help with lighting ideas

[joeb1934]

i was wondering if anybody could help me decide on a few options for overhead lighting in my new shop. it is 30x60 in size, and has a total of 6 windows. the height to the center of the ceiling is 15 feet. the floor is grey epoxy, and i will eventually put osb on the walls (after insulating) and ceiling and paint everything white. i live in lincoln, nebraska, and will not keep it temp. controlled all the time. i was initally thinking something recessed into the ceiling on both sides, but i'm not sure. i want to make sure that what i put in will be enough light, because i'd like to leave the main lighting on the ceiling (nothing on the sides or hanging down). i've checked at menards, but haven't really found anything that jumps out at me. any help would be great. thanks.

joe

 

[CaptainRay]

I've done a lot of research and it's a daunting task trying to figure out what's best for my limited budget. So far I've found that you want T8 fluorescent lights... that will save you about 35% on electric and they are brighter than the old lights. http://www.businesslights.com/light-fixtures-fluorescent-c-200.html

I also found some internal driver T8 SMD LED lights like the fluorescent lights that use the same fixture that are apparently brighter than the T8's. They look bright but the bulbs are $30 each Universal input voltage from AC 90 to 277V http://www.china-direct-buy.com/v/4...63/internal_driver_T8_SMD_LED_tube_light.html

So far I'm lost on how many lights to use for my 30ft wide 50ft long SteelMaster Quonset shop building. There seem to be a lot of opinions out there but no solid info from the experts that I've found. I also found that the higher the ceiling the more problem you will have in getting adequate lighting. So I've thought about mounting my light fixtures on the down side of the arch a little on each side and let them hang down a foot or so on wires. So far I can't afford to install windows so it will be a while with just the lights and no natural light. Good luck, if you have figured out anything or find anything that is helpful, let me know.

 

[fool on the hill]

I thought the T8's were for high bays, and the T5's were for low bays, like a 12-15 ft ceiling. Have I got it backwards?

 

[joeb1934]

captainray, sounds like your in the same boat i'm in. i thought about mounting the lights on the ceiling closer to the walls also, but figured that would create shade in the middle of the room. my dad suggested two rows of lights on each side. that would cost more, but would be nicer in the long run. i just want to make sure i do it right the first time, so i can get on to the using part of the garage (playing with the toys!) i've been told of the newer t-8's, i'm just not sure of the different light style options on the market. thanks for the input, i'll be sure to keep this thread updated as i make progress.