The Best Light Fixture Ever!

[smalltown]

supercj here are two links showing the EMT connector and the EMT conduit from Home Depot. There are different connectors, but this is a basic one.
Depending on how many you need there are savings if you buy multi packs, and the EMT comes in 10' lengths. Some for example prefer the compression connectors that do not have the set screw.


https://www.homedepot.com/p/Halex-1-2-in-Electrical-Metallic-Tube-EMT-Set-Screw-Connectors-5-Pack-26270/100137321

https://www.homedepot.com/p/1-2-in-x-10-ft-Electric-Metallic-Tube-EMT-Conduit-853428/100400405

 

[cybrdyke]

Or just use a chase ****** and two locknuts.....

 

[smalltown]

Yes even simpler

 

[69supercj]

supercj here are two links showing the EMT connector and the EMT conduit from Home Depot. There are different connectors, but this is a basic one.
Depending on how many you need there are savings if you buy multi packs, and the EMT comes in 10' lengths. Some for example prefer the compression connectors that do not have the set screw.


https://www.homedepot.com/p/Halex-1-2-in-Electrical-Metallic-Tube-EMT-Set-Screw-Connectors-5-Pack-26270/100137321

https://www.homedepot.com/p/1-2-in-x-10-ft-Electric-Metallic-Tube-EMT-Conduit-853428/100400405

Hey thanks for the links. I had a couple of those, just didn't know what they were called but they wont work. When I used one to couple the two fixtures together I wasn't able to put the tombstones in place. But what I ended up doing worked just as good. I actually held the two fixtures together with the EMT and then fabbed a couple of straps, attached one to each side where the two fixtures joined with self tapping screws, removed the EMT then inserted the tombstones and proceeded to wire it up. Plus I dug around in my parts bins and found a plastic bushing that was the perfect size to snap into the knockout hole where the two units joined so the wire wont chafe. Worked great!!

 

[smalltown]

I am surprised that the connectors would not fit properly. Don't take it as an insult, but you were putting the threads in from the outside of the fixture with a the locknut on the inside ? The threads shouldn't take up much space at all.

 

[Platonic Solid]

I am surprised that the connectors would not fit properly. Don't take it as an insult, but you were putting the threads in from the outside of the fixture with a the locknut on the inside ? The threads shouldn't take up much space at all.

I believe it can be done as you stated or with a chase ****** as CD stated, but you have to leave the lamp holders installed. When the ****** is in place it may interfere with lamp holder removal or installation.

 

[shopoholic]

I just want to make 100% sure I’m right this is sort of a big purchase to me and I don’t need any hiccups. Getting some electrical work done in garage for welder and going to upgrade/install more lights.

Looking at buying the Maxlite LSS2XT8USE4803 and using the LUMEGEN LG-4T8-22WBB-SM50K. I am thinking the 5000K color shouldn’t be blue so should be the best I think?

i don’t need anything else to make this work except get an electrician to wire it right?

 

[Platonic Solid]

shopoholic - You are correct. 2 bulbs per Maxlite housing.

 

[69supercj]

I am surprised that the connectors would not fit properly. Don't take it as an insult, but you were putting the threads in from the outside of the fixture with a the locknut on the inside ? The threads shouldn't take up much space at all.

When you use them to tie two units together the threads and the end that has the cord clamp both end up inside since your tying two units together end to end. Does that make sense? And Platonic Solid was correct, the clamps interfered with getting the tombstones in place since they are mounted right at the very end of the unit. Its complicated to explain but trust me its a ***** to make work, if you can at all. The EMT clamps worked as designed when I used them on the single 4 foot fixtures.

 

[shopoholic]

FYI i found a company that sells the maxlite housing a little cheaper. would be nice when ordering large quantities over $750 worth there will be free shipping.

Maxlite LSS2XT8USE4803 13.30 and then with a 5% off code if you chat with someone. So 12.64 each (6 qty min)
https://www.conservationmart.com/p-...ear-utility-strip-fixture-lss2xt8use4803.aspx

the bulbs they recommended were L16.5T8SE450-CG
7.75 each or 7.36 with discount - only 2200 lumens though.. as opposed to 2600 on some in page 1.
min of 25 bulbs
https://www.conservationmart.com/p-7344-maxlite-ballast-bypass-165w-5000k-l165t8se450-cg-4ft-t8.aspx

so if you needed 27+ of them this would be a good option i believe.

 

[JayDL]

Can anyone recommend a good source for small quantities (4~5) of James T8 LEDs ZY-T8-18W1200-BIXX? I have 30 but I need a few more. Most sites seem to only sell them by the case.

Thanks,
Jay

 

[Platonic Solid]

JayDL - The GreenTek (link) is the James ZY-T8-18W1200-BIXX tube relabeled.

 

[countrysquire]

I just want to make 100% sure I’m right this is sort of a big purchase to me and I don’t need any hiccups. Getting some electrical work done in garage for welder and going to upgrade/install more lights.

Looking at buying the Maxlite LSS2XT8USE4803 and using the LUMEGEN LG-4T8-22WBB-SM50K. I am thinking the 5000K color shouldn’t be blue so should be the best I think?

i don’t need anything else to make this work except get an electrician to wire it right?

I was worried that the 5,000K would be too blue, but that's not the case at all. The light seems very natural. I sprayed some cabinets with white primer this weekend and was VERY pleased with both the quantity and color of the lighting.

 

[notdavidspade]

FYI i found a company that sells the maxlite housing a little cheaper. would be nice when ordering large quantities over $750 worth there will be free shipping.

Maxlite LSS2XT8USE4803 13.30 and then with a 5% off code if you chat with someone. So 12.64 each (6 qty min)
https://www.conservationmart.com/p-...ear-utility-strip-fixture-lss2xt8use4803.aspx

the bulbs they recommended were L16.5T8SE450-CG
7.75 each or 7.36 with discount - only 2200 lumens though.. as opposed to 2600 on some in page 1.
min of 25 bulbs
https://www.conservationmart.com/p-7344-maxlite-ballast-bypass-165w-5000k-l165t8se450-cg-4ft-t8.aspx

so if you needed 27+ of them this would be a good option i believe.

I emailed them for a quote for 40 fixtures and 80 bulbs and they quoted me 12.93 for the fixtures and 6.89 for the bulbs... bringing me to just over a grand. ($1064.40). Free shipping specifies that it has to be to a commercial address so I'll have to have them shipped to a friends business. Does anyone have any input on the 2200 Lumen blubs they offer vs. the 2650 Lumen bulbs on post 1? Is it worth buying from different vendors, or is the 20% difference in Lumens even going to be noticeable? I'm lighting 2400 sq/ft and my ceilings are between 10 and 12 ft. (40x60 building, with 3 zones of ceiling, two 14x40 at 10 ft on the ends with 32x40 at 12 ft. in the middle). Any input would be appreciated, as I'm ready to pull the trigger.

 

[cpttuna]

I just recently had the 4 fixtures in my garage updated. The electrician I believe eliminated the old ballast and installed LED lights in each of the 4 fixtures. I am very pleased.

 

[Platonic Solid]

shopoholic & notdavidspade

Maxlite Bulb
2200 Lm / $7.36 = 299 Lm/$
2200 Lm / 16.5W = 133 Lm/W

vs
GreenTek
2520 Lm / $7.99 = 315 Lm/$
2520 Lm / 18.0W = 140 Lm/W

vs
GLLUSA
2664 Lm / $8.36 = 318 Lm/$
2664 Lm / 18.0W = 148 Lm/W

GLLUSA is the winnier if you're spending $500+ to qualify for free shipping.

Note: The 330° Bean angle of the Maxlite bulb makes it much less desireable for fixtures mounted over 9ft.

 

[MattN03]

I just finished building a 32' x 64' x 12' post frame building. The ceiling and walls are open, but there is white house wrap. The floor is concrete. What would work well for detailed mechanical work? Also, I trying to use this http://www.visual-3d.com/tools/interior/default.aspx?id=14782 lighting calculator, but I have no idea how bright "33 CF" is. Also, what would room reflectiveness be in an unfinished shop such as mine? Thanks everyone!

 

[Platonic Solid]

For mechanical work 67 to 93 Fc at 30" work plane is common. No way to know wall ceiling reflectance. Try 50 for both, 20 for floor.

 

[MattN03]

For mechanical work 67 to 93 Fc at 30" work plane is common. No way to know wall ceiling reflectance. Try 50 for both, 20 for floor.

Is 67 brighter than 93? Thanks Platonic!

 

[Platonic Solid]

Higher footcandle # = more light.
0 fc (is dark) = no light.

 

[hake]

Platonic, what is your opinion of these?
https://www.lightup.com/2ft-led-linear-high-bay-2nd-gen-110w-14300-lumens-torshare-ltd.html

I am considering 12 of them vs 9 of these

https://www.ledlightingwholesaleinc.com/ZY-H2-110W-p/zy-h2-110w.htm

for my 32x48x12 with scissor trusses pole barn. I appreciate and value your thoughts.

 

[nsula_country]

Higher footcandle # = more light.
0 fc (is dark) = no light.

Well said!
CT

 

[Platonic Solid]

hake - Hard to beat the lumens/$ value on that 110W Lightup LumeGen fixture = 249 Lm/$. Efficiency is acceptable at 130 L/W. The 110W James Highbay works out to 223 Lm/$ & 149 L/W. I have no personal experience with either fixture, but considering that you get more lumen output with 12 LumeGens at the same price as 9 James, I have to lean towards the LumeGen as the better value.

Edit - The slightly lower individual fixture lumen output and higher fixture qty of the LumeGen install will work much better for your 12ft ceiling height.

 

[scootr29]

Platonic, what is your opinion of these?
https://www.lightup.com/2ft-led-linear-high-bay-2nd-gen-110w-14300-lumens-torshare-ltd.html

I am considering 12 of them vs 9 of these

https://www.ledlightingwholesaleinc.com/ZY-H2-110W-p/zy-h2-110w.htm

for my 32x48x12 with scissor trusses pole barn. I appreciate and value your thoughts.

What is the difference between 4000K and 5000K. Which one are you ordering?

 

[hake]

What is the difference between 4000K and 5000K. Which one are you ordering?

The 4k vs 5k is the color of the light, I prefer the 5k which is a whiter light, not blue yet, but whiter.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[scootr29]

The 4k vs 5k is the color of the light, I prefer the 5k which is a whiter light, not blue yet, but whiter.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks..did you place an order?..I was wondering if there is coupon code available.

 

[hake]

Thanks..did you place an order?..I was wondering if there is coupon code available.

Not yet, trying to find a coupon code myself. Also wanting to get opinions on the lights.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[ahazi]

Not yet, trying to find a coupon code myself. Also wanting to get opinions on the lights.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

Don't forget to install the wires for the dimming signal (0-10 volt), you will have so much light that you might want to dim it at times. I have the James lights on an 11 ft ceiling and most of the time it is dimmed as I do not need so much light and it saves power.


Ariel

 

[hake]

Don't for forget to install the wires for the dimming signal (0-10 volt), you will have so much light that you might want to dim it at times. I have the James lights on an 11 ft ceiling and most of the time it is dimmed as I do not need so much light and it saves power.


Ariel

Thanks, what wire did you use for dimmer circuit?


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[ahazi]

Thanks, what wire did you use for dimmer circuit?


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

I used flexible wire (multi strand.) 18 ga. is fine as there is almost no current in this circuit. You need to keep the polarity (the dimming DC voltage). The colors were gray (-), purple (+)

 

[scootr29]

Don't for forget to install the wires for the dimming signal (0-10 volt), you will have so much light that you might want to dim it at times. I have the James lights on an 11 ft ceiling and most of the time it is dimmed as I do not need so much light and it saves power.


Ariel

I have a 36x36x12...how many of the LumeGens would I need?

 

[Toomanytools?]

I have a 36x36x12...how many of the LumeGens would I need?

Looking at spec's your build is 4' wider and 12' shorter, he is using 12 lights most likely on a 3x4 pattern. Would think you could do 9 on a 3x3 layout.
Depends on what your light needs are.

 

[jaycoflyer]

Don't forget to install the wires for the dimming signal (0-10 volt), you will have so much light that you might want to dim it at times. I have the James lights on an 11 ft ceiling and most of the time it is dimmed as I do not need so much light and it saves power.


Ariel

0-10V Dimming wire is run switch-fixture-fixture...? (All drivers in parallel)


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[ahazi]

0-10V Dimming wire is run switch-fixture-fixture...? (All drivers in parallel)


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Yes, 2 wires in parallel.

 

[Jgm33]

Wondering about the downsides of installing highbays in a lower (10’) area? I’ve read here that some people do. Info at Greenlight depot for their highbays seems to recommend install 15’ or higher.

Problem is I have a 10’ area a 16’ area and a loft that is only 6-7’ where I need to install lights.

 

[scootr29]

Not yet, trying to find a coupon code myself. Also wanting to get opinions on the lights.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

I went with the following....I am thinking the LightUp above would have been overkill for me plus they were over $200 more.

- 30 x LEDMyPlace T8 4ft LED Tube 4000K = $197.20

- 15 x Maxlite 2 Lamp T8 LED = $240.20

I am going to do 3 rows of 4 in the barn...and then do 1 row of 3 in the lean to....

 

[notdavidspade]

shopoholic & notdavidspade

Maxlite Bulb
2200 Lm / $7.36 = 299 Lm/$
2200 Lm / 16.5W = 133 Lm/W

vs
GreenTek
2520 Lm / $7.99 = 315 Lm/$
2520 Lm / 18.0W = 140 Lm/W

vs
GLLUSA
2664 Lm / $8.36 = 318 Lm/$
2664 Lm / 18.0W = 148 Lm/W

GLLUSA is the winnier if you're spending $500+ to qualify for free shipping.

Note: The 330° Bean angle of the Maxlite bulb makes it much less desireable for fixtures mounted over 9ft.

Well, I went with Conservationmart.com for the fixtures and the bulbs.. with my large quantity I was able to get the maxlite bulbs for $6.39, so I'm up to 344 lm/$, plus I was able to get the fixtures for under 13 dollars a piece, beating out all the other vendors. I even reached out to one of those mentioned and they responded that they couldn't match the price. I got my stuff in less than 5 days and it arrived in great shape, no complaints and excellent followup. I don't know if there are rules, or who is a supporting vendor, but just my experience. I don't know if the 330 degree beam angle will hurt me or not... but I figure that the old florescent bulbs we use to recommend were obviously 360 degrees.. so I went with the company that follows up and seems to stand behind their product. I'll post more when I get it all wired up.

 

[cccoltsicehockey]

So my father has a three car garage that currently has two 8ft fixtures with two 8ft T12 bulbs each. The ballast in one has failed so I am thinking he is better off switching to LED lighting I am just not sure what to replace them with. Don't mind replacing the fixtures with new and budget cap he doesn't want to go over $1000 at most. He doesn't do any wrenching inthr garage but is 70 and doenst have the greatest eyes anymore so the more light the better. Garage is 32x22x12'6.

From the reading I have done it seems like his ceiling is too high for wrap (consensus in here seems to be best at no higher than 8-9ft ceilings) and too low maybe for high bay (consensus seems to be 15ft or higher). So what is recommended for this ceiling height? I did see somewhere in here a 2ft highway that could be surface mounted. Most likely I would do the install of these and just wire up whatever in the same location as the current lights which is basically parralle to the back edge uof the garage door when up. So I would say about 2/3 of the way back into the garage.

Also considered these https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DMZWZ4B/?tag=atomicindus08-20 but don't want him to buy something that is junk.

 

[notdavidspade]

I was looking at those same lamps, but decided to go with the maxlite housings and bulbs. I'm still working on the instal, but out of the gate I'm impressed and happy with the lamps, and I've only lit some of my 12ft ceilings. I went with fixtures and replaceable bulbs because I anticipate lights failing and wanted something easy to replace. If 3 years from now you need a fixture, what are the chances that Amazon still sells those? I got 40 fixtures and 80 bulbs for my 40 x 60, and spent just over your budget from conservationmart.com. ... you would only need a fraction of that, leaving you plenty of budget for wiring. Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[thalfmann]

I ordered 6 of the MaxLite LSS2XT8USE4803 housings with 12 of the James T818W1200BIXXDF50F1 5000k LED bulbs 2 years ago, after reading this thread back then, for my 3 car garage and am extremely happy with the light they provide.

I'm now ordering for my new workshop being built, 26x28, and want more of these lights.

I ordered 16 each of the same Maxlite housings from Bees, but now I find out this same James LED bulb is no longer available, which is disappointing.
I noticed the new models on the first page, however several of them show out of stock right now, and some only listed in 3000 or 4000.

I found a 5000k version from LEDMYPLACE. I can't post links yet, but you can search for TB038. It is listed as T8 4ft 18W LED Tube 5000K Frosted 2400 Lumens Single Ended Power for $6.99ea.

Can you tell me if it is a similar replacement or do you have recommendations to get something close to what I original purchased?

Thanks.