Barn lighting- Too many options, information overload.

[Big Daddy Chop Shop]

So I have a 30*50 12' side walls, 17' to the peak, free span barn.

Been looking at lighting for WEEKS. Trying to be cost effective, have good light output, not real concerned about efficiency- its a barn I use, but not everyday.

Initially I was going to go with the VENO method, 105 w cfls, probably 16 of them. Very cost effective, actually, for the lumens I can not beat it. But the install labor is large, and lots more conduit to run....

So I looked at high bay CFL fixtures using mogul base bulbs- 180w and 200 w. The fixtures hang with a hook, had a cage, and a cord, so that all is pluses. Yeah, now we are talking! But they are expensive for what you get- $46 and up for bulbs, $30+ for the fixture, and I'd still need 9......

So then I look at LEDs, cost prohibitive for the lumens in my opinion.....

Then I just went off the deep end and started getting crazy- T5 high bays- these can't possibly be cost effective! So yeah, they can be. Going with a 6 bulb F54/T5/HO 5K, I am right at $100 for 30,000 lumens. To get MORE light than with the VENO method (16 fixtures) I would only need 4 high bays.

So, my head is swimming. Bad. Have I lost it? Probably. But here is the question, if I mount these at 16', down the middle of the building will I be "happy" with the light? There would be roughly 15' on each side of the light and I am not sure this is enough coverage. I am obviously trying to balance cost and install labor.

Thanks!

 

[BLUE72CAMARO]

I am no expert by any means but only lighting in the middle would make shadows really bad towards the walls I would think.

 

[bczygan]

What are you lighting?

What uses are you illuminating?

What level do you need?

Will fixtures be mounted at the ceiling or hung lower.

For general illumination at the ceiling you need high bay fixtures of some sort.

What are the finishes on ceiling, walls and floors?

Lumens are NOT Footcandles.

I have 48,600 lumens mounted at 8'6" in a 10x20 space. Gives me 50-60FC at 3'AFF.


Bill

 

[checkthisout]

So I have a 30*50 12' side walls, 17' to the peak, free span barn.

Been looking at lighting for WEEKS. Trying to be cost effective, have good light output, not real concerned about efficiency- its a barn I use, but not everyday.

Initially I was going to go with the VENO method, 105 w cfls, probably 16 of them. Very cost effective, actually, for the lumens I can not beat it. But the install labor is large, and lots more conduit to run....

So I looked at high bay CFL fixtures using mogul base bulbs- 180w and 200 w. The fixtures hang with a hook, had a cage, and a cord, so that all is pluses. Yeah, now we are talking! But they are expensive for what you get- $46 and up for bulbs, $30+ for the fixture, and I'd still need 9......

So then I look at LEDs, cost prohibitive for the lumens in my opinion.....

Then I just went off the deep end and started getting crazy- T5 high bays- these can't possibly be cost effective! So yeah, they can be. Going with a 6 bulb F54/T5/HO 5K, I am right at $100 for 30,000 lumens. To get MORE light than with the VENO method (16 fixtures) I would only need 4 high bays.

So, my head is swimming. Bad. Have I lost it? Probably. But here is the question, if I mount these at 16', down the middle of the building will I be "happy" with the light? There would be roughly 15' on each side of the light and I am not sure this is enough coverage. I am obviously trying to balance cost and install labor.

Thanks!

Chop up a few more cars, save some bucks and then spend it on quality lighting.

 

[Big Daddy Chop Shop]

What are you lighting?

a barn

What uses are you illuminating?

basic shop- storage, kids play in there, little auto/ tractor repair.

What level do you need?

No real clue, but was figuring on around 70-75 lumens per sq ft. based on kitchen work space recommendations, closest I could find.

Will fixtures be mounted at the ceiling or hung lower.

Guess I though I had covered this, but to be more clearer- at 17'- peak height, down the center.

For general illumination at the ceiling you need high bay fixtures of some sort.

Veno disagrees, but ok, that is what I am looking out now.

What are the finishes on ceiling, walls and floors?

Floor is concrete- traditional greyish color. Walls and ceilings are white, insulation backing, I'd call it somewhere betwixt an eggshell and semi-gloss

Lumens are NOT Footcandles.

Probably so, I have no idea.

I have 48,600 lumens mounted at 8'6" in a 10x20 space. Gives me 50-60FC at 3'AFF.

This will give me 120,000 mounted at 17' in a 30*50 space. No idea on the rest.....



Bill

Chop up a few more cars, save some bucks and then spend it on quality lighting.

Is you implication that these fixtures are junk, that I am cheap, or some combination of the 2? Not trying to light with 26w CFLs like some I have seen, but why drop thousands on a "Bigass light"???

 

[bczygan]

Is you implication that these fixtures are junk, that I am cheap, or some combination of the 2? Not trying to light with 26w CFLs like some I have seen, but why drop thousands on a "Bigass light"???

You are going to need many multiples of that quantity of fixtures.

Bill

 

[matt_i]

I'd rule out the mogul base high bays right now. The light off time is around 10 minutes which *****, to be breaking teeth in the dark waiting for the damn lights to come on. I have worked in plants and buildings with these and I wouldn't have them in my shop.

I have 6 fixtures, 100W CFL equivalent (22w) in a 26 x 26 garage and while its OK for basic work, its not near enough light for sensitive stuff. They don't like the cold and there is a small warmup time, but its not too objectionable.

I have been adding on T5HO 4 bulb fixtures, buy from Amazon as a "grow light" around $120 each which includes the 4 tubes as well. The oldest is 3 years now and no issues so far. I placed these in "task lighting" areas over workbenches and machines and this is a lot of good light.

I have some T8s from my old garage that I moved with me, these will probably get put up as they are no good sitting around and actually do some good until the original el cheapo ballast fries. The T12s I have I'm going to sell or give away.

 

[dw1]

You will need more than 4 T5HO fixtures, as stated above, you will have shadows. I have the same size barn as you, I initially put up 4 T8-6 lamp fixtures to get by for the time, since I have put up 2 more T5HO 6 lamp fixtures, they are a whole lot brighter/better. I have been ordering mine from BadW Lighting Group, I will say, they have some of the better prices around, but their shipping time is getting worse. I just hung a bunch of these to replace 400 watt MH fixtures in my buddies shop/whse area, I had them shipped straight to the job and it was about a month for delivery. They are a quality fixture and I cant get them around here for what I can from them. I had opened an acct with them and received 20% discount on first order, I had my buddy do the same thing when we ordered his lights for his shop, its a nice savings.
(There is a big difference between my 6 lamp T8 and T5HO fixtures, go T5HO.)
I think the 6 lamp-T5HO fixtures are about $103 with lamps-shipped (not including discount)

 

[ishiboo]

If this is just a storage space, lights down the middle might be fine. If you are actually working in it, you will not be happy with that solution.

The cheapest route with a decent light quality is typically lots of inexpensive T8 2-bulb "shop lights". How many you need will depend a lot on your wall color/ceiling status. You can read about fixtures and lumens all day, at the end it's probably easier to start out with a bunch of fixtures and cheap extension cords, and experiment with different spacing options that work for you. In my barn I have about one double-bulb T8 fixture for every 100 square feet or so, and I still use task lighting... especially for welding.

 

[edboyles]

You can get 105w (cfl's) which is equivalent to 300w in a 5000 degree K. Been running them for 5 years now and haven't lost a bulb.

I'm not a fan of cfl's but until the led's get cheaper, this is very cost effective.......

 

[rburke65]

I put up a 32'x56' shop with 13' side walls....real close to your size. I have a white metal ceiling onto which I installed 2 rows of eight foot, 4 lamp T8 fixtures ...5 fixtures in each row. The 3rd row has 6 eight foot fixtures. Each row is on a seperate switch. I think I have good lighting.

 

[Big Daddy Chop Shop]

You are going to need many multiples of that quantity of fixtures.

Bill

Not to be harsh, but this isn't really helpful at all. You seemed to have the calculations all down, but now its just "many multiples"?

If this is just a storage space, lights down the middle might be fine. If you are actually working in it, you will not be happy with that solution.

The cheapest route with a decent light quality is typically lots of inexpensive T8 2-bulb "shop lights". How many you need will depend a lot on your wall color/ceiling status. You can read about fixtures and lumens all day, at the end it's probably easier to start out with a bunch of fixtures and cheap extension cords, and experiment with different spacing options that work for you. In my barn I have about one double-bulb T8 fixture for every 100 square feet or so, and I still use task lighting... especially for welding.

I have not ever been impressed with T8, and that is almost what steered me away from T5 also. The issue I see with this logic is, the math does not back it up. Cheaper per fixture? Well, not really, a T8 4' 2 bulb fixture of "OK" quality is $20. Holds 2 perhaps 40 watt bulbs at $7.50 each. The high bay is $88, holds 6 54 watt bulbs at $2.00 each. So for 6 T8 bulbs with fixtures you are at $105, for 6 T5 bulbs with fixture you are at $100 for MORE light. and less wire to run because it is one fixture. This makes sense to me, but I am a facts and figures guy. I need details. I do plan on using task lighting. You can not light a building to a point you do not in my opinion (under hood, under car, etc)

You can get 105w (cfl's) which is equivalent to 300w in a 5000 degree K. Been running them for 5 years now and haven't lost a bulb.

I'm not a fan of cfl's but until the led's get cheaper, this is very cost effective.......

This is by FAR the most cost effective way to go, no doubt. I agree 110%. it is also labor intensive running conduit and wire to 16 fixtures or more. I have not ruled this out and honestly, will likely use these around the perimeter (where I don't need a scaffold or lift to access) to augment the high bays down the road.

I put up a 32'x56' shop with 13' side walls....real close to your size. I have a white metal ceiling onto which I installed 2 rows of eight foot, 4 lamp T8 fixtures ...5 fixtures in each row. The 3rd row has 6 eight foot fixtures. Each row is on a seperate switch. I think I have good lighting.

WOW, that my friend, is impressive, if my count is right, you have 16 fixtures and 64 bulbs. Id say you have good lighting.

However, had you gone T5 high bays, just comparing wattage alone (doesn't tell the hole story, but whatever) and assuming you used 40 watt bulbs (likely the highest you used, erring on the side of caution) you would have about 48 bulbs in 8 fixtures. And you probably would have spent less.

Call me cheap, frugal, whatever you like. Truth is I could afford to go full LED and even be dumb and go "BIG ***". But why? Where is the challenge in it? Anyone can throw cubic dollars at an issue to make it go away. I also don't like to accept the norm simply "because".

So, in my attempt to research further, the warehouse at work has these high bay T5 fixtures. There is a 28' free height, 20' racking. The "main walk aisle" has 6 bulb fixtures spaced 24' apart. The other aisles (3 more, small warehouse) are 16' on center and use 4 bulb fixtures, also spaced about 24' apart. This is a very well lit warehouse, and I have done some actual work in it, when the item would not fit in our shop. Its OK for working. Not great, but OK.

However, I am talking about 12' or less spacing. the "Outer edges" may require supplemental lights- I can concede that. If it does, I am thinking 105 W CFL wall mounted at the 12' height.

I really do appreciate the input, and hope I don't come off as defensive, I am open to other ideas, but I need facts, just how I am wired.

 

[Big Daddy Chop Shop]

You will need more than 4 T5HO fixtures, as stated above, you will have shadows. I have the same size barn as you, I initially put up 4 T8-6 lamp fixtures to get by for the time, since I have put up 2 more T5HO 6 lamp fixtures, they are a whole lot brighter/better. I have been ordering mine from BadW Lighting Group, I will say, they have some of the better prices around, but their shipping time is getting worse. I just hung a bunch of these to replace 400 watt MH fixtures in my buddies shop/whse area, I had them shipped straight to the job and it was about a month for delivery. They are a quality fixture and I cant get them around here for what I can from them. I had opened an acct with them and received 20% discount on first order, I had my buddy do the same thing when we ordered his lights for his shop, its a nice savings.
(There is a big difference between my 6 lamp T8 and T5HO fixtures, go T5HO.)
I think the 6 lamp-T5HO fixtures are about $103 with lamps-shipped (not including discount)

This is great info, than you! If I use tubes, they will be T5, no doubt. 1000bulbs has these 6 bulb fixtures for $88 and bulbs vary, but $2-3 each gets you. Not sure on their shipping. Going to check locally before I buy, I like local, and will even pay a bit more for it. Doubt I will find them however.

I agree it may not be perfect, but I think you would agree that 4 T5 fixtures will be better than 4 T8 fixtures. and it can always be added to.

 

[dw1]

Yes, I agree and will change mine out someday, you have to start somewhere. There are a few lighting experts on here, they can advise you to the latest technology of the LED, but not all LED manufacturers test their LED Lights to the same standards as for burn in time testing/temperature ect. This could affect lifetime of light and warranty. Good Luck.

 

[Showkey]

You can get 105w (cfl's) which is equivalent to 300w in a 5000 degree K. Been running them for 5 years now and haven't lost a bulb.

I'm not a fan of cfl's but until the led's get cheaper, this is very cost effective.......

Agree^^^^^^^^^^ with a polished shade to direct the light down this can be a very good alternative.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Seems to me that people spend way too much effort looking at lumens, watts, candle power etc and too little effort on placement.
In a large area one fixture containing 4 lamps will give you a lot of light in the center where as 4 fixtures with 1 lamp (so same total light output) can be spaced out to more evenly distribute the light.

In my 30'x60' shed I hung 12 4ft LED fixtures ($35-40 ea). Almost evenly spaced (closer to the walls than to each other). I have plenty of light for general work and use task lighting where needed.

 

[Big Daddy Chop Shop]

Seems to me that people spend way too much effort looking at lumens, watts, candle power etc and too little effort on placement.
In a large area one fixture containing 4 lamps will give you a lot of light in the center where as 4 fixtures with 1 lamp (so same total light output) can be spaced out to more evenly distribute the light.

In my 30'x60' shed I hung 12 4ft LED fixtures ($35-40 ea). Almost evenly spaced (closer to the walls than to each other). I have plenty of light for general work and use task lighting where needed.

Its a difference in personality I think. Some people want to research, have numbers, facts, figures, others just flow with it and go do their thing. I am the former.

On a positive side, I spoke to our electrician at work and he is going to run the plans thru and see what the numbers say. He did suggest 2 rows of 4, 6 bulb fixtures instead of 1 initially but said he can run it both ways, so hopefully I will have some real data soon.

 

[CNGsaves]

For the tall ceiling, you really do need to start with T5HO and only convince yourself not to use them . . . when OVERwhelming evidence pushes you away.

Every school I've been to basketball games lately have all converted to T5HO and the light is amazing. Those are 40 ft tall ceilings !! Most have a mix of 4 or 5 bulb fixtures, and even some 6 bulb fixtures. However, I would say the most used fixture is 5 bulb and they had them evenly spaced.

OP you're on right track with what your electrician is recommending.

 

[Big Daddy Chop Shop]

Right now, it is a "done deal" to use T5 High bays for the very reasons you said CNG, The 6 bulb is the best "bang for the buck".

I had honestly forgotten about out electrician, and what he has access to. We do lighting retrofits (as part of performance contracting) at work, but I have nothing to do with it, and since we farm 99% of it out, its easy to forget about. Hopefully he comes thru, he is a busy guy, so we shall see.

 

[Platonic Solid]

Random comments/observations:

1. Nobody sells new 40WT12 fixtures any more. They've all been replaced with 32WT8. (As Brad points out in post 22, 40W strip lights are still available)

2. Why would anyone pay $7.50 for an obsolete F40T12 bulb when they can be had for less than $2? (Or better yet replaced with a much more efficient F32T8).

3. Just because high wattage CFLs have equally high lumen output claims, don't assume all those lumens ever make it to the ground where you need them.

4. Your concession that you'll need more fixtures at the "Outer edges" presupposes that your initial install will be inadequate.

5. Saying you're not impressed with T8 is like saying you're not impressed with a 3/8" socket wrench, but are willing to concede that a 1/2" socket wrench might be a better value since you get more wrench for your money. Lighting is a tool - as such each type has its purpose.

 

[Nathan Cox]

I just completed the lighting in my 30X50X15 pole barn. I went with 15 of the 8' 4 bulb F32T8 fixtures. I had friends tell me that I was crazy and it would be too much light. I think its just right, I definitely would not want less.

I mounted mine directly to the bottom of the truss. I have 3 fixtures, evenly spaced mounted on every other truss. Basically 1 fixture for each 10X10 area. I have them on multiple circuits so I can pick how many to turn on.

 

[Brad J.]

Platonic,

Just so you know I purchased 4- 40wT12 Lithonia brand at Home Depot a couple weeks ago. I purchased them for the guts for more LED bulb conversions.

Possibly old stock? They had a bunch of them.

 

[Platonic Solid]

I stand corrected Brad. What I should have said is no one should be buying inefficient legacy 40W fixtures for new installations unless they are using them as you are for LED bulb conversions. Coming from the commercial manufacturing end the only fixtures we make using old technology F40T12 and F20T12 are replacement fixtures for military vessels.

 

[Berkshire1993]

I just had installed 6 T5's in my 45' x 45' shop about 15' from floor....these things are bright, so bright I wouldn't want to have them lower but I wanted more light than not enough. Very satisfied.

 

[derosa]

There are calculators online to help with number and placement, I'm looking to install recessed lighting in the ceiling of one part of my barn that I'm using as a work space. According to the couple of calculators I looked at with 10' ceiling in a 16x28 space I'll need 18 lights in 6 rows of 3 with 60w bulbs to have sufficient lighting. Looking at how and how far each type of light throws its light will make a difference. The higher the light the bigger the cone but the more diffused the light where you need it.

 

[Tbonedog]

Do the Costco LED lights have the knock outs at the ends for running conduit?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Big Daddy Chop Shop]

Random comments/observations:

1. Nobody sells new 40WT12 fixtures any more. They've all been replaced with 32WT8. (As Brad points out in post 22, 40W strip lights are still available)[/I

I never mentioned T12, nor do I wish to use them, not sure what you are driving at. No **** its old technology. Has been for better than a decade.

2. Why would anyone pay $7.50 for an obsolete F40T12 bulb when they can be had for less than $2? (Or better yet replaced with a much more efficient F32T8).

Why would anyone pay any money for either a T8 or T12 when T5 is cheaper and more efficient? That is just what one site was selling them for.

3. Just because high wattage CFLs have equally high lumen output claims, don't assume all those lumens ever make it to the ground where you need them.

Agreed.

4. Your concession that you'll need more fixtures at the "Outer edges" presupposes that your initial install will be inadequate.

Perhaps. It is always good to have a backup plan, no?

5. Saying you're not impressed with T8 is like saying you're not impressed with a 3/8" socket wrench, but are willing to concede that a 1/2" socket wrench might be a better value since you get more wrench for your money. Lighting is a tool - as such each type has its purpose.

No, actually its like saying I am unimpressed with the Black and Decker firestorm from 1990 after using a Li-on Bosch I just picked up. Your contention is is not valid: they both do the job. One (T5) is vastly superior.

I just had installed 6 T5's in my 45' x 45' shop about 15' from floor....these things are bright, so bright I wouldn't want to have them lower but I wanted more light than not enough. Very satisfied.

This is awesome news. Its pretty clear the folks stuck in 1990 with the T8s are the ones pushing them. Folks who have stepped up to T5s do not regret it. And why would you? Cheaper, brigher, more effecient!

So, I looked at Menards just to price shop. $15 each for T5 bulbs- no lube, but at least they slide in easier than a T8! lol!

So online it is, oh, and I borrowed a 4 bulb T5 from a buddy- it puts off more light than my 1000 w work light, so yeah, I am impressed.

No more indecision, I know what I am doing. T5s. Waiting on my lighting plan to see how many.

 

[Platonic Solid]

... a T8 4' 2 bulb fixture of "OK" quality is $20. Holds 2 perhaps 40 watt bulbs at $7.50 each. ...

40W 4ft lamp = T12
40W 6ft lamp = T8
40W 4ft T8 = Doesn't exist.

Why would anyone pay any money for either a T8 or T12 when T5 is cheaper and more efficient?

To avoid painful glare, bare bulb F54T5HO should be mounted at or above 15ft. Louvers and diffusers can help reduce this effect for use at lower heights, but now we're adding cost and creating uneven light distribution. Using them at 12 ft isn't the end of the world and is likely fine for your purpose. Annoying glare will increase as the number of bulbs per fixture increases.

The fact that an F54T5HO bulb pumps out more lumens doesn't make it superior nor more efficient.

 

[Big Daddy Chop Shop]

40W 4ft lamp = T12
40W 6ft lamp = T8
40W 4ft T8 = Doesn't exist.

Correct you are, makes it worse yet, 36w or 32w on the T8 4'

To avoid painful glare, bare bulb F54T5HO should be mounted at or above 15ft. Louvers and diffusers can help reduce this effect for use at lower heights, but now we're adding cost and creating uneven light distribution. Using them at 12 ft isn't the end of the world and is likely fine for your purpose. Annoying glare will increase as the number of bulbs per fixture increases.

Fortunately, as discussed, I have a 17' free span, 12' side walls. So this will be perfect. Nothing else needed.

The fact that an F54T5HO bulb pumps out more lumens doesn't make it superior nor more efficient.

No, that alone does not. The fact that it pumps out more lumens per watt however, does. and with the full mirror reflector, more of those lumens reach the ground.

Honestly, I am not sure why so many folks on here seem opposed to T5s. If you begin to look around, this is the go-to retrofit for metal halides in gyms, warehouses, big box stores, etc.

On another note, I was able to borrow a 4 lamp T5 fixture. I need to get it to the ceiling, but in initial testing, it casts less shadows, puts off more "usable light" and throws it farther than the 1000 w halogen work light I have been using. Hopefully in the next few days I can temp it up to the ceiling and hopefully get some better data.

 

[cybrdyke]

I've not heard many people opposed to T5HO at higher ceilings heights. I think you'll be happy with them.
But in the interest of the research that you're doing, allow me to clarify a few things.
A 6 lamp T5HO highbay consumes about 350-360 watts, depending on ballasts. The lamps are 5000 lumens each, which totals 85 lumens per watt.
A 6 lamp T8 highbay consumes about 220 watts. The lamps, in this case, are 3325 lumens, which totals 90.68 lumens per watt.
(You can get a higher lumen T8 lamp that will deliver 3650 lumens in a T8 highbay for the same watts and now it's 99 lpw)
So, you see, the T8 is more efficient (lpw), by just a little.
Lumen output from the fixtures is different, however. Assuming that both systems have an equally efficient reflector, you'll get about 90% of the available lumens to come out of the fixture. The T5HO fixture will deliver 27,000 lumens, the T8 fixture will deliver 18,160. So, you will need more T8 fixtures to create the the same results in a space.
Using more fixtures has pros & cons. The pro is that you'll have more even light, less shadows via better reflectance. The con is that you'll have more lamps to do maintenance on.
While we're talking about maintenance, the T8 replacement lamps and ballasts are cheaper than the T5HO, and they're easier to source.
Other differences between the T5HO and T8 systems:
T8 is less fickle in extreme temperatures, both hot and cold.
T8 has been around longer, is more robust technology, and has fewer heat issues.
T8 has more options in lamps, ie: energy saving versions (28 & 25 watt), high lumen versions(3100 lumens), extra long life versions and so on.
T5HO highbay fixtures generally come with 3 light levels available. T8 highbays, only 2.
T8 outsells T5HO, in the USA, by a zillion to one. In other parts of the world, it's different.

The reason that you see T5HO in gyms and warehouses is the high ceilings. But most big boxes use T8's....Walmart, for instance.
Hope this helps.
CD

 

[Big Daddy Chop Shop]

I understand what you are saying, and yes, not all "Big Box" stores are going T5- there is a new Menard's going in by the office- metal halide. Seems dumb to me, but whatever.

I dig what you are saying about the output, and I appreciate the math. For high bays, I don't see anyway to get the light out of the same number of bulbs in a T8 that a T5 can do.

I am really beating a dead horse, I know. It is probably personal preference at this point, or semantics, whatever. For me, its going to be T5.

So.....our electrician at work could NOT pull off getting the layouts done, so I did my own. Maybe I am under figuring, and obviously this is NOT a full spectrum deal, but here is the info. 56 and 70 ft. candles. This is their suggested layout.

View attachment img-315110837-0001.pdf

 

[Big Daddy Chop Shop]

Well, the fixtures have arrived, hopefully this week I will begin work to get them installed and going. Went with 4 6 bulb T5 high bay fixtures, plus 1 4 bulb for the workbench area. Lots of work to do to get this all in and going, but very much looking forward to it. Picked up some supplies at Menards this weekend as they had MC and metal boxes nearly 50% off. went in on a whim, and stepped in something good. Will be updating as progress happens, slow as always.

 

[Big Daddy Chop Shop]

Not sure that anyone is following, but what the Hay.

I had to rewire my pop's Toro last weekend, so I scrambled and got a light or 2 up. Mounted the 4 bulb over the workbench as described using Gripple hangers. Love these things. Temporary power ran to it. Then mounted a 6 bulb temporarily as well to work by.

WOW! the light output is very VERY impressive. I had been working by 1 work light with 2 500 w halogen fixtures. These 2 lights, 540 watt total, better than doubled the light output! My pops came over with his mower. He is lighting a smaller shop (around 24*27) with the oft-recommended by GJer T8- and is going to order new fixtures- T5. He could not believe the light, and honestly, neither can I. It is going to be totally awesome when done.

That is the sad news, however. Just when one seems to get ahead to complete a project like this, One usually gets knee-capped. Our "barn lighting" fund has vanished into a new well expansion tank, season tickets bought to the local WNBA team for our girls, and other assorted uses. So I can work a bit here and here, but for the foreseeable future I am living on an extension cord from the house.

 

[Big Daddy Chop Shop]

Been a while since an update, so here we go.

I am nearing the completion of the "indoor" wiring for the shop. Lights are all hung and live. Box is set. Most all of my circuits are ran, and tied in.

I also went with a ceiling fan, found an awesome one from Westinghouse, $50, over 7,000 cfm! All metal construction (blades as well). This will certainly be useful year around.

We have had rain nearing a Biblical proportion in the south central part of Indiana this spring (not nearly as bad as some in other areas thankfully) so even the idea of trenching is out. Each time it dries out a bit, another deluge comes along, so I am still running on cords to the house running into the panel. Not ideal, but its only plugged in when I am out there, so it works until the 40 days and 40 nights of rain have ended.

I decided to go with the lighting plan as follows:

4- 6 bulb T5 highbay fixtures down the center (just offset actually)
1- 4 bulb T5 highbay fixture over the main bench area (free-bee)
1- leftover 2 bulb T8 in the tool room (This will likely also get a couple incandescent near the bench area for safety sake)

I have included a few pictures. Is it shadow free? nope. Is it "stupid" bright? nope. However, it is a good light level, the lights are up high so that when the kids are playing ball in there, they are mostly out of harms way (thinking about cages also), and I have a grand total of $400 in fixtures and bulbs. This is exactly what I wanted. The install and wiring of the lights took less than an afternoon. I ran MC and used Gripple to hang the fixtures off a 12 ladder (17' at peak ceiling height).

I appreciate all the comments, hopefully this helps someone else along the way. For me, this combination of lighting, cost, and ease of install made the T5 a no- brainer.




Edit: Why use incandescent lights as a "safety" feature near the tool room and bench? I have experienced (and I am sure I am not alone) if you have fluorescent tubes, you can get a strobe effect which can appear to make an electrical tool to be still when it is in motion. Obviously, you may or may not be able to hear the tool run. I have only experienced this a few times, but it can be a bit unnerving.