How many recessed lights?

[hubgarage]

I built a 23'X23' garage (inside still unfinished). Since I have 14" TGI's for the second floor there is plenty of room for recessed lighting (initially I was thinking tube lights on the surface, but figure can lights look cleaner, wont cost much more as I am doing this myself).

Reflector floursent bulbs would be installed in the lights, I have yet to look into their light output, which I know can be quite confusing.

Maybe 5 rows of 5 lights on three switches?

Thanks,
John

 

[Dr.JohnnyFever]

I like about 1 light per 25 sq ft and ran off of dimmers.

Your preferences may vary quite a bit, but your 23'x23' = 529 sq ft.

529 sq ft / 25 lights = 21 sq ft per light, so you are probably in the ballpark.

How high is the ceiling?

 

[-Brent-]

The lights have spacing criteria. Knowing this and plugging it into an equation, you can figure the optimal amount of recessed lighting for your space.

There is the rule of thumb to go by the 1 light per 25 sq feet, however, you should also be aware of how to place them for the best lighting. For example, I've read about placing the lights at a distance from a wall where light is shed onto the wall, bolstering the light in the room.

There are a few shops I've seen on the Garage Journal that have mixed the lighting, utilizing something like T8s and then recessed lights for tasks or accents.

As well,

 

[hubgarage]

Thanks for the replies.

The ceiling is 8.5'.

I just thought about this.... there is 5/8" sheetrock speced for the downstairs for fire-rating, can recessed lights be used?

Upstairs (it's a 1.5 story) is storage/recreation room.

 

[-Brent-]

Yes, lights can be used in 5/8". One thing to know, there is no 5-5/8 hole cutting device. I had to use a 5-1/2 hole saw (spendy!) and then ream it a bit. Keep what tools it'll take to install a consideration when choosing your light size.

 

[-Brent-]

Also, light size doesn't mean 4" is less light and 6" is more. I would suggest that whatever you go with, get a quality recepticle. They're just better to work with, in my opinion.

 

[Aceman]

I'll never understand can lights in a "working" garage. The amount of cans needed to get "just ok" light quality is a far worse tradeoff in my opinion than using some sort of "less aesthetically" pleasing tubed flourescent fixture.

I put cans in a garage exactly one time for a guy that wanted it. I came back a couple years later for a service call in his home and noticed he had hanging strip lights scattered around the garage in addition to the cans. I didn't have to ask why....

 

[ddawg16]

I'll never understand can lights in a "working" garage. The amount of cans needed to get "just ok" light quality is a far worse tradeoff in my opinion than using some sort of "less aesthetically" pleasing tubed flourescent fixture.

I put cans in a garage exactly one time for a guy that wanted it. I came back a couple years later for a service call in his home and noticed he had hanging strip lights scattered around the garage in addition to the cans. I didn't have to ask why....

Everyone has different requirements.....

I have 16 recessed lights in my garage.....plenty of light....and I don't have to worry about hitting a fixture if I'm swinging a length of wood around.....

And....I can easily change color and wattage.....the only thing you can do with tubes is change color.

I wouldn't do mine any different....

 

[Aceman]

Everyone has different requirements...

Sure...

I have 16 recessed lights in my garage.....plenty of light....and I don't have to worry about hitting a fixture if I'm swinging a length of wood around.....

That's why they make these:
http://www.buylighting.com/Fluorescent-Tube-Guards-s/157.htm

And....I can easily change color and wattage.....the only thing you can do with tubes is change color.

Why would a guy need to change wattage?

 

[hubgarage]

Also, light size doesn't mean 4" is less light and 6" is more. I would suggest that whatever you go with, get a quality recepticle. They're just better to work with, in my opinion.

I figured I would use 6" cans, prob most economical too. I will see what my local electrical supply has/suggests.

I'll never understand can lights in a "working" garage. The amount of cans needed to get "just ok" light quality is a far worse tradeoff in my opinion than using some sort of "less aesthetically" pleasing tubed flourescent fixture.

I put cans in a garage exactly one time for a guy that wanted it. I came back a couple years later for a service call in his home and noticed he had hanging strip lights scattered around the garage in addition to the cans. I didn't have to ask why....

Thanks, I will consider that. You can certainly get more light out of tube light units.

Everyone has different requirements.....

I have 16 recessed lights in my garage.....plenty of light....and I don't have to worry about hitting a fixture if I'm swinging a length of wood around.....

And....I can easily change color and wattage.....the only thing you can do with tubes is change color.

I wouldn't do mine any different....

Thanks, what wattage/type bulbs are you using? Cans also give you the option to switch to LED bulbs when the price comes down enough (few years?).

 

[1500hd]

Yes, lights can be used in 5/8". One thing to know, there is no 5-5/8 hole cutting device. I had to use a 5-1/2 hole saw (spendy!) and then ream it a bit. Keep what tools it'll take to install a consideration when choosing your light size.

Greenlee makes an adjustable cutter for installing can lights. I have used mine quite a bit and works good.

 

[Dr.JohnnyFever]

Thanks, what wattage/type bulbs are you using? Cans also give you the option to switch to LED bulbs when the price comes down enough (few years?).

I believe I am using mostly 65W BR30 bulbs right now. White trims with a black baffle.

I am also waiting for (dimmer compatible) LEDs to come down in price. I may make my own eventually.


For what it's worth, I like Halo fixtures - the H7ICT to be exact. Many mounting options built into the frame. Very fast and easy to wire. They run about $6 each at HD if you buy a case of 6.

 

[ddawg16]

Thanks, what wattage/type bulbs are you using? Cans also give you the option to switch to LED bulbs when the price comes down enough (few years?).

Right now, 23w PAR lamps (100w equiv)

And you right about the LED option....don't think you will be finding an LED option for 4' tubes anytime soon.....

I've only had one CFL fail in the past 10 years....and I have about 8 more PAR lamps as spares.....did you know you can pull off the PAR glass housing leaving just the bulb? Makes it easy to put the CFL's in fixtures that won't accept a PAR lamp.

 

[hubgarage]

I stopped at Home Depot today. They now have T5 high output lights, 8', 4-bulb units, they sure put out a lot of light and appear lower profile due to the small diameter bulb.

Hmmm, more to think about....

 

[Gerald O]

You may be required to use fire-rated recessed lights if the space over the garage is living space. In that case the ceiling requires fire separation, and penetrations through the fire separation need to be sealed using approved methods.

Per the NEC:
"300.21 Spread of Fire or Products of Combustion. Electrical installations in hollow spaces, vertical shafts, and ventilation or air-handling ducts shall be made so that the possible spread of fire or products of combustion will not be substantially increased. Openings around electrical penetrations into or through fire-resistant-rated walls, partitions, floors, or ceilings shall be firestopped using approved methods to maintain the fire resistance rating."

One option would be to build sheetrock covered boxes recessed into each light location, and then use an IC rated fixture (for heat buildup). Sound like a major PITA though.

 

[Norcal]

I stopped at Home Depot today. They now have T5 high output lights, 8', 4-bulb units, they sure put out a lot of light and appear lower profile due to the small diameter bulb.

Hmmm, more to think about....

T5 HO is intended for taller ceiling heights than 8 1/2 feet, which will lead to very uneven light distribution, & it will be VERY bright directly under the fixture, a low profile wraparound fixture like the Lithonia LB series would be good, surface mounted T8 strips or industrials (w/ reflector) also will do well, can lights are not a very efficient lighting method.

 

[Dr.JohnnyFever]

Zombie Thread!

 

[jonny43]

For your area follow this steps :
1- Determine the area per (ft²) of the room that you want to light=23*23= 529 ft²
2- Determine the total wattage required for this area by Multiplying the area by 2, which is the average watt/ ft²=529*2=1058 W
3- Divide the total wattage by the output wattage of the bulb that you are using or plan to use, so you get the number of recessed light cans
this will give you the exact number of the required recessed units, after that you have to think how to space your recessed layout the right way?

 

[Belgarion]

I went the recessed cans route in my in-process garage reno. I used 15 Halo 6" H7ICAT cans with retro-fit LED sealed 10.5 watt kits with a Leviton occupancy sensor. I like the light output, but I will put in some additional lighting over the workbench area.

 

[jonny43]

I went the recessed cans route in my in-process garage reno. I used 15 Halo 6" H7ICAT cans with retro-fit LED sealed 10.5 watt kits with a Leviton occupancy sensor. I like the light output, but I will put in some additional lighting over the workbench area.

mixing between light sources enhance the lighting system and give you more control and flexibility.

 

[fourjeepin]

I have 16 recessed lights in my garage.....plenty of light....and I don't have to worry about hitting a fixture if I'm swinging a length of wood around.....

I put recessed fluorescents in my last garage. To me, it was the best of both worlds. Lots of light and didn't hang down.

 

[cybrdyke]

how can i calculate the right LED bulb that replace my old bulb in my room? are recessed lights suit a bedroom.

You cant "calculate" it. You can only compare lumens. What bulb are you using for your old bulb?
CD

 

[jonny43]

For who is searching for LED replacement of tradditional lights per Watt
Halogens///////////// CFL ////////// LED
40 - 60 //////////// 12-15 ///////// 5-8
60 - 75 /////////// 15-18 ///////// 7-10

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

It would be a lot easier to hang the sheet rock if you roughed in the wiring first then installed remodel cans after the rock is hung.
Ive always just used a drywall wall to cut the holes for cans,Im too cheap to buy a fancy hole saw just for can lights.

 

[Ch3No2]

Recessed all the way

 

[cybrdyke]

would any one tell us how to get the LED equivalent to the traditional light sources

If I plan to use LED bulbs how can i calculate the replacement of the regular bulbs?

Compare LUMENS. It's right there on the box. There is no formula, chart or otherwise that will help you compare WATTS to get an equivalent. LUMENS LUMENS LUMENS!!!!!

Zombie Thread!

Right? And he's breathing again......

 

[dany73]

How do you determine the amount lumens per sq ft?

 

[kameron]

I am also asking for a way to evaluate how much lumens for 25 * 20 foot livingroom. Did any one known?

 

[ddawg16]

How do you determine the amount lumens per sq ft?

I am also asking for a way to evaluate how much lumens for 25 * 20 foot livingroom. Did any one known?

Wow....old thread....but to answer your questions....

Several factors....how lite are the walls? Wall color and paint makes a big difference....how high is the ceiling, etc.

What are you doing in the area? I'm a big fan of a combination of general and task lighting.

Here is one of several web sites that will show you how much you need

http://www.charlstonlights.com/led-light-requirement-calculator

Kameron....to answer your question....28 lums per sq ft....or about 14K lums

 

[anuccite]

Wow....old thread....but to answer your questions....

I was reading through, not paying attention to post dates.....

Then I hit the post where you said... "And you right about the LED option....don't think you will be finding an LED option for 4' tubes anytime soon..... "

 

[prostreetamx]

I have wired hundreds of houses in Las Vegas and you are not allowed to put recessed lighting in a fire rated ceiling unless you build a fire resistant sheetrock box around each fixture. My new garage has 14' ceilings so I am going with dual circuit track in three rows with 6 separate switches. With this setup I can move my fixtures around pretty easy. I will be installing the track below the ceiling with short spacers so I can add support cables for 4' fixtures. I've already installed wood backing above the sheetrock and will be drilling extra mounting holes in the track so it can support larger fixtures if needed.