fluorescent light question, cheap v. more $$

[shephd]

I understand that lots of folks suggest getting the 8' foot fluorescent light fixtures, with 2-96s or 4-48 tubes for the shop. These are the ones that run about $50 at the big box.

I guess I don't see the ROI if I get a cheap $5 double 48 fixture. (these will hold a T8). Electronic ballast--ok, light at any temp. Noise may be a factor? But I'm not out there all the time, and it is fairly temperate where I live. I can add a regular light with saved $$. With the cheaper fixture, I'm saving about $35-40 a fixture and it all helps.

So I've got faster light-up and maybe less noise at 5x the cost. What else?

I'm not asking anyone to defend their choice, but if there is something here that I am missing, I'd appreciate the benefit of the collective wisdom to help me understand.

Thanks in advance!!

Cheaply,
Shephd

 

[bmwpower]

The cheaper lights have cheaper components. The heart of the whole system is the ballast. A replacement ballast will cost you more than the light itself if you have to replace it. The better, more expense lights have better components and tend to last longer.

 

[oldgoat]

I like the 4ft fixtures myself. You can space them out better for a better spread on lights. I have had good and bad luck with the cheap Wally world fixtures. Also had bad luck with a mid priced fixture from a lumber yard that generally sells good stuff. Ended up puting the fixtures in from Wally world that are fake SS. Look kind of nice and do a decent job. Even though they might not last quite as long you can afford to replace them once in a while and it isn't hard to unhook the chains and unplug and replace.

 

[Rickster]

The really cheap ones buzz annoyingly. If you decide to go with the cheaper units I would recommend going with one level up from the cheapo's to avoid the "buzzing".

 

[oldgoat]

I've heard about the buzzing, but so far I've never run into that problem and I've had fairly cheap ones in my attached garage for years and it is unheated also. Those stay on 24/7 though since we come and go through that garage instead of the front door.

 

[red vette mike]

I bought 25 4' Lithonia fixtures from a local commercial contractor electrical wholesaler. I think they were about $65 each. They really light that place up (31x54). It is the same old deal-you generally get what you pay for.

 

[snorvet]

I have the 8' T12 96 watt high output cheapies in my detached garage. They buzz, but its bearable. They made the place really bright for a cheap price - about $50 each.