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Layout question for platonic solid 80x40x16 garage

carguy7

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Hi ive read through several threads on this forum and think im ready to pull the trigger on some high bay led lights

I used the visualizer tool and came up with a 6x3 pattern of essentially 110 watt James lights spaced 13.3333 feet all around on a 40x80x16 steel building i used an average mounting height of 18 ft. I aiming for 100-110fc capability.

my reflectances are 90 ceiling 90 wall 20 floor. Reflectance is very high on the walls and ceiling becuase the whole building uses exposed radiant barrier insulation the reflectance of the RB is rated at 97% from the factory but i used 90% due to any wear on install and support beams in the building are red. The floor is waxed concrete so it has a semi sheen but i still used 20% reflectance

The building uses a 3:12 pitch so the peak is 20-21ft

The final design i came up with is 6x3 pattern of 4000k 110 watt james lights on the lower sides and 165 james lights down the middle (peak) of the building. I will put dimmers on these as well. According to the visualizer tool its a bit overkill but id rather have the power there when i need it for polishing and bodywork.

So my questions are

*Does this sound sane or way off (is it over kill or underpowered)

*Any comments on the radiant barrier walls will it create terrible glare or not be reflective enough trully hit the 90% reflectance used in the calculations

*what are your thoughts on using the 165 watt lights at the peak and 110 on the sides

* what dimmers should i get i want to split lighting into 3 zones 770 watts each the only dimmers i found were the lutron dvstv 8 amp dimmers they are pricey but if need be ill get them

* ive read some things about 5000k being harmful long term (ill be in this pllace most of the day) so im going with 4000k any thoughts

*any thing else you want to add

Thank you so much in advance
 
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cybrdyke

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Carguy7,
I would return the settings to 80/50/20. Your silver barrier isn't really that much more reflective than good white metal. Your wall figure is way to high. Surely you'll have cabinets, machines, tools, other stuff on the wall, etc.
There's no issue with having the stronger fixtures at the peak, if that's what is necessary to hit your target. It's done all the time.
Whatever you read about 5000K vs 4000K is hooey.
Good luck,
CD
 

Platonic Solid

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Layout is good. I agree with CD on reflectance values. Even if you manage 90|90|20 when first installed, it won't last long due to normal dust and dirt.

90|90|20 = 109fc @ 30" work plane
80|50|20 = 84fc ...

Budget dimmer (dimming only = no On/Off) here (link).

Here's 1 of many available mid-priced all-in-one dimmer+On/Off switch (link)

4000K vs 5000K = Personal preference issue more than a health issue. Very slightly less eye damaging blue wavelength exposure with 4000K, but not likely enough to make any real difference.
 
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carguy7

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Thanks for the replys guys. Ya i didnt think of future effects on the walls i purposely got the reflective interior to boost light levels. The highest shelving or anything against the wall will be 7 feet. Im also painting the machinery, tables and shelving eggshell white. But still i can see how stuff will cut down on reflectivity. Maybe ill just go with a 6x4 layout

Thanks for the dimmer links i hadnt seen those. the cooper one seems to fit the bill but it says its title 20 compliant does that mean ill only get 85% power out of them?

As for the other stand alone dimmers how many james 110watt highbays can you put on one?

Do you find 5000k to be better for shop work?
 

Platonic Solid

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Not sure about the title 20 compliant question. The budget dimmer should be good for at least 25 fixtures, likely more. You'll feel a bit more awake in a 5000K environment.
 
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cybrdyke

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the cooper one seems to fit the bill but it says its title 20 compliant does that mean ill only get 85% power out of them?

Do you find 5000k to be better for shop work?

The Cooper dimmer will allow you to get full brightness out of your fixtures. There is an adjustment on the side that would let you set max brightness to less than 100%, if you wanted to.

4000K and 5000K are both OK for shop work, as mentioned a couple of times before. It's your garage, so it's whatever you prefer.

Good luck,
CD
 
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carguy7

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I had read a post that said california title 20 compliant dimmers limit the dimmer output to 85 % to save energy and this dimmer spec sheet says its title 20 compliant just wondering if that is true
 
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carguy7

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The Cooper dimmer will allow you to get full brightness out of your fixtures. There is an adjustment on the side that would let you set max brightness to less than 100%, if you wanted to.

4000K and 5000K are both OK for shop work, as mentioned a couple of times before. It's your garage, so it's whatever you prefer.

Good luck,
CD

Oh ok that works then. As far as 4000k vs 5000k ive never been in a large space lit by led so i dont rly know the difference
 

cybrdyke

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As far as 4000k vs 5000k ive never been in a large space lit by led so i dont rly know the difference

Understood. Everyone will tell you their opinion or their favorite, but the truth is that we all see things differently. What works for someone else might not work for you.
If it helps, most schools and offices are lit with 4000K. You can see what they look like. Dont look at the lights. Look at the things in the space...the walls, the carpet, the furniture, etc... Notice how different colors appear.
Good luck,
CD
 
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