Upgrade & Expand Existing Lighting

[nolimits76]

We recently moved and my new garage is roughly 22’x22’. Ceilings are about 8’ tall and flat with exception to a beam that runs across. There is living space directly above so I’m not looking to expose anything.

Current lighting is decent considering I only have 2 bulbs (plus the garage door opener). These are cheap ceramic fixtures but house was built before LED’s so I have some powerful bulbs in it to help offset the quantity of fixtures. Still, it’s not enough.

My initial thoughts was a 2x4 fluorescent fixture to replace existing ceramic fixtures and then “daisy chaining” a second fixture as I have shown on the attached drawing. I’m guessing I would need to use exposed conduit and go up, down & around the existing beam support.

Prefer to use LED’s with high output and 4000k temp. Would like a low profile fixture and something with a cover. Open to ideas and constructive feedback.

Edited to Add:
Not sure it matters but I am also repainting. Walls will be polar white by Benjamin Moore (whitish/grey) with a super bright white ceiling for higher reflectivity.

 

[nadogail]

I replaced the four shop lights that had F40-T12 lamps with those screws in LED multi panel units.

I am very pleased with the results.

Those inexpensive ceramic sockets that many people call cheap are rated at 600 watts each. They make Lighting Upgrades as easy as changing a lightbulb.

 

[nolimits76]

I replaced the four shop lights that had F40-T12 lamps with those screws in LED multi panel units.

I am very pleased with the results.

Those inexpensive ceramic sockets that many people call cheap are rated at 600 watts each. They make Lighting Upgrades as easy as changing a lightbulb.

What brand and model did you get? I was looking at some of these awhile back but dismissed thinking they couldn’t really be that good.

These were the ones I found previously. Wasn’t quite sure about the 6500k. I know I like 4000k but don’t care for 5000k. I don’t think I’ve seen 6500k. Also I was concerned that if you tilted them you might end up with a “sun in your eye” type effect.

Any issues with color or creating blind spots?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096ZZ7719/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[nadogail]

I don't concern myself with color temperature, they looked good on Amazon and the light is bright, we are not decorating the workshop, we are lighting it we have enough modules that the light is evenly distributed.

It is a Workshop, not a Showroom.

 

[rancherbill]

We recently moved and my new garage is roughly 22’x22’. Ceilings are about 8’ tall and flat with exception to a beam that runs across. There is living space directly above so I’m not looking to expose anything.

....Still, it’s not enough.
....
Edited to Add:
Not sure it matters but I am also repainting. Walls will be polar white by Benjamin Moore (whitish/grey) with a super bright white ceiling for higher reflectivity.

They said it would be cool, they said it would be bright, they said I would love it.

It was the worst decision in the garage to put light, light grey in the garage. The ordinary wall primer was WAY BRIGHTER.

 

[cybrdyke]

It was the worst decision in the garage to put light, light grey in the garage.

Yep. That's what happens. Colors absorb light. You can overcome it by simply adding more fixtures. In a 22 x22 that's painted gray, you'll likely need 9- 12 fixtures. With white walls, it would be more like 6-9.
Your best solution will be something linear, like a small strip or a wrap-around fixture that stays close to the ceiling and emits the light sideways as well as downward. That will give you a more even result and you'll have less sharp shadows. They should be easy to find in 4000K. If you dont like 5000K, you'll hate 6500K.
Your instinct about those screw in lights is correct. They're horrible. Especially with your low ceilings.
Good luck,
CD