Shop Lights

[Jeff]

My original lighting idea was terrible. I was using two 4' double fluorescent hanging fixtures in a 20' x 20' shop. Not a bright (sic) idea I know but it was cheap and easy when I initially moved in. So the research began. I saw some nifty shop lights out there at some damned nifty prices too. I read lighting diagrams and performed math calculations. My brain hurts. My ears are starting to bleed.

I wanted something bright, efficient, and hopefully on the cheap. My research wasn't going well. Ideally I should have two 16' rows of double fluorescent fixtures. I figured $150 for the two row setup including bulbs and wiring supplies. Plus the added hassle of changing 8' tubes on the ceiling. I still thought I could go cheaper. Then I read where a member on this forum had 6 existing keyless fixtures in his shop/garage. He changed out the incandescent and replaced them with 100w equivalent CFL's. He doubled each fixture with a Y adapter and two 100w CFL's. Now he has 1200 watts of efficient CFL's drawing only 78 watts of juice. The total cost was under $50. Not bad.

I used his idea, but I needed to add 5 keyless fixtures plus boxes and wiring. From friends in the biz and yard sales I was able to get everything I needed for under $10. Sure, some items were used but in mint condition.

For the CFL's i went with 125w full spectrums. The lights put out an amazing clear light with no yellowing or bluing. Shadowing is non-existent except for the far corners. A 12-pack of these bulbs was $45. My total light wattage is 1125 with a wattage draw of 270 watts.

Not bad for $55 total. Now I've got extra $$$ for that 22" flat screen TV. Shhhhhhhhh, don't tell the wife!

 

[BioHazard]

My total light wattage is 1125 with a wattage draw of 270 watts.

That's not really how it works. The higher wattage numbers listed on CFLs are simply a fake, made up number that is supposed to be equivalent to an incandescent bulb of the same wattage. It's only there to help people decide which wattage they need to replace a standard 60w bulb. I really wish they would stop using that system, and it should never be streatched past 100w. Often this is used as a marketing opportunity and they fudge the numbers. Also, the bigger you go, the less relevance there is in comparing to incandescents.

Your "total wattage" is only 270. If you want a valid comparison vs incandescent bulbs, look at the lumens on each. Watts means absolutely nothing about how much light you actually have.

 

[stricht8]

That looks well lit to me. Nice job.

 

[aar0s]

Hmm, i need more light in my garage and this looks like a good idea!

 

[Jeff]

That's not really how it works. The higher wattage numbers listed on CFLs are simply a fake, made up number that is supposed to be equivalent to an incandescent bulb of the same wattage. It's only there to help people decide which wattage they need to replace a standard 60w bulb. I really wish they would stop using that system, and it should never be streatched past 100w. Often this is used as a marketing opportunity and they fudge the numbers. Also, the bigger you go, the less relevance there is in comparing to incandescents.

Your "total wattage" is only 270. If you want a valid comparison vs incandescent bulbs, look at the lumens on each. Watts means absolutely nothing about how much light you actually have.

The lumens are 2250.

 

[rodnok1]

The only problem I can see with that thinking is the cfl's disperse light 360 degrees without reflectors of any type, a standard flour light with min reflector will throw 95 percent of the light down. So prob 30+ pecent iis being used to light the ceiling around it. You are not getting the same amount of light... 6 4foot fixtures in that garage and you would alot more light at the bench area and floor. I'm sure it's a big improvement, but throw a couple 4 footers up and see the difference.

 

[Jeff]

The only problem I can see with that thinking is the cfl's disperse light 360 degrees without reflectors of any type, a standard flour light with min reflector will throw 95 percent of the light down. So prob 30+ pecent iis being used to light the ceiling around it. You are not getting the same amount of light... 6 4foot fixtures in that garage and you would alot more light at the bench area and floor. I'm sure it's a big improvement, but throw a couple 4 footers up and see the difference.

I did give adding some reflectors some thought. Could it be possible to make some? Say 2' in diameter with a cutout for the keyless. I have access to some 1/16" aluminum sheet. Any ideas?

 

[jvitez]

The only problem I can see with that thinking is the cfl's disperse light 360 degrees without reflectors of any type, a standard flour light with min reflector will throw 95 percent of the light down. So prob 30+ pecent iis being used to light the ceiling around it. You are not getting the same amount of light... 6 4foot fixtures in that garage and you would alot more light at the bench area and floor. I'm sure it's a big improvement, but throw a couple 4 footers up and see the difference.

With the lowish ceiling height demonstrated in the picture, I'm not sure a reflector matters. Lighting the white ceiling actually diffuses the light and bounces it back down. A well lit ceiling also looks brighter to the eye. Compare the OP's photo to a warehouse with metal halide reflectors. The lumens at workbench height may be the same, but for a home shop I know I like brightly lit looking spaces. I think he did a great job solving his problem for a very cheap price.

The only thing about the Y-sockets is that with round lamps installed, they always reminds me of an anatomical perspective.........

 

[Falcon67]

I did give adding some reflectors some thought. Could it be possible to make some? Say 2' in diameter with a cutout for the keyless. I have access to some 1/16" aluminum sheet. Any ideas?

I've used pie pans in the past for such things. Redneck, but works.

 

[aar0s]

Maybe some reflectors from a gas stove?

 

[marty_p]

There's nothing EVER wrong with choosing "quick, cheap, and easy!"

Very clever work..............

 

[bucs012]

Like that last 2 posts- Git'r done!!!! Lord knows I have used plenty of duct tape in my life! Matter of fact, maybe that would work for a light deflector?

 

[Teikas Dad]

I just bought six 8' (4 T8 bulbs per unit) strip lights for my 20X20 shop....and I was worried that it wouldn't be enough light!

 

[burleymike]

Nice thing is when you have a ballast go bad you don't have to spend 30 min swapping it out. Just unscrew the lamp and screw in a new one. If I had not come across the metal halide fixtures so cheap I would go this route.

 

[1299]

I have four, four foot doubles and they are more than enough for my 20x20. My work is general maintenance for my motorcycle and car.

 

[popbigguy]

Screw in light reflector

Might try these:

http://www.farmtek.com/farm/supplie...bulbs-ft1_greenhouse_lighting_1;pg108683.html

And also, sometime ago someone was looking for some of these lights:
http://www.farmtek.com/farm/supplie...bulbs-ft1_greenhouse_lighting_1;pg108684.html

 

[Jeff]

Re: Screw in light reflector

Might try these:

http://www.farmtek.com/farm/supplie...bulbs-ft1_greenhouse_lighting_1;pg108683.html

And also, sometime ago someone was looking for some of these lights:
http://www.farmtek.com/farm/supplie...bulbs-ft1_greenhouse_lighting_1;pg108684.html

Nice reflectors but not at $15 each since I would need 6 of them.

 

[lessan]

Re: Screw in light reflector

Nice reflectors but not at $15 each since I would need 6 of them.

I put 8 of them in my garage with 105W CFLs in them. Makes a HUGE difference in the amt of light hitting the floor instead of being wasted on the ceiling.

 

[GTO]

The lighting looks great,but with that low ceiling,those bulbs are sticking out and waiting to get hit with something.
Good Luck

 

[mybuick6]

sharkin.

what is the wattage of the sockets in the celing?

 

[Nostraquedeo]

What are the horizontal members on the second garage door section?

 

[ratdoggy]

I just doubled up 3 fixtures in my garage BIG difference!!! Cheap too!

 

[Robbo]

OK, quick question, which will show my extreme ignorance when it comes to electrical stuff.

I have a garage I'd like to double up the lights on with a y adapter like that and put two CFL bulbs on. I read that you have 78w between the two 100w eqv bulbs.

If my fixture is one that says not to put over 60w bulb, is that small of an increase going to make any difference? or is there another fixture I can get that is rated higher if need be?

Maybe a silly question... but after losing a house, and 4 cars (two corvettes) and all my tools to an electrical fire, my wife and I are wimps and worriers when it comes to anything of that nature haha

Thanks,
Rob

 

[Jononon]

I have a garage I'd like to double up the lights on with a y adapter like that and put two CFL bulbs on. I read that you have 78w between the two 100w eqv bulbs.

The calculation in the first post appears incorrect. The 6 fixture set up uses 12 100W 'equivalent' bulbs, each of 26W, giving a draw on each fixture of 52W and a total draw of 312W, so 60W Y-splitters are being used within their rated load in this application.

I would, however, share GTOs concerns as to the robustness of this set-up in a working environment. IMHO enclosed strip fittings are far more suitable for garage use.

 

[gabeancounter]

I like the pie plate idea...lol sounds just like GA. Might still have the pan leftover from the pecan pie last week.

 

[ratdoggy]

What I like about it.. It is easy,quick and cheap. I will put in real lights when I get the time to do so, probably in a couple of months. My garage went from dungeon to half way decent by spending $8

 

[Crash913]

I currently have a single 100W CFL bulb in my garage (just moved in a few months ago) and need to upgrade badly. Thanks OP!

 

[mybuick6]

jononon thats what i neded to know thnks!!!!!!!

 

[mybuick6]

i did the y split with 23 watt 1600 lumins 2700k and it looks like daylight in the garage. all for 18.00 at menards. the pic looks darker than it is....