The Best Light Fixture Ever!

[Marctrees]

Drilling 40 3/4 holes would **** even w a new step bit and in a press... I am SURE you can find these cheap on the interweb w 1/2" Ko's/

Marc

 

[Platonic Solid]

I like these housings, but if I'd known this beforehand, I'd not have ordered them.

I know - hindsight is 20/20, for anyone else, the full housing review does provide detailed dimensions here (link).

Is this what you're looking for?

Image linked to Garvin Industries​

I don't know if the RACO octagon (link) will fit.

 

[CleanSC]

Yes, there are many styles, mine was just one example. Choose what fits what you want to do best. The plastic ones are easy to drill, however they are thicker so that would offset your fixture from the ceiling a little. You'd have to see what exactly the situation is and plan accordingly.

If you're willing to do the extra work, you can make the holes smaller with a ceiling mud ring. This is a cleaner, flush look. Or, like you said, do the bigger cover, but you'll see the cover peep out of both sides of the fixture plus the aforementioned offset from the ceiling.

Choices to make!

 

[Hot shot]

I have the maxlite fixtures in my garage
I just drilled holes (no boxes) in the ceiling (osb)

 

[Platonic Solid]

I have the maxlite fixtures in my garage
I just drilled holes (no boxes) in the ceiling (osb)

Agreed, you don't need junction boxes.

 

[Marctrees]

Is it acceptable per NEC to hang a trough over a J box w/o having a larger than 1/2" KO to be able to access the wiring in the box w/o having to drop the trough ??

Marc

 

[Platonic Solid]

Is it acceptable per NEC to hang a trough over a J box w/o having a larger than 1/2" KO to be able to access the wiring in the box w/o having to drop the trough ??

Marc

Your question might mean something to a sparky, but it's Greek to me.

 

[Marctrees]

"Trough" is the housing for all the lights you typically suggest.

Most have a 1/2" KO in the center of top or back or whatever ya wanna call it.

SOME have a larger KO, or at least years ago, like 3" to allow full accesss to a round box.

So, I'm not sure if Code mandates access to the box without removing the fixture.

That's if someone installed boxes as a few above... a diferent situation than single tails.

Marc

 

[Platonic Solid]

The term is troffer, which is a recessed T grid fixture. Surface mount or hanging fixtures are not referred to as troffers. Higher end fixtures can be purchased with junction box access holes. Budget fixtures rarely have this option. Though I'm no sparky, I believe the universal rule is you must have access to all splices. If you have wires run through a box directly into the fixture wiring compartment without splices in the junction box, I see no reason that access to the junction box would be required.

 

[number9]

Yeah, I’m not for sure yet which way I’ll go, but it’s likely going to involve drywall mud and paint to end up with a clean look.

 

[WTF]

Platonic,

Longtime lurker in this thread; first time poster. Thank you for the wealth of information that you provide here; it's been instrumental in seeing the potential for improvement without smoking my budget too badly!

I've got a bunch of shop space with lots of room for improvement in the lighting category.
( currently running single bulb ceramics with walmart daylight 60-100 w equivalent LED's- so the main part of my 50x100 is currently running on ~280w of total actual LED draw rating. )

Existing- there are definitely shadows & task lighting needed at workstations/ project locations;

So I'm here like most others because I'd like better lighting, but at the same time don't need to get a tan in my shop or go broke paying the electric bill.


* I have acquired 30 of these 6 bulb 48" t-8 fixtures with reflectors for dirt cheap ( $10 ea). to be utilized across both buildings. no labels- sylvania quick 60+ ballasts (2x per fixture. ) which I would probably be bypassing.

**I haven't seen it referenced, but do the reflectors in these fixtures change any of the bulb recommendation???

Not I might find the bill for 180+ tubes a bit difficult to swallow, so my thought was to order 100 tubes to start and run anywhere from 2-4 tubes per fixture is this a viable option? ( or if 6x is more efficient/ can allow me to increase spacing/ reduce numbers of fixtures please let me know? )

Now based on this, Please don't be shy in telling me if I'm being a cheapskate, or if I should just scrap these fixtures and go with something else, (I could probably sell them for what I have into them relatively easily)



If there are existing lighting layouts for these shop shapes below, could you point me in the right direction?

If not, I would be forever grateful for any input you can give me.



Building 1: 50' x 100' x 14'h workshop.

(The office/ loft and closet don't need to be addressed.)

(hi- res Link)



Building 2 : 35' x 80' x 10'h Hangar.

This power was decommissioned 10-15 yrs ago and i'm rewiring completely so truly a blank slate.

(hi- res Link)



Thank You in advance!

 

[Platonic Solid]

WTF - That's some massive amount of space you have there. Other than aesthetics, the reflectors serve no practical function when converting to typical 4ft 120° beam angle retrofit bulbs. Suggest this 30 bulb case deal (link). $202.50 x 6 = $1215 /30 fixtures = $40.50 per fixture plus a little wiring labor. At 15120 lumens per fixture that's a good deal.

Note: I don't see anything about clear vs frosted lens on their site, so make sure you talk to someone and specify you want frosted lens.

I selected a Lithonia fixture with similar output here (link to Visual Photometric Tool preloaded with 15,212 lumen linear highbay IES file).
After clicking that link, follow instructions here (link).

 

[WTF]

WTF - That's some massive amount of space you have there. Other than aesthetics, the reflectors serve no practical function when converting to typical 4ft 120° beam angle retrofit bulbs. Suggest this 30 bulb case deal (link). $202.50 x 6 = $1215 /30 fixtures = $40.50 per fixture plus a little wiring labor. At 15120 lumens per fixture that's a good deal.

Note: I don't see anything about clear vs frosted lens on their site, so make sure you talk to someone and specify you want frosted lens.

I selected a Lithonia fixture with similar output here (link to Visual Photometric Tool preloaded with 15,212 lumen linear highbay IES file).
After clicking that link, follow instructions here (link).

Thanks for this info.

Is there any reason I can't / shouldn't try these out with 3-4 tubes per fixture and add more light as needs dictate// budget allows?

 

[Platonic Solid]

Thanks for this info.

Is there any reason I can't / shouldn't try these out with 3-4 tubes per fixture and add more light as needs dictate// budget allows?

6 tubes is overkill for 10' ceiling. Use 4 tubes for 10' ceiling.
Here's a Visual tool preloaded with 10054 lumen fixture (link) for 10' ceiling areas.

Recommend 6 tubes for 14' ceiling areas.

WRT lamps per fixture, you can do whatever you want, it'll just be darker. Above recommendations are for workshop level 90-100fc @ 30" workplane. You can go for much lower lumen output (fewer bulbs) for any non-work storage area.

 

[Iron-Butt]

I have a shop 40 x 60 with 16ft walls. it is a red iron building with insulation. I'm needing a lighting recommendation. The shop will be used to work on cars. I have not had the wiring done for lights yet as I need help. I want the lights to turn off in sections.

Thanks for help.

 

[Platonic Solid]

Iron-**** - See: 40x60x16

 

[640AutoDetail]

Is there a new link for the MaxLite or some other “best light ever”. The link is dead and the one that works shows that light as discontinued. Thanks in advance.

 

[Platonic Solid]

640AutoDetail - Shineretrofits and LEDlightingwholesale links are still active. Bees (link) still sells it, but their price went up. Prolighting doesn't sell it anymore.

 

[WTF]

6 tubes is overkill for 10' ceiling. Use 4 tubes for 10' ceiling.
Here's a Visual tool preloaded with 10054 lumen fixture (link) for 10' ceiling areas.

Recommend 6 tubes for 14' ceiling areas.

WRT lamps per fixture, you can do whatever you want, it'll just be darker. Above recommendations are for workshop level 90-100fc @ 30" workplane. You can go for much lower lumen output (fewer bulbs) for any non-work storage area.

Thanks again! sounds like these 6 bulb fixtures should allow me to fine tune my lighting vs/ draw for needed areas/ applications as the shop layout and usage evolves!

did I do OK at the $10 price point for the fixtures?

 

[Platonic Solid]

WTF - New 6 tube housings run about $65 without lamps.

 

[WTF]

WTF - New 6 tube housings run about $65 without lamps.

awesome, so i'm not in bad shape then.

 

[nastorino]

Finally got my fixtures and lights mounted that platonic suggested. Man I do love these things. Pictures coming shortly.

 

[pioneer1]

640AutoDetail - Shineretrofits and LEDlightingwholesale links are still active. Bees (link) still sells it, but their price went up. Prolighting doesn't sell it anymore.

Prolighting is recommending this TechBrite (link)Fixture as a replacement for the Maxilite. What are your thoughts on it? Is it a reputable unit?

 

[Platonic Solid]

pioneer1 - I haven't had the TechBrite (link to manufacturers website) in my hands, but I'm sure it's capable. The sheetmetal components pictured are noticeably thinner than the Maxlite.

 

[BERCOMAN]

Platonic Solid, Thanks for all you do to help. I'm retro fitting shop lights that are two T8 4' single bulb with one ballast. (Were updated 12 years ago from two 8' t12 bulbs by power company.) Going with direct wired 4' LED. Have a local manufacturer that has 2200 lumen 5000k omni directional frosted bulbs that have a beam angle of 330 degrees. I see you recommend 120 degree beam angle @ $6.88/ea. Will these work OK? and if not , could you recommend a bulb. Specs: https://greenignite.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/GI-4T8-C34P-ETLDW3-3.pdf Thanks in advance.

 

[Platonic Solid]

BERCOMAN - Most of these bulbs are using 120° LED chips. Moving the LED array to the back of the lamp envelope and claiming 330° beam spread is disingenuous. I wouldn't expect any real difference in fc at workplane between the bulb you linked to and any other bulb with 2200 Lm output. I still like the GreenTek bulb in post #1. If you're buying 30+, then I'd go with the James Industry bulb (link).

 

[BERCOMAN]

Thank you Platonic for helping me through all the different numbers... I call you Mr. Lightbulb when telling my buddies about my upgrade!

 

[cybrdyke]

...... that have a beam angle of 330 degrees.

No they dont. Plus, they're not a manufacturer, they just import stuff.

BERCOMAN - Most of these bulbs are using 120° LED chips. Moving the LED array to the back of the lamp envelope and claiming 330° beam spread is disingenuous.

That was a very diplomatic reply. Claiming a 330 beam is a lie. Lets call it what it is.
CD

 

[10YEARPLAN]

Platonic Solid, Thank you very much.
years ago I hung lights in my 25'x25' 9'tall attached garage. Maxlite fixtures and James bulbs. Best lighting I have ever seen in a garage!!! looks like a scene from alien autopsy!! We love it. Thanks again

 

[bileshake]

I just ordered 4x 8' lights from LEDMyplace.ca reviews look out standing and install pics look like too much light is all right. I have vaulted to 14.5 foot ceilings and hope this will do the job. I'll keep everyone posted.

 

[dannyc1225]

Hey everyone,
I'm drawing up a floor plan and light config for my new 30x28 garage with a 9x16x10 shop. The 30x28 is vaulted up to 16'.

I was considering using 2x48" or 3x48" lights, but will I need more lumens per fixture up at 16'? I have 6 wires roughed in for fixtures because I didn't do good research but I think I will end up coming back after and adding more lights along the perimeter and down the middle.

 

[jmillican1983]

I was planning on using 12 of these for my 32x40x12.5 shop based on previous recommendation on a similar sized shop:

https://www.ledlightingwholesaleinc.com/HB-90W320605-L-D-2-p/hb-90w320605-l-d-2.htm

Today I saw these on sale and I'm wondering if they might be a better option assuming I'd be using a dimmer:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/EnviroL...-with-5-ft-Cord-and-Plug-HB218DMDPE/306518937

I know some of the high bay fixtures aren't recommended for 12.5' ceilings, but I've seen the first ones I linked recommended a bunch. Is there a reason I shouldn't consider the home depot ones?

 

[Platonic Solid]

jmillican1983 - On a lumens per $ basis that Envirolite 18000 Lm at $66 is exceptional. As you said, you'll definitely need a dimmer as 18,000 lumens is way over the top for a 12.5' ceiling. Odd that the HB218DMDPE doesn't exist on Envirolite's website

 

[jmillican1983]

jmillican1983 - On a lumens per $ basis that Envirolite 18000 Lm at $66 is exceptional. As you said, you'll definitely need a dimmer as 18,000 lumens is way over the top for a 12.5' ceiling. Odd that the HB218DMDPE doesn't exist on Envirolite's website

Thanks for the quick reply! Do you know if that fixture would cause any shadow isuses compared to the LED Lighting Wholesale lights? If I use at least 12 fixtures spaced appropriately should I not worry about that? I'm concerned with the beam angle of a high bay, designed for use with a taller ceiling, that I might have shadows.

One thing I liked about the Home Depot fixtures is they are supposed to be surface mountable without an additional bracket.

 

[Platonic Solid]

jmillican1983 - They're both budget fixtures. I doubt they're using any special LEDs or secondary optics necessary to create a narrower beam spread. Assume both will provide a medium spread. No IES files for either one.

I see no mention of surface mounting for the HD fixture. I don't think it's an issue either as there will be some air gap between the LEDs and the ceiling surface.

I'd go with the HD fixture. Please return to share your experience.

 

[jmillican1983]

Will do. Thanks!

 

[Iron-Butt]

jmillican1983 - On a lumens per $ basis that Envirolite 18000 Lm at $66 is exceptional. As you said, you'll definitely need a dimmer as 18,000 lumens is way over the top for a 12.5' ceiling. Odd that the HB218DMDPE doesn't exist on Envirolite's website

I just bought these for my 40 x 60 x 16 shop. I will probably hang these at 15 ft. Will I need to use a dimmer?

Thanks for all the information and the help.

 

[Platonic Solid]

Iron-**** - Short answer is No you don't need a dimmer for those at 15'. It really depends on fixture quantity and layout. 15 fixtures 3x5 pattern puts you at 97fc @ 30" workplane.

 

[mray312]

I have a Beam Angle question for the experts here that i did not see in any previous posts about LED retrofits...

I'm trying to retrofit the nine Lithonia SB232 fixtures that I have in my 20 x 20 garage. I ordered Hyperikon HyperBC-4C-505 LED tubes from Amazon. I installed in one fixture, turned the power on to check progress and was disappointed. Much of the LED bulb's light was cast onto the finished ceiling and not directed down to the work plane/floor. The problem was not the fault of the bulb (which has a 110 degree Beam Angle) but the SB232 fixture itself. Lithonia's SB232 positions the tombstone at a 45 degree angle - not straight down - so when the LED T8 tube bulb is installed it positions the bulb to throw more light to the side than down. It also results in an obvious dark zone between the two bulbs in the fixture.

I've been looking at the TCP-10305 bulb (at 1000bulbs.com) as a possible solution. 1000bulbs.com spec sheet claims a 300 degree Beam Angle and if that's accurate I'm sure it would mitigate the problem. (Although I suspect the TCP bulb has a Beam Angle of 190 and a Field Angle of 300. According to TCP's LiberaT8 Bulb brochure.)

Any bulb/beam angle recommendations would be appreciated.

Here's a pic of the tombstone angle in the SB232:

 

[Iron-Butt]

Iron-**** - Short answer is No you don't need a dimmer for those at 15'. It really depends on fixture quantity and layout. 15 fixtures 3x5 pattern puts you at 97fc @ 30" workplane.

I bought 15 fixtures and will install them in that pattern.

Thanks so much.