for over a month now though...

 

[SliderJack]

FWIW I placed an order with Contractor's Commercial for 30 ZY-T8-20W1200 BIXX-50K and 15 of the Maxlite housings on 5/28 and haven't received a response to a single inquiry since whether submitted through their web form, direct via email, or via voicemail (VM just earlier this week).

They have had my money for over a month now though...

Wow, that's good to know. Let us know how it turns out.

 

[beelsr]

i'm in the same boat as keystone. I just ordered 30 bulbs ($283.50) a few days after he did. i left a voicemail earlier this week and haven't heard back either..

 

[Joe Cool]

I ordered through Contractor's Commercial last month and although it took almost 3 weeks longer than promised (I was told that everything was in stock and would ship within 2 days) they always responded to my phone calls and online chats. That made the waiting a little easier to tolerate.

 

[ragtop00]

i have 15 fixtures and 30 bulbs on order since 6/17. they have answered online chats only to say that they were shipping on so and so date only to miss that date several times. i am checking again now. i need to order an additional 30 fixtures to complete a few projects and another garage but the lack of information is worrisome. i really need my "best light fixture ever!"

Edit:
They just replied that they would be sending the fixtures tomorrow and the bulbs are to arrive in the US on 7/11 and ship shortly after.

 

[keystone]

Still haven't received my lights, a ship notification, or any contact from CC. If I wasn't too busy with other project to get to the installation of the lights I don't have yet I'd have cancelled my order, but I'm willing to give it a while longer.

Looking forward to any reports of people receiving their orders placed in June.

 

[Mitch1963]

Wow I just ordered 15 maxlite fixtures and 30 of the James Magic tubes on 6-30. Was hoping they would show up next week but now I highly doubt it.

 

[Denwood]

Plat, here are the results of a retrofit using Philips 12w t8 replacements. I'll do a better review once I gather a few more bits of data, however early results show a significant power savings, with better brightness. The retrofit required 230 bulbs. Philips TL950 4ft t8 at 5000K and 32 watts (on .88 efficiency ballasts) were replaced by the Philips 12w Instantfit which apparently is DLC listed. The LED bulbs are spec'd at 1650 lumens, 160 degree beam, 5000K, 82 CRI. Can't find the DLC listing though.

Looking at comparables on the DLC database, luminous efficacy should be right around 135 lumens/watt. Our total building power use during peak time of use billing dropped from around 8kwh, to under 4kwh. Quite impressed.

They are definitely brighter than the TL 950. We measured a low of 47 foot candles at 32" above the floor, between fixtures. It's closer to 67 directly below a fixture. The off the cuff description of brightness increase is about 15-20 %.

There is a 5$/bulb rebate in effect here by local hydro, so final cost was $19/bulb CAD, or $14.57 USD.

http://www.usa.philips.com/c-p/046677453886/led-instantfit-tube

 

[Denwood]

Here is are the usage graphs before and after the LED upgrade. Power savings on the main floor LED retrofit are about 2kwh during our business hours. The rest of the building lights are only on when ceiling sensors dictate, so spend much of their time off. The sensors hold much of the south side lighting off when ambient light levels are high during sunny days. We also use some building automation to effect night time pre-cooling, and use convective cooling whenever we can.

The graph on July 7th reflects the lowest energy use ever in the builing since we did the retrofit 5 yrs ago!

 

[mustang68408]

For those who have ordered the DivaLite Dual Bulb T8 fixture, does that have a typical 3 prong plug? Or is it stupposed to be hard wired?

 

[renegade6]

These are hard wired.

For those who have ordered the DivaLite Dual Bulb T8 fixture, does that have a typical 3 prong plug? Or is it stupposed to be hard wired?

 

[SliderJack]

FWIW I placed an order with Contractor's Commercial for 30 ZY-T8-20W1200 BIXX-50K and 15 of the Maxlite housings on 5/28 and haven't received a response to a single inquiry since whether submitted through their web form, direct via email, or via voicemail (VM just earlier this week).

They have had my money for over a month now though...

Have they shipped yet? I need to get mine ordered.

 

[Ebb_tide33]

What am I doing wrong? I'm trying to order fixtures from both places listed on the original post and I'm getting charged shipping. On the original post it says free shipping? And the first maxlight fixture listed is a dollar more then listed by the OP. Help a new brother out

 

[keystone]

Have they shipped yet? I need to get mine ordered.

Negative -- no contact. I emailed them at [email protected] on 7/18 (three days ago) requesting to cancel my order as I ordered from Bee's instead. No reply. I just left them a voicemail asking them to confirm my cancellation. If I don't hear back by Monday I'll file a dispute for the charges.

EDIT: While I was typing this I got an email confirmation regarding my cancellation. Now to wait for the refund to paypal.

BTW, Bee's shipped the same day I placed the order, on Monday. 50 LEDs and 25 double lamp housings (150lb worth!) will be here from California on Friday. Guess I'll have a busy weekend!

Bee's is the Bee's Knees IMO.

 

[keystone]

What am I doing wrong? I'm trying to order fixtures from both places listed on the original post and I'm getting charged shipping. On the original post it says free shipping? And the first maxlight fixture listed is a dollar more then listed by the OP. Help a new brother out

Shipping is probably free, but there are oversize package charges (because the boxes violate dimensional limits with the carrier) that aren't free. I think it was $5/lamp on my Bee's order. Free shipping otherwise.

 

[Ebb_tide33]

Thanks. I went ahead and ordered my first of 4 orders from bees.

 

[knucklehead]

i am getting closer to being ready to order a ton of lights for my new shop.
can someone post a link to the current best place to order from & which model to use please?
thanks in advance!

 

[smalltown]

Are your back ordered fixtures and lamps arriving yet from Commercial ??

 

[Ebb_tide33]

I went with bees. Already ordered 2 times and have both orders in hand. Ordering again this Friday! Great CS and fast shipping.