2' x 2' Troffers in Basement Shop

[Murphy'sSidekic]

Hi all. I have a machine shop I have put together in my basement (really ground level of the house). The house started out as a split level, so the ceiling is very high in the shop and there is a drop ceiling in it with 2' tiles. The drop ceiling height is 92". Currently, there are a couple of pot lights in the shop with fluorescent bulbs, but I need more light, like lots more. I'm thinking of putting in 2' x 2' troffers sprinkled throughout the space on separate circuits. I have attached a simple plan of the space and some pictures to give you some idea of what I am working with.

Questions:
1 - It looks like the only 2' x 2' troffers use the "U" shaped bulbs. They come in T8, but will these fixtures really give out a good amount of light?
2 - Parabolic v. Lenses. Who likes what and for what purpose? Might it make sense to have some of one kind in certain areas (like parabolics over the machine tools)?
3 - How many fixtures would be a lot of light, without crazy amounts of overkill, just some overkill?
4 - Any recommended part numbers or brands?

Thanks in advance for the recommendations.

 

[jeff000]

Those U shaped T8 put out a fair amount of light.
Id start by replacing the pot lights, and see how you like the light, and then keep adding from there.

 

[Random Guy]

One thing to remember is that U bent lamps cost way more than straight ones. I'd put in 2x4 units for that reason alone. It'll be easier to find lamps in the color you want, too.

 

[Mustang51js]

They make led 2x2 fixtures also, but they are over $100 each

 

[mm08822]

Consider removing some of the 2' T's and go with 2x4 lay-ins. Many options available in 2x4's. Obviously, start with a lighting plan that you can build on if you like it. Make sure your lighting plan works with the 2' T's that can be removed. 2x2's will be costly.

 

[Murphy'sSidekic]

Thanks for the replies. Is it difficult to change the 2' x 2' bays into 2' x 4' bays in the drop ceiling? If not, then going to 2' x 4' opens up a lot more options.

 

[Stuart in MN]

It should be pretty easy to create 2 x 4 bays in the ceiling. There should be long channels running in one direction, with 2' channels snapped in between them to create the 2 x 2 bays. You just pop out one dividing channel between two squares and presto you have a 2 x 4 bay.

 

[Duck tape Bill]

Thanks for the replies. Is it difficult to change the 2' x 2' bays into 2' x 4' bays in the drop ceiling? If not, then going to 2' x 4' opens up a lot more options.

It's not hard at all, I just finished doing exactly what you are getting ready to do. I replaced six pot lights in the finished side of my basement with three 2x4' 3-bulb t8 fixtures. You should be able to change the tiles around without needing to buy any new track (you should end up with extras). As someone else said, the U shaped t8's are a little expensive compared to the strait ones, that's why I went with the 4'ers. I put in three of the 2x4's but the light from two of them easily equals what the six pot lights with 65w bulbs put out. In my old house we had t12 U-shaped bulb fixtures in our basement, and I would say they were about equal to the output of two pot lights.

Another advantage of the 4' t8's is that they come in a wide range of "colors," so if you prefer a blue or yellow light you can just buy the bulbs you prefer.

 

[Murphy'sSidekic]

Cool, I'll check out the ceiling to see if I can reconfigure it.

What about parabolic v. lenses? Opinions on them?

 

[Bjm364]

Parabolics were intended for offices to cut down on the reflection of the lights off of the CRT computer monitors. They have no place is a shop or anywhere else in my opinion. The grid will block up to 20% of the light from getting to where it needs to go. You can't go wrong with a traditional acrylic lensed troffer in either 2x2 or 2x4. There are some very nice LED retrofit can light trims that are very bright and are coming down in price. You may need to add a few more cans though to go that route. Check out the sylvania rt6 retrofits.