Your thoughts on Lithonia light fixture vs strip lights

moogoob · May 6, 2008

Anybody use this type of fixture as opposed to the strip lights?
Any advantages other than being flushmount?
Any disadvantages when compared to strip lights?
I'm thinking three of them for a 10x21 with 9ft ceiling.

Lithonia Lighting 4 Lamps, 32 Watt, T8 Electronic Ballast Troffer
Model 2GT8 4 32 A12 120 1/4 GESB
$39.97/EA Each

boiler7904 · May 6, 2008

I think you're going to have a problem integrating those into standard wood frame construction.

Flush mount troffers are typically 23"+ wide. Trusses at 24" o.c. only have 22 1/2" clear between them.

I'd also check if the fixture is rated for insulation contact.

I'd look both of these up but I don't have my Lithonia catalog in front of me.

Other than that, I'd go for a flush mount fixture.

dipper · May 6, 2008

I have similar cooper metalux lights in my garage. They seem to work really well, and will be the best way to have lighting in my suspended ceiling. Mine don't have the acrylic panel, just aluminum grids in them (kind of like what you see in stores/hotels etc.

Are you doing a drop ceiling? If so i would'nt hesitate to use those.

Stuart in MN · May 6, 2008

Troffer lights are really designed for use in drop ceilings, like in office spaces. Like Boiler7904 said they probably won't fit in between 24" OC trusses or rafters, and may or may not be rated for direct contact with insulation if the ceiling is insulated.

dumbandhappy · May 6, 2008

all strip lights these days use the more energy efficient T-8 bulbs, so it really doesnt matter I dont think, the troffer lights sure look cleaner and offer more saftey, harder for you to break the bulbs if they are incased in the fixture shoudl you bang something tall or long againt it unlike the strip lights.

have you thought about Can lights? They are cheap these days

Just my .02 cents

Rowdy Rat · May 7, 2008

Moogoob,

I wanted to go with recessed fixtures as well (in my case a 6 lamp, T5HO setup), but boiler and Stuart hit on the problem that I've been having in locating such a fixture.

The fixture that you referenced in your post (as well as most recessed fixtures it seems) are called "troffers"... Basically light fixtures designed to install in a specific size drop ceiling opening and may or may not be rated to come in contact with insulation.

Having said that, I have spoken with a Lithonia rep who tells me that it is possible to install a troffer light in in a "hard" ceiling, but that it would require some additional framing to accomplish. I'm still waiting to hear what else is required for such an installation and I'll be happy to pass along the information to you when I receive it.

Regards,

Stan

bochnak · May 7, 2008

I hung the trouffers:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11430&highlight=free+lights

Of course, they were free. I plan on adding strip lights in areas where the joists are 24"OC, and the trouffer would not be flush. My neighbor has trouffers as well, but was limited to exact positioning due to the joists.

1500hd · May 7, 2008

Use the 1'x 4' double bulb with a plaster frame kit. These are available from Lithonia, the drywall frame cover's the opening in the ceiling.

moogoob · Jun 1, 2008

I skipped the trouffers and went with five 2x32watt t8 4' fixtures with refracting lenses.

Old Moparz · Jun 3, 2008

moogoob said:
I skipped the trouffers and went with five 2x32watt t8 4' fixtures with refracting lenses.

I see you already bought your lights, but just a heads up on Lithonia. I installed 2 fixtures made by Lithonia in my kitchen about 3 years ago. It was time to replace the bulbs recently, & when I was putting the diffuser back on one of them, it broke into pieces. I'm guessing the plastic dried out & became brittle from the heat. The replacement diffuser, which I didn't buy, cost more than the entire fixture that came with the bulbs when new.

If I had known the diffuser was going to break, I'd have bought another fixture with new bulbs & would be ahead right now. :lol_hitti

shrockworks · Jun 9, 2008

Home depot has the Lithonia 1'x4' T8 recessed fixtures for about $45.00. The box says for drywall installation. This is what I'm planning to use.

shrockworks · Jun 10, 2008

I found it online.

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...3&productId=100249370&N=10000003+90008+500983

1 Ft. x 4 Ft.T8 Flngd Trof COMM/RESI Ballast

Model SP8 F 2 32 A12 120 GESB

$48.00/Carton
Not Sold Online
Sold At Your Local Store

-Product shown is normally carried at your local store; availability may vary.
-Local store prices may vary from those displayed.

This lensed troffer is flanged for use in drywall ceilings. Can be used in almost any application needing general illumination. Uses two 32 watt T8 lamps and has an electronic ballast. Has a white flush steel frame and door latches and hinges from either side.

* Low profile design ideal for restricted plenum spaces
* Housing and door frame interface to provide light seal without the use of foam gasketing
* Diffuser provides reduced lamp image
* Hemmed sides provide smooth edges for easy handling during installation
* MFG Model # : SP8 F 2 32 A12 120 GESB
* MFG Part # : SP8 F 2 32 A12 120 GESB

Your thoughts on Lithonia light fixture vs strip lights

moogoob

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boiler7904

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dipper

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Stuart in MN

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dumbandhappy

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Rowdy Rat

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bochnak

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1500hd

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moogoob

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Old Moparz

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shrockworks

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shrockworks

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