Basement Shop Lighting

[ParkerVise]

Hello, this is my first post.

I would like to install fluorescent lighting in my basement workshop.

My ceiling height is only about 8'. I have a number of conveniently spaced electrical boxes on the ceiling that have incandescent sockets mounted. I can remove the sockets and replace those with electrical sockets to power the fluorescent lights.

I would prefer to use chain hung fixtures with a cord, switch and reflector, preferably white. I don't always need all of the lighting on and in an attempt to be more green, am happy to only turn on the fixtures that are needed at the moment. The hanging fixtures should also give me more flexibility for repositioning if I feel the need to do so, as compared to ceiling mount fixtures. I currently believe that I will need 5-6 fixtures to provide sufficient lighting.

I know that I need T8 or T5 fixtures and believe that 48" 2 lamp fixtures will be appropriate. Because of the low ceiling, I don't believe that I need 4 lamp fixtures or T5HO fixtures. I am probably not interested in CFL, as I think the fluorescent fixtures will give better light distribution.

I am looking for recommendations for appropriate fixtures. I am more concerned about quality/durability than saving the last dollar or two, within reason. That is, I am happy to spend more than the $20 that the typical big box bargain fixtures go for if it will get me a better light. I would also prefer an American made fixture, or at least North American made, if possible (and it may not be), recognizing that ballasts at the least probably won't be made here. These don't need to be outdoor lights, waterproof or have ultra-cold starting abilities. I am happy to order online, but also have several big box stores locally (Home Depot, Lowe's, Menards). While I have looked at a number of different models online, many seem to be deficient in one way or another and I would like to know what you have been happy with. I would welcome recommendations for specific models of fixtures and where I can find them.

Thanks in advance for your recommendations.

 

[jeff000]

T8 will be fine. I'd just go to the closest home improvement store and buy what you like there. They will all work sufficiently well.

I wouldn't chain hang them, you'll be losing at least 5" doing that. And you'll have two holes in the ceiling for chain or for screws anyways.

 

[JoeFin]

I wouldn't recommend hanging them by chains as you are low enough already. Additionally if your ceiling is not already sheet rocked I would recommend you take the time to devise proper switching to enable a practical lighting scheme, and them sheet rock the ceiling. This will give a good reflective surface as will as sound proofing and heat conservation.

As far as specific brand and model lights you'll want to look more towards the ballast installed in the fixture as that will make the largest difference

 

[ParkerVise]

Thank you for your information. It is much appreciated.

Perhaps I gave either too much or not enough information in my original post. This is in my boiler room (I like working in there because it is warm in the winter and cool in the summer). I have two boilers, a four zone heating system and copper pipes running all over the ceiling about 5" below the surface of the ceiling (it's a big house). There is already an original plaster/lath fire block on the ceiling covering the floor joists above, as the original boiler was coal fired (it's also an old house). Thus, it isn't that important that I lose an inch or two to chains, as depending on the specific light location, I don't want the fixture higher than the copper pipes anyway. Also, rewiring for total wall switch control would have a pretty low priority considering my other current obligations/projects. I can always do that in the future if I start with switched fixtures (although I suppose I could add switches to otherwise good fixtures).

I would welcome recommendations as to specific light fixtures that you have found durable with quality ballasts, as well as recommendations as to what to stay away from.

 

[Todd.Brock]

Back from the dead. What did you decide on?
I have a section of the bsmt that I want to illuminate. My FIL was kind enough to purchase 4 two bulb fixtures with a pull chain. My basement is unfinished, 8ft height. Currently 2 pull chain lights down there now. That's a lot of chain!! It's messy, and I need to run outlets in the ceiling b/c I can't have cords hanging everywhere. I contemplating using can lights and LED retrofit kits. The kit is 65w equivalent and 20 bucks a pop. The can is five bucks. This vs 16 bucks and 5 bucks for 2 bulbs t-8
Are can lights a bad idea? It would be so much cleaner looking. 4 bulb led fixtures are 50 bucks each. I can't decide what would work best.

 

[Hencini]

Back from the dead. What did you decide on?
I have a section of the bsmt that I want to illuminate. My FIL was kind enough to purchase 4 two bulb fixtures with a pull chain. My basement is unfinished, 8ft height. Currently 2 pull chain lights down there now. That's a lot of chain!! It's messy, and I need to run outlets in the ceiling b/c I can't have cords hanging everywhere. I contemplating using can lights and LED retrofit kits. The kit is 65w equivalent and 20 bucks a pop. The can is five bucks. This vs 16 bucks and 5 bucks for 2 bulbs t-8
Are can lights a bad idea? It would be so much cleaner looking. 4 bulb led fixtures are 50 bucks each. I can't decide what would work best.

Re: can lights in a basement:

I had a leftover can light fixture from my kitchen remodel and thought it might work well at the foot of my basement stairs.

It doesn't.

I don't know if it's too close to the floor or what, but it throws a fairly narrow cone of light that does a great job illuminating the floor but makes the upper half of the nearby wall look really dark and shadowy.

Granted this is in an unfinished basement in a hundred year old home, probably 7+ foot ceilings, masonry walls, so maybe that has something to do with it, but most of the rest of the basement is illuminated by several single bare bulb fixtures and the illumination in those areas is far superior.

Not sure how fancy you want it all to look when it's done, but in the basement of my last house, I installed a bunch of 2x48" fluorescent fixtures, tied them into the existing light circuit and it worked great. Good clean light pretty much everywhere, plus it's a cheap project (I might have had $100-125 in it) and relatively energy efficient.

 

[Todd.Brock]

I don't need fancy, per se. I just want light everywhere. I am probably going to end up with 2 bulb surface mount fixtures that are wired into a switch. You are correct about the Cones with can lights. I just don't want multi taps and extension cords all over the place. I have a 12 x 12 area that needs light too. I wonder if two 2 bulb fixtures are better than one 4 bulb fixture. Lumen wise, I could even use a t5 HO fixture and get the same output as a 4 bulb t8.

 

[Hencini]

I just don't want multi taps and extension cords all over the place. I have a 12 x 12 area that needs light too. I wonder if two 2 bulb fixtures are better than one 4 bulb fixture. Lumen wise, I could even use a t5 HO fixture and get the same output as a 4 bulb t8.

Yes, definitely wire it up properly. Not only will it look and function better, but depending on how strict code enforcement is in your area, it will save you time money and hassle if / when you sell the house.

If you've got access to the floor joists, it will be easy to make a clean install of the wiring. Buy a nice auger bit and it will make short work of the hole drilling.

As far as (2) 2 bulb vs (1) 4 bulb, the room I'm in now is about 14' x 15' with 9.5' ceilings, finished walls, etc., so a little bigger than the space you're talking about. A four bulb fixture might be okay in this room for general illumination, but probably not sufficient if there were a work space along any of the walls.

I'd probably lean towards a pair of two bulb fixtures simply because they're cheap and I like stuff to be well illuminated, but if you don't have a work space you're trying to illuminate, a single four bulb (or even a single two bulb) might be okay.