Basic lighting setup for 1 car garage

[drew2000]

Hey Guys,
I have a one car garage that has a single 60W bulb in a fixture. Clearly, I need to upgrade it with some tube lights or something like that. I know about the screw-in adapters for the light sockets, but I am not sure if I want to go that route.

Does anyone have a recommendation for an entry level tube light system with an easy, clean install?

Thanks,
Drew

 

[pattenp]

You can use the wiremold system (not cheap) and add some outlets on the ceiling for plug-in 2 tube shop lights.

 

[hill^top]

I just got some 6 tube high bay lights at HD for $80ea. without the T8 bulbs. They make the area under them suitable for any garage operating room.

 

[drew2000]

That's funny, as many times as I have been to HD and Lowes, I have never seen any tube lighting. I will check that out.

Are T8 tubes preferred over other types?

I actually have a plug-in outlet on the ceiling. One plug is used by the garage door opener and the other is open.

I will look at the Raceway system too.

Thanks,
Drew

 

[drew2000]

http://lightingsolutions.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=25&Itemid=26

Ok, I found this. It looks like T8 is more expensive (and more efficient) than T12, but there is also T5 which is much more expensive and is even more efficient still.

I guess T8 is the way to go, since these lights won't be used all that often efficiency is not key (some is good though).

Are T8's fairly common?

Thanks
Drew

 

[pattenp]

T8's are the common way to go. T12's are fading away.

 

[pipsters]

Change the light fixture to a two or 4 plug receptacle and buy some 4' shop lights that plug into it (buy the more expensive $20 ones, not the $10 ones). You can put the cord in conduits. That is what I did, and I like having several 2 bulb 4' lights as you can position them in various ways which prevents shadowing.

 

[drew2000]

Thanks!

Follow-up question: Don't the 4-plug receptacles require two sets of wires coming from the house?

I'm sure there is only one pair + a grounding screw up in the box behind the light fixture.

Thanks
Drew