2 bulb or 4 bulb?

[illmatyk]

I am going to convert my lights in the garage/carport into florescent bulb fixture. What do you guys recommend for this, a 2 or a 4 bulb fixture? Also, what type of bulb( T8 etc )? Sorry, very very NOOB at this...

Thanks.

 

[pattenp]

4ft 2tube T8

 

[SteelHorseHD]

4ft 2tube T8

+1

 

[pattenp]

Or... 8FT 4tube T8. What ever fits best.

 

[gatchel]

It really depends on what you are trying to accomplish as far a light levels are concerned and the areas you are trying to illuminate. T8's are probably your best bet.

 

[1BADLS1tuner]

i vote 4' 2 bulb t8 fixures.... you can place more lights in more locations, this will keep you from having so many shadows and more even light, jmo...

Thats what i will be using in my 32x48x12

 

[illmatyk]

Cool, thanks guys! Looks like I'll be getting T8's.

 

[ddawg16]

I also concure with the 4' T8....

One other thing....task lighting....I'm becoming a big fan to the T5 bulbs....fit in lots of small places.....they put the light where you need it....

So...do your general overhead lights with T8's....but consider some T5's in the task areas....especially under cabinets....

 

[jvitez]

In my locale, 2 bulb T8 fixture at big box stores are about $22 each, whereas 4 bulb T8 fixtures are $55-60 each. Go figure. Check out prices in your area. I like even light, so my preference is for more 2 bulb fixtures in a continuous row than less 4 bulb ones. That assumes you can get the light level you want with 2 bub fixtures.

 

[TireTracks]

In my dads shop, there are 3 8ft twin tube fixtures ( dont know anything about them), 3 100w incan's, and then I have a 4ft 2 tube light hanging off the upper shelf of my bench, very nice and bright.

I would try and have light evenly Iluminateing all of your machines/work tables/benches.

 

[illmatyk]

I also concure with the 4' T8....

One other thing....task lighting....I'm becoming a big fan to the T5 bulbs....fit in lots of small places.....they put the light where you need it....

So...do your general overhead lights with T8's....but consider some T5's in the task areas....especially under cabinets....

In my locale, 2 bulb T8 fixture at big box stores are about $22 each, whereas 4 bulb T8 fixtures are $55-60 each. Go figure. Check out prices in your area. I like even light, so my preference is for more 2 bulb fixtures in a continuous row than less 4 bulb ones. That assumes you can get the light level you want with 2 bub fixtures.

Thanks for the inputs guys. Well, after checking HD and another local Home Center here, I found the fixture I want( $33.99 ). It accepts both T8 and T12 bulbs. Only problem, the guy that was helping didn't seem so sure on which bulbs were T8 and T12

So tomorrow morning( since I'm off ), I'll be going back for the fixture and getting the bulbs at HD.

In my dads shop, there are 3 8ft twin tube fixtures ( dont know anything about them), 3 100w incan's, and then I have a 4ft 2 tube light hanging off the upper shelf of my bench, very nice and bright.

I would try and have light evenly Iluminateing all of your machines/work tables/benches.

I'll be looking into the T5's ( as ddawg suggested ) for my workbench and other areas.

 

[MrMark]

T5's are for highbays, not workbenches. You'd be better off with some bulbs on a desk light for a workbench. Less eye strain.

 

[ddawg16]

T5's are for highbays, not workbenches. You'd be better off with some bulbs on a desk light for a workbench. Less eye strain.

Really?

T-5 Undercabinet Light at Home Depot

 

[Norcal]

Really?

T-5 Undercabinet Light at Home Depot

There are 2 different T5's, the older preheat type typical of the undercabinet fixtures as shown above & the T5 HO high bays which at eye level would not be comfortable due to the brightness of the HO's, they are made for higher mounting heights.

 

[djjsr]

Only problem, the guy that was helping didn't seem so sure on which bulbs were T8 and T12

So tomorrow morning( since I'm off ), I'll be going back for the fixture and getting the bulbs at HD.

The numbers are the diameter of the bulb in eighths of an inch. The T8 is 8/8" (1") and the T12 is 12/8" (1 1/2").

 

[HIRISC]

2 bulb T8's FTW

 

[cderalow]

Personally, I'd go for T5, more light output with lower energy use. More expensive initial cost, but lifetime use cost is lower.

 

[pattenp]

Thanks for the inputs guys. Well, after checking HD and another local Home Center here, I found the fixture I want( $33.99 ). It accepts both T8 and T12 bulbs. Only problem, the guy that was helping didn't seem so sure on which bulbs were T8 and T12
:

Was this stated on the box or was the same guy telling you this who didn't know the difference between T8 and T12 tubes? Usually a T12 tube will not fit a T8 fixture because the tombstone sockets are too short. But a T8 will fit in a T12 fixture. Not that you would want to do that.

 

[cderalow]

Was this stated on the box or was the same guy telling you this who didn't know the difference between T8 and T12 tubes? Usually a T12 tube will not fit a T8 fixture because the tombstone sockets are too short. But a T8 will fit in a T12 fixture. Not that you would want to do that.

Some fixtures are designed to accept both. what it winds up being is the T12 tombstones, with a ballast that is capable of powering T12 or T8 bulbs.

 

[illmatyk]

The numbers are the diameter of the bulb in eighths of an inch. The T8 is 8/8" (1") and the T12 is 12/8" (1 1/2").

Thanks for the info

Was this stated on the box or was the same guy telling you this who didn't know the difference between T8 and T12 tubes? Usually a T12 tube will not fit a T8 fixture because the tombstone sockets are too short. But a T8 will fit in a T12 fixture. Not that you would want to do that.

It was stated on the box.

 

[Norcal]

2 bulb T8's FTW

If anyone in the Sacramento area wants 1X4 recessed FL fixtures, the Roseville Habitat for Humanity ReStore has some new 277V Cooper models for $10 ea, replace the ballasts & it's still cheap....