Blinding light

[USAFpj]

Gnab, the reason it's confusing is that the 2 switches you see are required by code- an external light, and an internal light.
All remaining switches to lights and boxes are controlled by the panel, which is approved by code locally.

If I were to actually utilize wall switches for the lights, those fixtures draw (1) amp each, so I think I could have had about ten fixtures per circuit??

 

[Shiftless]

Gnab, the reason it's confusing is that the 2 switches you see are required by code- an external light, and an internal light.
All remaining switches to lights and boxes are controlled by the panel, which is approved by code locally.

If I were to actually utilize wall switches for the lights, those fixtures draw (1) amp each, so I think I could have had about ten fixtures per circuit??

Let me see if I understand this correctly...
"controlled by the panel"...So instead of wall switches, some of your lights are turned on and off by opening up the panel door and flipping the breaker?
Are there advantages in doing it that way besides saving on the purchase of a switch and another box in the wall?

 

[USAFpj]

You have it correct, shiftless.

Code allows it, so it was not a priority to have, in essence, double the amount of switches for just (4) rows of lights, know what I mean? That is also a reason that my Uncle was adamant that we get a commercial grade Cutler panel with Cutler breakers.

When you walk into the shop, there is (1) 40w bulb that is always on. You then decide on how much light you truly require, then just flip those breakers from the panel.

 

[gnab2]

I understand the concept for power consumption (electric bill). I was just wondering the method to the madness. We have close to the same setup for work. I think that I may do the same however it is extra conduit and wire that I will have to run (added cost). The way I am looking at my 30x50x12 is 3 rows of 5 of the HO LEDs and then 5 over the 30'+ of workbench area. I think that the work bench area will be overkill but I can always move the lights to a dark area if needed.

 

[USAFpj]

Gnab- the only reason I didn't move to LED, is that I take just about 99.9% of my advice from my educated and experienced family member on these subjects. His only points was that he felt that LED light was focused more straight down, than 'around', the hue of the color was too blue, and that LED cost was still a bit high to be experimenting right now. But you know, everyone's got opinions...

 

[gnab2]

The other option I have is the T8 5000K lights and the cost for them with the bulbs the LED is cheaper. I am torn on which way to go.

 

[USAFpj]

Gnab- do you have the ability to witness with your own eyes the differences between the 2 models in an area that resembles the size of your workspace? I didn't know anything about lighting besides what I read here on the GJ, but once I stepped into a shop that used my exact set up, it was fairly clear.

 

[gnab2]

Using the LED no I don't. As for the T8s they are all over the place in shops and I can see them. Just bites that I can't see them. I may just have to buy a couple of each to see what I like. However when they are on a flash sale or clearance it will be hard to not buy all I want. Thus running the risk of paying more or them being out of stock.

Decisions Decisions

 

[Shiftless]

USAFpj
Although I have a much smaller space with much lower ceilings, here is my take on the situation. (10x20x7)
I recently installed the bargain priced FEIT LED shop lights (5) on the ceiling only 7 feet high. The 4 foot tubes are white, not clear. The tubes light up and look to me just like bare T8 tubes. The light is nicely diffused. With higher ceilings the diffusion would be even better. The color temperature is 4000K not the unpleasant blue light your family member is referring to. Yes, very early LEDs were like that.
I used to run a total of 8 four foot fluorescent T12s in 2 fixtures I salvaged from an office.
I now have a total of 10 four foot long LED tubes.
The difference is amazing.

As far as cost goes, my fixtures at Costco were $30 each.
But I did have to wire in 5 duplex receptacles to plug them in. I ran conduit and wired it myself. Dedicated circuit GFCI protected, one switch near the door. Total cost for fixtures and supplies was about $200