how many lights and how to layout my lighting?

[bagged89s10]

I need some help with my garage lighting layout. I have approximately a 19' wide x 21' deep garage with 104" tall ceilings.

My garage is a bit messy as it's a work in progress, but it's time for some lighting. Here are some pictures to get an idea of my space. Right now i only have one 4ft t12 fixture which is far from adequate, not to mention the old fixture won't turn on when it's really cold out.

I will be hanging a 4ft fixture under this 30" deep shelf for direct lighting over my lathe.

The back wall has about 14" deep shelving. the toolboxes stick out about 22" from the wall and I want to have enough lighting in that area.

there is going to be a 24" deep shelf above the cabinets which i will be hanging lights under. My long workbench with the drill press is 27" deep

I plan to use these t12 light fixtures @ $12 each and remove the ballast so i can use ballast bypass led tubes.

Searching online I found these for $9 a piece. they are 18watt 4000k color temp led tubes.

https://www.earthled.com/products/l...wPh_iuvRx0j4UMWBoCtN_w_wcB&variant=2174807620


Will 4 or 6 ceiling light fixtures be enough? How should i lay them out? I also like to work out in the garage at night with the doors open. What should I do about lighting the area under the garage door when it's open?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Marcm157]

I have a 28 X 34 and I had sets of 4 - 8ft. T8 Tandems running front to back in each Bay plus a 4 foot T8 running across the front of each Bay. I just replaced them all with 2 - 8 foot High Output T5's in each Bay plus the 4 footer across the front and I am amazed at the difference.

 

[bagged89s10]

I have a 28 X 34 and I had sets of 4 - 8ft. T8 Tandems running front to back in each Bay plus a 4 foot T8 running across the front of each Bay. I just replaced them all with 2 - 8 foot High Output T5's in each Bay plus the 4 footer across the front and I am amazed at the difference.

Do you have a pic of your layout?

 

[myredracer]

Depends on light level you want - 10 footcandles or 100?

For a level on the higher side so you can work on things in any one location, I would say 6 @ 2 lamp 4 foot fluor. using T8 lamps. If using the LED substitutes, compare the lumen output of the lamps and increase the number of fixtures as needed. Looks like 8' ceiling?

For 4' 2 lamp 4 T8 fixtures, two rows of 3 per row. Space the rows 8 -9' apart and lengthwise, 7' apart and 3'-6" from end walls (to center of the fixture - i.e., midway along 4' o/a length). Put lights that end up being over the o/h door on a separate switch. You might also put another switch in that would turn on only one light to save energy when not actually working in there.

3 rows would probably be better for even lighting but 2 per row wouldn't work. 3 x 3 pattern would be better but too many lights.

If you put in fewer lights, you may find the lighting level too uneven. If the primary work areas are the workbenches along one wall, install one row of the fixtures right above the outer edge (2' from wall) so that way you aren't standing in your shadow and blocking light.

I think one 4' 2 lamp fluor. over the lathe would be enough but it should have a lens/diffuser to prevent the lamps from being hit and broken. For really fine detail work, use a task light at the lathe. I would also use a lens/diffuser on all of the lights to reduce glare and also protect the lamps. Not sure what the NEC says about ceiling heights in a garage/workshop and lamp protection...

Do you really want to use those "old fashioned" T12 light fixtures? Not very efficient compared to what's available today. $11.86 may seem like a deal, but even if free, may cost more in the long run. There's a reason they're so cheap. A basic wraparound is what I would use.

 

[bczygan]

My garage is painted white and half the size of yours. I have 8 2 tube 4' T8 fixtures.

6000K (Daylight) color temperature.

Adequate.

Bill

 

[bagged89s10]

Depends on light level you want - 10 footcandles or 100?

For a level on the higher side so you can work on things in any one location, I would say 6 @ 2 lamp 4 foot fluor. using T8 lamps. If using the LED substitutes, compare the lumen output of the lamps and increase the number of fixtures as needed. Looks like 8' ceiling?

For 4' 2 lamp 4 T8 fixtures, two rows of 3 per row. Space the rows 8 -9' apart and lengthwise, 7' apart and 3'-6" from end walls (to center of the fixture - i.e., midway along 4' o/a length). Put lights that end up being over the o/h door on a separate switch. You might also put another switch in that would turn on only one light to save energy when not actually working in there.

3 rows would probably be better for even lighting but 2 per row wouldn't work. 3 x 3 pattern would be better but too many lights.

If you put in fewer lights, you may find the lighting level too uneven. If the primary work areas are the workbenches along one wall, install one row of the fixtures right above the outer edge (2' from wall) so that way you aren't standing in your shadow and blocking light.

I think one 4' 2 lamp fluor. over the lathe would be enough but it should have a lens/diffuser to prevent the lamps from being hit and broken. For really fine detail work, use a task light at the lathe. I would also use a lens/diffuser on all of the lights to reduce glare and also protect the lamps. Not sure what the NEC says about ceiling heights in a garage/workshop and lamp protection...

Do you really want to use those "old fashioned" T12 light fixtures? Not very efficient compared to what's available today. $11.86 may seem like a deal, but even if free, may cost more in the long run. There's a reason they're so cheap. A basic wraparound is what I would use.

The reason for wanting the old fashioned t12 is that that have the right style tombstone connectors to allow bypass led tubes. My thought is that I don't want to have to worry about ballasts

 

[Shiftless]

Bagged:
Because of your relatively low ceilings, I would be hesitant about installing high output t5 bulbs unless you get fixtures with diffusers. Those T5HO bulbs are extremely bright and I'm betting you would find it necessary to wear a baseball hat to shield your eyes.
My solution to your open garage door under lighting, at least a great temporary solution is to use 2 of those cheap aluminum clamp lamps clipped onto the garage door rails. That's what I use. The main drawback with that is forgetting they are up there, closing the door and watching them crash to the floor. Rough service incandescent bulbs usually survive the fall.
I don't think 3x3 fixtures would be too much. Install task lighting in addition.

Gil:
Bagged said he was only buying those obsolete t12 fixtures for their frames and immediately removing the ballasts to install LED tubes.

Everyone:
You do know that Costco has lowered their price on the twin tube LED fixture to $29.99 right? Available now in single boxes instead of the old 2 pack which was priced at $69.99.
Those will be at the core of my next garage lighting upgrade planned for January. 3700 lumens at 4100 K. color temp. 4 fixtures in a 10x20 workspace which is half of a 2 car garage. (the other half is long term car storage not requiring lights right now. Wiring is in place for future addition of 4 more fixtures over there when needed)

 

[Marcm157]

Do you have a pic of your layout?

I am away from home for work until after the new year. When I get back to my room later I will see if I can find detailed a pic or draw the layout for you. But as some one has already commented, I didn't take into account your ceiling height. I have 13 foot ceilings so the HO fixtures work well for me.

 

[bagged89s10]

Shiftless, are the tubes I posted a link o high output t5s?

I'm thinking at $12 a fixture + $9 per tube, I'm at $30 a pop. That's not bad and the tubes are replaceable. I also don't want the hanging style fixtures like the ones they sell at samsclub or Costco. I guess it depends how long these things last and if they will be available 10 years or more from now.

 

[Shiftless]

Bagged:
No, your link was to LED tubes. I was responding to what marcm157 said about how much he liked his T5HO's He must have a rather high ceiling to be comfortable with them.
His 13 feet would be great for HO's

Edit: Let me add the fact that the Costco ones are supposedly OK for flush mount. That is how I plan to install them after the holiday season is over.

 

[Slednut]

I bought six of these http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lithonia...rip-Light-TUNS-2-32-MVOLT-1-4-GEBHL/202193181

And one of these http://www.homedepot.com/p/Philips-...uorescent-Light-Bulb-30-Pack-434530/205477883, the lighting is OK but I'm thinking about upgrading. Pictured is my shop addition which is 30x26.

I have a couple hooded 4 footers above the bench that I rarely use.

 

[Alan Grudzinski]

My garage is just about 20x20, painted white.
I have 12 of these
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lithonia...rescent-Strip-Light-C-2-32-120-GESB/100543144
I have it set up in (4) rows of 3 with 3 switches on it. Outsides have their own and the middle two rows are together.
5000K full spectrum fluorescent tubes in them.
Maybe a little bright but nice even light. I can always turn off a switch.

 

[BD1]

'' Everyone:
You do know that Costco has lowered their price on the twin tube LED fixture to $29.99 right? Available now in single boxes instead of the old 2 pack which was priced at $69.99.
Those will be at the core of my next garage lighting upgrade planned for January. 3700 lumens at 4100 K. color temp. 4 fixtures in a 10x20 workspace which is half of a 2 car garage. (the other half is long term car storage not requiring lights right now. Wiring is in place for future addition of 4 more fixtures over there when needed)''

I bought these Costco LED'S and it is money well spent. Flush mount no issues and easy to hang. These have the pull chain so f you have them on one switch you can turn on / off the ones you want with the chain. They plug into a outlet but some guys cut off plug and hard wire. My local store $30.00. You will definitely love them. I'm gonna stop by Costco once a week to see if they lowered their price.

 

[bagged89s10]

So I got 6 of these


I will order the led tubes this week. They come with 5 foot power cords. I have to decide if I should hard wire them, or use the attached power cord and just install a few outlets in the ceiling.

 

[Stevie-Ray]

I'm sure you'll find more is better, like most of us. I opted for cords and used receptacles on the trusses. I have 18 2 lamp T8 fixtures and it's not enough in my 24x48. Need at least 4 more and I'll be happy.

 

[bagged89s10]

I'm sure you'll find more is better, like most of us. I opted for cords and used receptacles on the trusses. I have 18 2 lamp T8 fixtures and it's not enough in my 24x48. Need at least 4 more and I'll be happy.

Yeah I'm sure I'll want more but 6 is my budget for now. I'll have separate lighting over my workbenches as well.

 

[bubbazwv]

Bagged, you mentioned having light under your garage doors, Me too I just bought a led light from HD, I drilled the back and installed 2 magnets, probably end up putting 3 on But, I hard wired the light to a reel so I can move this light around. My thoughts is I can attach it to a creeper and roll it under a car, or I can hang it on the garage door in the up position, or I can hang it on a metal pole I have 2 in my garage, for extra lighting when I need it.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lithonia...D-Surface-Mount-Strip-Light-MNSL-M6/203409289

 

[bagged89s10]

Bagged, you mentioned having light under your garage doors, Me too I just bought a led light from HD, I drilled the back and installed 2 magnets, probably end up putting 3 on But, I hard wired the light to a reel so I can move this light around. My thoughts is I can attach it to a creeper and roll it under a car, or I can hang it on the garage door in the up position, or I can hang it on a metal pole I have 2 in my garage, for extra lighting when I need it.



http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lithonia...D-Surface-Mount-Strip-Light-MNSL-M6/203409289

That's a really good idea! I never thought of using a cord reel.

 

[bagged89s10]

Bagged, you mentioned having light under your garage doors, Me too I just bought a led light from HD, I drilled the back and installed 2 magnets, probably end up putting 3 on But, I hard wired the light to a reel so I can move this light around. My thoughts is I can attach it to a creeper and roll it under a car, or I can hang it on the garage door in the up position, or I can hang it on a metal pole I have 2 in my garage, for extra lighting when I need it.



http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lithonia...D-Surface-Mount-Strip-Light-MNSL-M6/203409289

What if you permanently mounted the light to the garage door, and wired it with something like this coiled power tool cord?

I've never seen one in person so I don't know how much tension is in the cord. The cord would stay tight when the door is closed and the cord would coil up when you open the garage door. It might work.

 

[bubbazwv]

That would probably work, having it plugged in to the same outlet as your garage door opener...I wonder if the 10ft that its saying is its length is its coiled length or stretched out length...

 

[bagged89s10]

That would probably work, having it plugged in to the same outlet as your garage door opener...I wonder if the 10ft that its saying is its length is its coiled length or stretched out length...

It looks like the package says 3ft coiled and 10ft expanded.

 

[bubbazwv]

Well if the length works Id say go for it. I just got mine installed all is great but the old reel. I have to help it retrieve the cord. And my garage door must be pretty thin metal cause the 3 magnets wont hold the light as the door is opening...Holds fine on the metal pole. Oh well it will be fine...