32' x 24' garage...lighting help

[jimmy p]

Planning to use 4 rows of 2 8 ft flourescent light fixtures. One row along each 24' side wall and the other two in between the 3 bays.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of using the fixtures with 2 8ft bulbs vs the 4 4 ft bulbs (still 8 ft long)?

Is there a brand/model that are durable and recommended here? The garage will likely dip below zero at times in the winter if that matters? I have been looking at lowes and home depot but not sure on the quality.

Lastly I will be adding a fresh power box in the garage and will be running these on two switches. What size wire/circuit breakers should I plan for?


thanks

 

[boosteddsm92]

Disadvantages would be transporting 8' bulbs and each are a decent amount more expensive than (2) 4' bulbs. I just did the lighting in my garage (30'x40') this past week and went w/8' Lithonia fixtures that use (4) 4' bulbs each. That way I didn't have to do a ton of fixtures but have the convenience and cost of 4' bulbs. I did 16 of these fixtures, each drawing .94 amp so that takes me to a hair over 15 amp total. Used 12/2 wire on a single 20 amp circuit w/2 commercial grade switches. You want to try to not go past 80% of your circuit capacity (16A on a 20A circuit) from what I'm told. Also, I got them w/deflectors, very happy so far w/them.

 

[Random Guy]

Disadvantages would be transporting 8' bulbs and each are a decent amount more expensive than (2) 4' bulbs. I just did the lighting in my garage (30'x40') this past week and went w/8' Lithonia fixtures that use (4) 4' bulbs each. That way I didn't have to do a ton of fixtures but have the convenience and cost of 4' bulbs. I did 16 of these fixtures, each drawing .94 amp so that takes me to a hair over 15 amp total. Used 12/2 wire on a single 20 amp circuit w/2 commercial grade switches. You want to try to not go past 80% of your circuit capacity (16A on a 20A circuit) from what I'm told. Also, I got them w/deflectors, very happy so far w/them.

You don't want to go over 80% of the rated capacity of the circuit because you aren't allowed to (per the NEC).

 

[jimmy p]

Disadvantages would be transporting 8' bulbs and each are a decent amount more expensive than (2) 4' bulbs. I just did the lighting in my garage (30'x40') this past week and went w/8' Lithonia fixtures that use (4) 4' bulbs each. That way I didn't have to do a ton of fixtures but have the convenience and cost of 4' bulbs. I did 16 of these fixtures, each drawing .94 amp so that takes me to a hair over 15 amp total. Used 12/2 wire on a single 20 amp circuit w/2 commercial grade switches. You want to try to not go past 80% of your circuit capacity (16A on a 20A circuit) from what I'm told. Also, I got them w/deflectors, very happy so far w/them.

thanks did you get them from home depot?

 

[boosteddsm92]

No, my electrician ordered them. If you're interested, I'll try to get a part number for you. They were $56 each, which I think isn't bad at all considering (2) 4' for $28 each isn't bad. They are Lithonia TL232 4 lamps, T8, 8’