Critique my lighting layout please...

[Notch1988]

Included a drawing of how I've got it planned. The only thing that may change is the radiant heat, may just go with forced air.

The garage is 24'X40' with 12' walls. So far I've got 32, 6" recessed lights planned. The area with the daily drivers has 12, the hoist/work area has 20. I included a few dimensions just to give an idea of scale.

Thanks

 

[mdshore348]

thats alot of electricity , alot of expense for the electrician. and alot of heat loss in the winter through the fixtures... been there done that. try looking into t5ho flourescent light fixtures. excellent color rating 4100k , and uses 277w of energy for 400w fixtures / 4 bulbs w- 4ft unit cost me 159.00 including shipping each .

 

[89vert]

I agree , you'll get much more efficient light from using the appropriate Fluorecent fixtures, as well as better light distribution .They are also super bright if you installl the day light tubes . They are about triple the cost of the "Cool White " units ,but the difference is amazing . I have them in my garage and when I have them all on , it's as bright as being outside . Recessed lights are great in task oriented areas and can provide some fill light in corners and over work benches etc.

 

[MNTrailBoss]

Fluorecents

The whacko builder hooked half my garage electrical into the kitchen and part of a bath when wiring the house 35 years ago. So, I replaced the lighting in the garage with fluorecents and added specific task flood (also fluorecent) lights over the work bench and stationary tools like the drill press and sanders. Saved a buch of watts, and when I converted to the expensive 4100k bulbs, I had plenty of natural light. Nothing through the ceiling, but surface mounted both for cost in heat loss reasons. Works great.

 

[MNTrailBoss]

One other thought --

Don't know what tasks you have planned for the garage, but I installed some portable fluorecents mounted vertically on the walls to help me with auto finishing, but I just hook them up on a J-hook and plug -em in when I need them.

 

[Notch1988]

thats alot of electricity , alot of expense for the electrician. and alot of heat loss in the winter through the fixtures... been there done that. try looking into t5ho flourescent light fixtures. excellent color rating 4100k , and uses 277w of energy for 400w fixtures / 4 bulbs w- 4ft unit cost me 159.00 including shipping each .

I would be using the flourescent twist bulbs, already have some daylight ones that use 27 watts for a 100 watt bulb and they give off wicked light. The housings are all the Halo airtights, plus I'm doing blown in insulation so heat loss shouldn't be an issue. I'll be the doing the wiring so that's not a cost factor either.

I just wanted some input on my light layout...

 

[Rickster]

I'd make sure the second row lighting at the garage door opener is at a point that would shed light with the garage door open.