LED High Bays?

[ErVikingo]

I must pick LED luminaires for my garages. Not sure which ones to get...

Need:

Main Workshop Garage 11'ceilings:

4 each 2x4 for my large garage (2 bays 31' x 13' and 24' x 13')
4 each 2x4 for my workshop (16' x 17')


Daily Garage (10'celinings):

3 each 2x4 for my daily garage 33'x 23'
4 each 2x2 for 2 separate closets 15'x 6'

Feedback is most appreciated.

 

[cory58]

High bay lights are not needed or recommended for the height of your ceilings. Take a look at the stickies in this section - lots of good info.

 

[ErVikingo]

Hi Cory! Thanks for your reply. Perhaps used a misnomer for the luminaries i am looking for; a local vendor called the, that when I explained the space and finished ceiling height. I will stuck the stickies.

My main concern is to determine how powerful i need them. I have been using the calculators trying to get 100-120 foot candles which I understand is applicable for the tasks we normally do in our garages.

 

[cybrdyke]

My main concern is to determine how powerful i need them. I have been using the calculators trying to get 100-120 foot candles which I understand is applicable for the tasks we normally do in our garages.

100-120 foot candles isn't "normal" for a garage, unless you are running an auto repair business, painting, inspection, or a full-time business.
CD

 

[Radix2]

Here are the recommendations from the Illuminating Engineer Society (IES) for footcandle levels for various activities.

As you can see they vary quite a bit - but at the same time levels from 50-100fc will cover all but the most detailed work.

Of course many of us are getting older and better light helps a bunch...

One of their recommendations I am surprised by - Welding at 50fc seems low to me. Nothing helps to improve TIG or gas welding like getting some good light IMO.

 

[ErVikingo]

Thanks guys. I need to maintain 2 racecars, restore an old Caddy and maintain and touch up the old cars and bikes.

I also work on my mountain bikes and get through some of my electronic projects.

I want a lot of light and as little heat as possible.

 

[Radix2]

One of the areas I am planning for is 35x40 with 9.5 foot ceilings

For that area, I am looking at wrap style fixtures of 6000 or so lumens ( like a lithonia LBL series ). To get to your 100fc level, that area needs 28 fixtures of that brightness.

Have you tried the lithonia tool ? It has all kinds of lights to try so that you can narrow down the number and power needed - http://www.visual-3d.com/tools/interior/

Once you have the style and power, you could buy those or similar fixtures. A good thing about the LED lights is that most have dimming capability so that you could lower the level if not doing detail work.

Are you planning a drop ceiling so that 2x4 troffers would be an easy fit?

 

[Slowgsr]

4 lamp t8 fixtures mounted to the ceiling would be great! As many as you can afford!

I have 8 6 lamp f54t5ho fixtures! My ceilings are 15' though.

 

[ErVikingo]

One of the areas I am planning for is 35x40 with 9.5 foot ceilings

For that area, I am looking at wrap style fixtures of 6000 or so lumens ( like a lithonia LBL series ). To get to your 100fc level, that area needs 28 fixtures of that brightness.

Have you tried the lithonia tool ? It has all kinds of lights to try so that you can narrow down the number and power needed - http://www.visual-3d.com/tools/interior/

Once you have the style and power, you could buy those or similar fixtures. A good thing about the LED lights is that most have dimming capability so that you could lower the level if not doing detail work.

Are you planning a drop ceiling so that 2x4 troffers would be an easy fit?

I have played with the tool a bit. No drop ceiling, all drywall covering steel trusses and insulation.

On one of the areas (see drawing) I have 4 boxes as I will use that area for the detailed work and the rest for the heavier/dirtier work and for parking.

I do plan to use dimmers. You can always dim down but if you commit to lower lumens......... there is no dimming up

THANKS!

 

[cybrdyke]

Whoever did those two drawings can easily do a lighting point-by-point for you. That will tell you the foot-candles at every spot in the space.
CD

 

[Radix2]

I have played with the tool a bit. No drop ceiling, all drywall covering steel trusses and insulation.

On one of the areas (see drawing) I have 4 boxes as I will use that area for the detailed work and the rest for the heavier/dirtier work and for parking.

I do plan to use dimmers. You can always dim down but if you commit to lower lumens......... there is no dimming up

THANKS!

I would not put fixtures directly over your lift, all you will get is shadow. Put them around the perimeter of the area.

You are going to need many more lights to get to 100fc without terrible glare and deep shadows.

 

[ErVikingo]

Good eye and thanks!

Yes, the lift is a challenge. I an planning on adding other luminaires "around" the lift so I can get light there (plus I will have some on reels).

I wish it were as easy as picking "x" number of 4x2 and 2x2 and move on.........

Floor finish decisions and cabinetry also......