Couple Lighting Questions

[Augus7us]

I want to replace the existing lights in my new shop withe LEDs.

There is a lot of info out there and one of the first things I came across is that at least one site offers discounts to GJ members. Does anyone have a list of sites that offer discounts?

Second is I don't want to break the bank but I would like something of decent quality. Is there a go to platform for this? You know something equivalent to 44" HF tool box? I figure no matter what you do in it every shop needs quality lighting!

Thanks

-Clint

 

[blair683]

I can tell you for people to help you on this they will need to know your shop dimensions and ceiling height. The most popular option is the maxlite 4’ led ready fixture. See the first post in the “Best light fixture ever” sticky thread. There may be better options depending on if you have high ceilings or a ginormous shop. There are people on here that will help you with your best options.

 

[Augus7us]

Thanks again Blair. Clearly I have too much going on...

The shop is 30x40x12. I want to replace what is in there now, T12's I think, I haven't gotten up there and inspected them but they are your run of the mill cheap shop lights.

Now, since I'm starting fresh does it make sense to buy something like the LED "tubes" you retrofit or an LED only platform? I'm not sure how replacement on those works that would be my only real concern. With the retrofit I know you can just buy a new tube.

This will be for general shop work.

-Clint

 

[Platonic Solid]

How about posting some "before" pictures to stir up some interest. As the weather warms up, requests for assistance are increasing and I have less time to commit to this.

 

[FTG-05]

Thanks again Blair. Clearly I have too much going on...

The shop is 30x40x12. I want to replace what is in there now, T12's I think, I haven't gotten up there and inspected them but they are your run of the mill cheap shop lights.

Now, since I'm starting fresh does it make sense to buy something like the LED "tubes" you retrofit or an LED only platform? I'm not sure how replacement on those works that would be my only real concern. With the retrofit I know you can just buy a new tube.

This will be for general shop work.

-Clint

Are the old ones 4' or 8'?

If 4', I would seriously consider just replacing the tubes with Ballast Bypass LED tubes and call it good. LED bypass bulbs for $8.25: https://www.1000bulbs.com/product/192828/PLT-10852.html

It will be interesting to see what PS says.

Good luck!

 

[Platonic Solid]

Are the old ones 4' or 8'?

If 4', I would seriously consider just replacing the tubes with Ballast Bypass LED tubes and call it good. LED bypass bulbs for $8.25: https://www.1000bulbs.com/product/192828/PLT-10852.html

It will be interesting to see what PS says.

Good luck!

Not a fan of the 310° beam spread and glass tube on that bulb. Agree with cleaning up the existing fixture housings and retrofitting bypass bulbs as the lowest cost option. You'll need the higher output of the lamps on post 1 of the best light fixture sticky. Linear high bays in the 10,000 to 14,000 lumen range are also a viable option.

Start here with the visual tool (link).

 

[cybrdyke]

Not a fan of the 310° beam spread

Notice how they dont say "beam angle", they say "light distribution" on their spec sheet?
Why? Because beam angle is currently the one area of specification where the most games are being played by shady manufacturers and websites. I see it everyday. If there's one little photon that escapes the tube in an upward direction, it gets counted and included into the "light distribution" figure, even though it has no power to illuminate anything.
Beam angle is the proper term and is the only criteria that's tested for in an independent lab. If the spec sheet doesn't say "beam angle", you can be assured that you're being scammed.
CD

 

[Platonic Solid]

Here's the best deal I know of. Footcandle results based on standard drywalled room as I know nothing about your space.

Qty.12 GreenTek GT-H2-110W XDZ 16406 Lumen 4x3 pattern 10'x10' center to center fixture spacing = 128fc @ workplane $85 ea. (link) x 12 = $1020 - 5% off coupon code GREEN5 = $969 (free shipping)

 

[Augus7us]

Here's the best deal I know of. Footcandle results based on standard drywalled room as I know nothing about your space.

Qty.12 GreenTek GT-H2-110W XDZ 16406 Lumen 4x3 pattern 10'x10' center to center fixture spacing = 128fc @ workplane $85 ea. (link) x 12 = $1020 - 5% off coupon code GREEN5 = $969 (free shipping)

Thanks PS.

I read the specs on those lights and noticed they stated they were for 15' to 25' ceilings. I figure after putting up metal panel and hanging them from chains they will be somewhere around 11'6" off the ground. Is this a concern? And is it possible they would be too bright?

-Clint

 

[Platonic Solid]

Adding dimmers is easy and cheap. You can get lower lumen output for higher price which is illogical.