What is the right Florescent light fixture?Need some Layout help!!

[tstang90]

I have spent hours on this board reading thru old threads from heat electric and floors. its unreal I get lost readin the progress some of you have made.

I finally was out there framing the garage my next step is running electric I already did a 100 amp service now its time for lighting.

I see many complain about FM interference. I am from NY we do get some cold days in winter a average winter ranges between upper teens to 40's.

What do I look for in a fixture? Is there a certain number on the ballast or fixture itself to get or stay away from?
I see T-8 is the way to go. But I do not want to sacrifice FM cause I listen to the radio all the time.

I am also attaching a sketch of my floor plan. I'm torn on the layout of the fixtures and how many i would need. Which to run on what switch etc.

I was thinking 3 rows front to back and a strip along the front and back wall for when the hood is open and workin on the car. I'm open for suggestions.


Any help/advise etc would be greatly appreciated.

 

[tstang90]

Not sure why the sketch isnt showin the way it was drawn the garage is 21 feet deep and 24 feet wide. I have a 16 foot wide garage door off set to one side and a 36 inch side door which is where the workbench area will be.
The ceiling height is 8'-6".

Thank You

 

[PassnThru]

As I have posted before, Lithonia has a program to help you determine how many lights you need in your space including layout. I used this on my garage and found it to be very handy. You want the basic version:
http://www.visual-3d.com/
As for the FM interference, I have T8's in my garage and listen to the radio all the time. I think if you get a good quality light with an electronic ballast you will not have a problem.

 

[tstang90]

thanks I guess what im asking is what is considered a good quality light?

Is going to Lowes or Depot a smart move?

 

[bucs012]

I can tell you, I put these in my garage by Lithonia. Have not regreted it for single second since October of last year. This winter they are working perfect no matter what the temps are. When it's 25-30 in there they come on dimmed down, but fully warmed up within a few minutes! No flickering or any other problems........I have 17 of these units!

Customer comments are good too.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

 

[joecole23]

After doing lots of research on this site, I decided to go with these heavy-duty industrical fixtures from Lithonia. The GEB10IS industrial-grade electronic ballast is essential (at least that's what I read on here).

http://www.drillspot.com/products/291538/Lithonia_AF_2_32_MVOLT_GEB10IS_Heavy-Duty_Industrial_Fixture

My project is in progress, and the lights haven't even been ordered yet, so I can't report on the quality of these fixtures. However, after lots of research, I'm 99.9% sure they're the right ones for the job.

 

[DURAMAT]

Are you painting the walls and ceiling white? If so them reflectors are not needed (useless really in your case). I'd save some coin get the striplight only Your 8' ceiling doesn't justify the reflectors IMO

 

[joecole23]

If you're talking to me, my ceiling height is 13' and my walls are painted a medium gray, with a white ceiling. I think the reflectors will help target the light better, but I could be wrong.

 

[HIRISC]

You'll need less surface mounted fluorescent fixtures than recessed.

Under mezzanine area is 16' x 30'.

Ask me how I know

 

[tstang90]

thanks i like the look of those. Does that cover help with light or hurt it?

I like the fact that they are concealed due to breakage itll stay contained. $70 a unit is far from cheap. What was your layout trick?
I see that unit has 4 bulbs per.

i was at lowes this afternoon not good results the air head in the electrical dept was about as helpful as ***** on a bull. So it was a wasted trip there.

I am painting my ceilings white. As for the walls i havent picked a color yet but dont think itll be white more then likely a light shade of grey.

I have a buddy coming monday to wire the shop up he said find lights and buy em if possible.


Thanks guys.

I can tell you, I put these in my garage by Lithonia. Have not regreted it for single second since October of last year. This winter they are working perfect no matter what the temps are. When it's 25-30 in there they come on dimmed down, but fully warmed up within a few minutes! No flickering or any other problems........I have 17 of these units!

Customer comments are good too.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

 

[PassnThru]

thanks I guess what im asking is what is considered a good quality light?

Is going to Lowes or Depot a smart move?

I have purchased a few florescent fixtures from Lowes and have not been happy with them. I have trouble with two of them in the attached garage only coming on in a certain temperature range.
When I built the garage I went to an electrical supply house in town and bought some Lithonia lights there. This model was not available at Lowes and they have worked very well for me. They work regardless of temperature. So I am at this point leery of the florescent lights at Lowes or Home Depot.

 

[tstang90]

thanks i will look a bit more but i may just take a ride to my locla place and see what they say.

Thanks for all the help im always open for input

 

[DURAMAT]

If you are painting the ceiling white, it is doing the same thing directing/refracting the light down anyways. Your ceiling height is too low for the shields. Now at Walmart,,,yes, the cieling height is in issue and they have to throw the light down so they use the reflectors. Save your $. or,,,send it my way

3 years experience for a Commercial lighting supply (inside/outside sales) and Ge lamp distributor
12 years Residential/Commercial/Industrial electrical experience.
wife works for an Electrical Engineering firm in the lighting dept. Too many times she designed it only for me to curse installing the damn things. (fun nights to talk about)

Save your money and get some simple striplights that are T8 with electronic ballast with 841 ANSI on the lamps. Lithonia, Daybrite or Metalux brands are my preferences.

Im all for helping ya save some coin

 

[DURAMAT]

keep in mind,,by going dark on interior colors your light intensity will dissappear and then you have to get more fixtures to compensate for the loss.

 

[Stuart in MN]

After doing lots of research on this site, I decided to go with these heavy-duty industrical fixtures from Lithonia. The GEB10IS industrial-grade electronic ballast is essential (at least that's what I read on here).

http://www.drillspot.com/products/291538/Lithonia_AF_2_32_MVOLT_GEB10IS_Heavy-Duty_Industrial_Fixture

My project is in progress, and the lights haven't even been ordered yet, so I can't report on the quality of these fixtures. However, after lots of research, I'm 99.9% sure they're the right ones for the job.

I've specified literally thousands of that exact light fixture for industrial and municipal projects with zero issues. They're a good choice.

 

[ScaldedDog]

I just went with the 8' 4 bulb T8 fixtures from Home Depot, and made sure they had AccuPro ballasts. I had no interference problems, but would've just called Accupro if I had, and they'd send new ballasts.

Mark

 

[rwhite692]

After doing lots of research on this site, I decided to go with these heavy-duty industrical fixtures from Lithonia. The GEB10IS industrial-grade electronic ballast is essential (at least that's what I read on here).

http://www.drillspot.com/products/291538/Lithonia_AF_2_32_MVOLT_GEB10IS_Heavy-Duty_Industrial_Fixture

My project is in progress, and the lights haven't even been ordered yet, so I can't report on the quality of these fixtures. However, after lots of research, I'm 99.9% sure they're the right ones for the job.

I went with the Lithonia GEB10IS as well. I purchased them from my local electrical supply house. Pricing was much better than anything I could find online...you don't want to be paying the shipping on eight-foot boxes, either. My ceiling is a light gray color (didn't want to go with pure white and have it get too dirty too fast...)

I have a total of 16, 8-foot, four-bulb fixtures in my 24x36 detached garage. A pro lighting designer on this site (username "rocco") helped me with the fixture selection and layout. These fixtures are energy efficient, very low THD, instant start, and silent. If you do decide to get these fixtures, you will NOT be disappointed! -Rob

 

[bucs012]

Man, this guys is getting some great help. I went through this last year and glad it is over......Ha!

During my research on this site last year there were not too many that were super happy with any specific light. I mean there was no "hands down" light to choose.

I read as much as I could and went thru the pros/cons of each.
Sounds like a lot of us are very happy with the Lithonia GEB10IS (ballast) type lights that we have installed.

 

[tstang90]

thanks guys. I see all this talk about which ballast to look for. I went to depot tonight none of the boxes list the ballast number that it comes with.

THis is a nightmare both lowes and depot personell so far havent been much help. The local electrical supply house closed 10 minutes before i arrived.

 

[ScaldedDog]

Pull 'em off the shelf and pop the boxes open. The help won't say a word.

Mark

 

[bucs012]

thanks guys. I see all this talk about which ballast to look for. I went to depot tonight none of the boxes list the ballast number that it comes with.

THis is a nightmare both lowes and depot personell so far havent been much help. The local electrical supply house closed 10 minutes before i arrived.

The lights I have been telling you about HAVE it right on the box. I just bought another one this morning for an additional light in my shop. Pull it off the shelf and look at the complete box. It may not come right out and say 'BALLAST" but look for the GEB and some numbers.

 

[rwhite692]

I don't think that the big box stores carry the Lithonia fixtures with these ballasts. I could be wrong.

 

[joecole23]

If anyone needs more details, here's the link to the Lithonia fixtures I used in my planning:

http://www.lithonia.com/commercial/AF.html?pt=Commercial+%26+Industrial+Fluorescent

 

[rlme36]

I went with the Lithonia GEB10IS as well. I purchased them from my local electrical supply house. Pricing was much better than anything I could find online...you don't want to be paying the shipping on eight-foot boxes, either. My ceiling is a light gray color (didn't want to go with pure white and have it get too dirty too fast...)

I have a total of 16, 8-foot, four-bulb fixtures in my 24x36 detached garage. A pro lighting designer on this site (username "rocco") helped me with the fixture selection and layout. These fixtures are energy efficient, very low THD, instant start, and silent. If you do decide to get these fixtures, you will NOT be disappointed! -Rob

Rob,

Can you post the whole part number and let us know if you have FM/AM radio issues with these lights.

Thanks,

rob (as well)

 

[PassnThru]

I went with the Lithonia GEB10IS as well. I purchased them from my local electrical supply house. Pricing was much better than anything I could find online...you don't want to be paying the shipping on eight-foot boxes, either. My ceiling is a light gray color (didn't want to go with pure white and have it get too dirty too fast...)

I have a total of 16, 8-foot, four-bulb fixtures in my 24x36 detached garage. A pro lighting designer on this site (username "rocco") helped me with the fixture selection and layout. These fixtures are energy efficient, very low THD, instant start, and silent. If you do decide to get these fixtures, you will NOT be disappointed! -Rob

You have fairly low ceilings it would appear. I would suggest to the OP that he go with a covered light at 8' 6" to help protect the bulbs. I also prefer covered lights from an aesthetic viewpoint. If you never do any wood work in the garage where you are swinging 10+' pieces of trim or 8' sheet goods around it might not be an issue though.

 

[rwhite692]

....You have fairly low ceilings it would appear....

Well...I guess some may consider it a "low" ceiling...but...My ceiling is 10 feet at the walls, and it is 13' 6" at the peak.

I don't really like the look of enclosed florescent light fixtures, I prefer to go "commando" with my flourescents, LOL!

 

[rwhite692]

Rob,

Can you post the whole part number and let us know if you have FM/AM radio issues with these lights.

Thanks,

rob (as well)

Hi Rob...I will look it up when I get home...To answer the second question...No, I have not detected any radio frequency interference whatsoever, with these lights.

 

[PassnThru]

Well...I guess some may consider it a "low" ceiling...but...My ceiling is 10 feet at the walls, and it is 13' 6" at the peak.

I don't really like the look of enclosed florescent light fixtures, I prefer to go "commando" with my flourescents, LOL!

Ahh - OK - I was judging height entirely by your pictures and using the garage door as a reference. In your case, that is definitely not a problem. I might add that I like the number of lights you put in. So many people just put one or two strips in - I guess they don't plan on working in their garage much. My 24X32 has 8 fixtures - each fixture is 8' long and has 4 4' bulbs. I'd say we're pretty much even on light
BTW - to the OP - If you put lots of lights in your garage (something that I encourage) then you might want to think about putting them on two or more switches. I have my 8 fixtures on two switches - for general work where I don't need much light I only hit one switch. If I'm actually working out there I hit both switches. It has worked out really well and is something to think about during the planning stage.

 

[rwhite692]

Ahh - OK - I was judging height entirely by your pictures and using the garage door as a reference. In your case, that is definitely not a problem. I might add that I like the number of lights you put in. So many people just put one or two strips in - I guess they don't plan on working in their garage much. My 24X32 has 8 fixtures - each fixture is 8' long and has 4 4' bulbs. I'd say we're pretty much even on light

Yeah, the picture is deceiving, the garage door is a 9' high x 16' wide.

Actually, I used twice as many of the 8-foot, four bulb fixtures (16 fixtures), a bit overkill maybe, but, I have no regrets...

I have the two "outer" rows on one switch, and the two "inner" rows on another.

 

[PassnThru]

Yeah, the picture is deceiving, the garage door is a 9' high x 16' wide.

Actually, I used twice as many of the 8-foot, four bulb fixtures (16 fixtures), a bit overkill maybe, but, I have no regrets...

I have the two "outer" rows on one switch, and the two "inner" rows on another.

There is no overkill for lighting - especially when you don't have to turn them all on at once. Even though you have a larger garage you still beat me
My goal in lighting was to be able to wax a car in my garage without additional lighting. I barely made it with all the lights I have which most people would consider overkill.

 

[bucs012]

I don't think that the big box stores carry the Lithonia fixtures with these ballasts. I could be wrong.

The second row of lights are ALL "GESB" and the good ballasts that work in cold/hot weather. GESB is right above the price and on the outside of the box.

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...honia&langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

 

[tstang90]

thanks ill let ya know how it all works out. I picked up 13 4 foot lithonia fixtures today and they had the GESB ballasts along with a ton of other stuff outdoor llighting outlets etc. $800 outting today at Depot ...grief.... Can you walk out of those stores ever with less then $150 at check out??

Well be wiring the garage up tomorrow my buddy feels we can knock it out in aday. Im just a helping hand so well see. All I know is i stripped the shop down to 1 working outlet one plug was for the shop light the other was for every power tool i needed to use. You can only imiagine. And I had to do some framing Friday night in teh garage and every time i needed a power tool i was swapping plugs I can wait for those days to be a memory.

 

[rwhite692]

Rob, Here is the info from the box label for the lights I used:

TC 2 32 MVOLT 1/4
GEB10IS
Bare Lamp Channel
Packaging: U

 

[bucs012]

thanks ill let ya know how it all works out. I picked up 13 4 foot lithonia fixtures today and they had the GESB ballasts along with a ton of other stuff outdoor llighting outlets etc. $800 outting today at Depot ...grief.... Can you walk out of those stores ever with less then $150 at check out??

Not if you hang out on this site. Right when you think you have everything all taken care of, you read more and learn more and find out there is MORE stuff you HAVE to have...............

 

[James2]

Hey guys,

Thanks for posting all this good info. I'm planning my build, and saw the lithonia 8 foot 4 bulb T8 fixture at Home Depot yesterday for $45.00, but I don't know what kind of ballast was on it. I'll check next time I go and look for the one referenced above.

After reading this, I'm not sure that I have enough light planned for my 40x80x13'6" shop... I was considering 4 rows of 8 fixtures (8 foot, 4x4' bulbs as above) spaced at 10 feet on center.

I was planning on having multiple switches too, so maybe I should go with one more row, making it 5 rows of 8 fixtures spaced 8 feet apart so that I can switch rows 1, 3, and 5 on one switch and 2 and 4 on another. Maybe I should also switch the front half of the shop and the rear half of the shop also...

Should I add another row, or even more fixtures? Based on Rob's stuff above, he has 16 fixtures for 864 square feet!

Your thoughts?

 

[James2]

Another thought is to take out the space between the fixtures as Rob did, and add the 5th row, making for a total of 5 rows of 10 = 50 fixtures for the whole shop. Will be drywalled, taped, and painted semigloss white ceiling and walls...

 

[bucs012]

What you will always hear on this site........You never have too many lights.

 

[D.J.]

I would split front half on switches and back half on switches and even consider about 10 switches 5 for the front and 5 for the rear on the five rows or 4 & 4 on the four rows. Because I feel you would be wasting light at times when you are only working on one side of a vehicle. As said above "You can never have too many lights, but you sure can have too many on at times! IMO
Just my $.02
________
******** Mature

 

[James2]

I agree, maybe even one switch per half row would be good, just to turn on only the ones you want. So then, I guess that means I'll be putting in more wire, to run each circuit, right? I'm trying to figure out how much wire I'll need for the project.

 

[IONH]

You can get two 4 foot T8 setups for less than the single 8 foot T8 setup. Why not run more of those spaced evenly so you get better light coverage.