Fluorescent Fixture Voltage

[Bearkat]

I will be installing these in my new shop:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lithonia...put-Fluorescent-High-Bay-IBC-454-MV/202838871

They say dual voltage, so which is better. Completely new install so I either way works. 12 lights, so will be one 220volt circuit or two 110 volt circuits, both 20 amps. By my thinking there would be not discernable difference other than one less neutral to run with the 220volt setup. Had an old timer tell me using 220volt would be cheaper on the light bill, but I can't make the math work out.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Attached to your dwelling? Not legal per the code. NEC says no lighting in a dwelling structure that is greater than 125v.

Detached? You could, but you still use two wires, two hots or neutral and a hot, same difference. However with switches, since you don't have a grounded conductor (neutral) you should use double pole switches to switch off both hots to the fixture (I know, you don't have to, but you should, for safety).

Now, if you are thinking two hots AND a neutral, it sounds like you are considering a MWBC (Multi Wire Branch Circuit) which is two opposing hots, and a neutral, and you derive 120v from this, sharing the neutral between the hots, which can be done due to the alternating of the current. In this, you still only have 120v to the fixture not 240v. If pulling wire in conduit, you can save some wire, but if you are using Romex, you probably won't be able to save any substantial amount of wire.

Its 120v and 240v. 110v and 220v haven't been used in North America in 40 or 50 years.

Charles

 

[pattenp]

The only advantage to running the lights on 240V is lower amperage which means you can put more lights on the circuit. There is no power savings to reduce the cost of operation. Wattage used is the same at 120V vs. 240V.

Edit: Ditto on what Charles said. Just use 120V.

 

[Bearkat]

Thanks, that is how i was leaning. Thinking two switches will be nice anyway, in case I only want to light up half. Thanks for the clarification on the terminology- those that taught me learned the old way and the names stuck.

 

[pattenp]

It's good to split up the lights on multiple switches for flexible use.