Help with lighting plan

[jmgreen7]

As part of my garage reno, i'm looking at reconfiguring my garage lighting to brighten it up even more. I don't know what is an appropriate amount of flourescent fixtures at what direction/distances. I was wondering if any of the geniuses on here could help me out.

My garage is 27'x24' with 8 foot ceilings.
I'm looking for good placement for general lighting. all specific task lighting doesn't apply. Currently, i am using 4foot utilitech flourescent fixtures with 4 32t8 bulbs in each.
I appreciate any help you all can give me.

 

[jmgreen7]

I'm still working on figuring out how to upload an image to show the basic sketchup image of the garage.

 

[cybrdyke]

3 rows of 3 T8's, approximately 8' apart. Start the side rows approx 4' from the wall, space them approx 8'.
That's a very fast, unscientific answer with the info you provided.
Good luck
CD

 

[jmgreen7]

This is where uploading my drawing would have been helpful. The garage is essentially divided into 2 bays separated by a 2x10 beam. At this point, i have 4 lights in each bay (2x2 configuration) with the space divided up into thirds.

how does that affect things? picture is attached.

 

[cybrdyke]

In alot of garages, there are cabinets, lockers, etc up against the walls. There is no point lighting the top of those objects, unless they are work spaces like tables or benches. For this reason, the first row of lights is normally put 4' off the wall instead of 2' or 3' . You are on the border of needing either 1 or 2 center rows. If you can use the beam as a mounting point, then one row right down the center would be marginally OK. But you might want to think about each side as it's own space and put a 2nd row in each side. In this case, you'll have great light. Space them evenly between the 2 side rows. Consider using 2 switches, one for each "bay" to save energy.
good luck
CD