Lowes $18 T8 lights get a thumbs up!
- Thread starter gabeancounter
- Start date
Im in the process of picking out lights right now. How did you figure how many you need?
I downloaded that Visual tool that someone here linked, but I cant figure it all out, it asks for alot of stuff that I have no clue on.
Also have you turned the radio on yet? Thats my main concern. People always suggest the $65 lamps but if you can get a cheaper lithonia fixture and accupro will send out new ballasts free then why not go that route? I was at lowes today looking at lamps and didnt see any $18 ones, maybe Ill check online.
I downloaded that Visual tool that someone here linked, but I cant figure it all out, it asks for alot of stuff that I have no clue on.
Also have you turned the radio on yet? Thats my main concern. People always suggest the $65 lamps but if you can get a cheaper lithonia fixture and accupro will send out new ballasts free then why not go that route? I was at lowes today looking at lamps and didnt see any $18 ones, maybe Ill check online.
If you want to be a budget master and your garage is heated, Home Depot has dual-bulb T-12 shop fixtures for $10, and the pair of bulbs are about $7. I am using some in my basement, adding additional light. I went with the T8s in my garage, though. Just saying, T12 could be an option for someone looking to save some dough up-front.
well budget isnt the only concern but I would llike to spend as little as possible for a quality fixture. I hate replacing stuff because I cheaped out the first time. The garage isnt heated and it probably wont be for some time, unless you count a salamander as heat.
I see your points.
I figure that any of these fluorescent fixtures you buy from the box stores in the $10-$25 range, and maybe even more, are going to be foreign-made and of questionable long-term quality. For real quality, wouldn't we have to spend quite a bit more?
I figure that any of these fluorescent fixtures you buy from the box stores in the $10-$25 range, and maybe even more, are going to be foreign-made and of questionable long-term quality. For real quality, wouldn't we have to spend quite a bit more?
CreteCoater
Well-known member
I just picked up the 12$ T-8's at Lowes (they are black) for my 750 sq ft shop. Seem to be ok so far with no radio interference. This is a rental space I use for an office/shop/storage/get away from the wife area so I didn't want to put a lot of money into someone elses place. I did order a 7' x 7' roll up door but I figure I will take that with me when I build my own shop.
OP
gabeancounter
Well-known member
srmofo,
My dewalt radio was playing when that picture was taken. I tried to look them up on-line but could not locate. I will get the item number off the box tonight. Lowes has a $32model and then this model. I am sure the other one has a better ballast and was a little wider. I actually only paid $16 becuase of a 10% coupon. If there was only a couple dollars difference I would probably got the better lights, but twice the cost? The extra $$ bought the trim and cleaning supplies to start the epoxy floor project. That space is 630 sqft and has 5 lights. No real science to it for me. I would have one more light to be perfect. I would say a good rule of thumb with these lights is one per 100 sqft. That will give you plenty of light! By the way, my ceiling height is 10ft. So my advice is based off that height.
My dewalt radio was playing when that picture was taken. I tried to look them up on-line but could not locate. I will get the item number off the box tonight. Lowes has a $32model and then this model. I am sure the other one has a better ballast and was a little wider. I actually only paid $16 becuase of a 10% coupon. If there was only a couple dollars difference I would probably got the better lights, but twice the cost? The extra $$ bought the trim and cleaning supplies to start the epoxy floor project. That space is 630 sqft and has 5 lights. No real science to it for me. I would have one more light to be perfect. I would say a good rule of thumb with these lights is one per 100 sqft. That will give you plenty of light! By the way, my ceiling height is 10ft. So my advice is based off that height.
Eddieb794
Well-known member
I have the same lights in my garage from Lowes. Only problem has been trying to replace the covers. One fell off and broke. Can't find replacements with out having to buy a whole new light.
Good, specific info. The guy at HD mentioned that T12s were gradually being phased out, but when I asked if they were going to stop being made any time soon, he said he didn't think so. Nice to have a specific month.
The price (1/2 of the T8 fixture) was just too attractive and I got sucked in. How long should the ballasts in a fixture last, anyway?
OP
gabeancounter
Well-known member
Eddieb,
I don't think this will be a light that you can buy parts for. I am picking up a couple extra and figure if I break a lens or ballast goes bad then I will have a spare. Most replacement lens cost around $15 dollars anyway. I noticed the lens wrap did not seem to secure. You had any problems other than the lens?
I don't think this will be a light that you can buy parts for. I am picking up a couple extra and figure if I break a lens or ballast goes bad then I will have a spare. Most replacement lens cost around $15 dollars anyway. I noticed the lens wrap did not seem to secure. You had any problems other than the lens?
Eddieb794
Well-known member
No just the lens. They don't stay in very well. Will have to buy a new light and keep for parts.
OP
gabeancounter
Well-known member
Not sure that I have seen the HD version you are talking about. But it is good to hear that the 100sqft per light thing is working for you as well. I would like to see the difference in the 5000k temp verus the 6500k I used. My lights feel like you are in a jewlery store, but it sure is easy to see! lol
Rocco 'drew up' a light plan for me that involved the twin bulb 4' fluorescents in 3 rows of 4 with an additional 5 across the front and 2 others in some nooks in the garage.
I purchased 20 of these lights last night and put up 2 rows of 4 and OMG! These suckers with the 6500K bulbs are bordering on ridiculous in my 650-ish sq/ft 3 car garage! I've still got 12 more to install and I'm afraid!
I think I'm going to give some to my neighbor so he can come out of the dark ages.
Thanks for the recommendation on the inexpensive light units. When the time comes I'll probably upgrade them to more expensive units, but these saved me $540 over the other units I was investigating.
I purchased 20 of these lights last night and put up 2 rows of 4 and OMG! These suckers with the 6500K bulbs are bordering on ridiculous in my 650-ish sq/ft 3 car garage! I've still got 12 more to install and I'm afraid!
I think I'm going to give some to my neighbor so he can come out of the dark ages.
Thanks for the recommendation on the inexpensive light units. When the time comes I'll probably upgrade them to more expensive units, but these saved me $540 over the other units I was investigating.
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OP
gabeancounter
Well-known member
dorigtt
That many lights has to feel like a stadium! That is about the same sqft as mine. I could only imagine what 20 of those would look like. OMG...lol. I would keep a couple spares and take the other 10 back. I really like mine so far. Glad you was able to save some $$$.
That many lights has to feel like a stadium! That is about the same sqft as mine. I could only imagine what 20 of those would look like. OMG...lol. I would keep a couple spares and take the other 10 back. I really like mine so far. Glad you was able to save some $$$.
Heck yeah!
I know some may think they are too 'cheap', but they work just fine for my needs. I've got them temporarily wired up so I'll be taking them down to cut holes in the ends to daisy-chain them together so the number of wiring runs behind the drywall is minimized. I'm going to hang the rest tomorrow or Sunday.
Anyone need a tan?
I know some may think they are too 'cheap', but they work just fine for my needs. I've got them temporarily wired up so I'll be taking them down to cut holes in the ends to daisy-chain them together so the number of wiring runs behind the drywall is minimized. I'm going to hang the rest tomorrow or Sunday.
Anyone need a tan?
logical
Well-known member
You definately want to buy an extra or two when you are putting up a number of the low price fixtures. I bought a dozen 2 bulb x 4' T-8 w/clouded lens closeouts off Ebay 4 years ago in the $20 range and am sure I'd never find a lens if I broke one.
Even if you never need the lens, if you ever need a ballast you'll find they cost about $3 less than the whole fixture. People really worry about "long term durability" of a cheap import light fixture? It's sheet metal, plastic sockets, wire, a ballast, screws and maybe a plastic cover....what exactly is going to wear out? Isn't a high priced USA fixture going to have an import ballast anyhow?
Even if you never need the lens, if you ever need a ballast you'll find they cost about $3 less than the whole fixture. People really worry about "long term durability" of a cheap import light fixture? It's sheet metal, plastic sockets, wire, a ballast, screws and maybe a plastic cover....what exactly is going to wear out? Isn't a high priced USA fixture going to have an import ballast anyhow?
RichardNorman
Well-known member
I picked up a bunch of these lights as well to put in my basement and to replace the buzzing t12 lights in my garage.
So how about the part # Do you have that for the rest of us!!!!!
I do notice a slight hum coming from the lights, but I don't typically work in total silence so it's not a big deal breaker for me.
And logical...you're just so...logical! I saw a guy with jacked up pickup with a 'Buy American' sticker - on Toyo tires.
OP
gabeancounter
Well-known member
I am rocking four of these. I like how the reflectors push the light down...no need to illuminate the ceiling. And the grids looks pretty cool too.
Shop Lights
Shop Lights
They do produce noise, but for the amount of noise I create / have going on (radio, tv my 'inside grinder voice') it's not a big deal. Some may be more sensitive to it than I am, but if it gets to be an issue, I'll just exchange them for something better.
OP
gabeancounter
Well-known member
I have not noticed any hum. It must be really quite in your shop. With 3 boys bouncing off the walls (my shop is in the basement below the main) I don't think I have ever heard silence /lol
OP
gabeancounter
Well-known member
Hmmm. One of my boys has a soccer game tonight and everybody will be out of the house. I will go down there and see if I can hear them. Is the noise as loud as the old T12 type fixtures? I work next to the server(computer) room and I guess I tune out a lot of noise.
OP
gabeancounter
Well-known member
Well, I went down there and listened for any noise. I guess I got lucky and got a good batch of lights or either I am going a little deaf. Could be from all the ***** shooting I use to do. At first I was thinking it maybe the bulbs but I think Dorigtt used the same bulbs sylvania 6500k bulbs in the 12 pack from lowes. Maybe the way they are mounted, maybe the bulbs are not completely set- or maybe it is a hit and miss with these. Still think they are a good bang for the buck!
OP
gabeancounter
Well-known member
Oh man. That barrett is bad ***. I always wanted one. Always thought it would be cool to shoot something a mile away. The only fully auto I ever got to shoot was a mach 10 - 9mm. Could not hit sh&*. I was thinking I would rather have my glock21 than this damn thing anyday.
noisufnoc
Well-known member
could these lights be surface mounted with conduit? i'm trying to avoid wiring plugs in my ceiling and having dangling wires.
OP
gabeancounter
Well-known member
Yes. They have a knock out in each end for use with conduit. Good luck
texasOFT
Well-known member
Wally World has T8 4' for $10 and 2 bulbs at $7. I have 6 up in a 20'X30' with 6 more to put up. The 6 do a pretty good job but I have old eyes.
burleymike
Well-known member
Only magnetic ballasts for T12 lamps will be phased out. They will probably continue to sell T12 fixtures for many years, they will just have to have an electronic ballast. The T12 lamps (tubes) will be around for a very long time.
kizer
Well-known member
I have 9 T8 fixtures in my garage and I really like them. Two bulbs wide and two bulbs long for a total of 4 bulbs per fixture. Not a single bit of sound or flicker in my setup. NO interference from my radio and they were all purchased from Home Depot.
Then again each side has its own circuit as well each wall has its own circuit so I've never had a light flicker ever.
Two bad this photo is just after I just moved in because its completely trashed since then.
When I first moved in there was 8 plain jane light bulbs and it was like trying to light my garage with a glow stick.
Then again each side has its own circuit as well each wall has its own circuit so I've never had a light flicker ever.
Two bad this photo is just after I just moved in because its completely trashed since then.
When I first moved in there was 8 plain jane light bulbs and it was like trying to light my garage with a glow stick.
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