Light Fixture Layout Collections

[INTMD8]

WOW, that is awesome ^^^ Thanks so much Svend! Very much appreciate the effort and I will post up some pictures as soon as it's done

 

[leftfootbraker]

8' two lamp vs. four lamp tandem fixtures

P. Solid - I see you regularly recommend the 4 lamp "tandem" version of the Metalux fixture and am wondering why you prefer these over the 2-lamp 8' fixtures.

The cost is a bit lower for the tandem's
Although you'd have twice as many ballasts to maintain
Installing the 4' lamps is way easier than those long 8' lamps, especially at my 12' ceiling height

Please share your opinions

Thanks

 

[Platonic Solid]

leftfootbraker - 8ft fluorescent lamps are old school and just an all-around PIA to deal with. Unless otherwise stated, an 8ft F32T8 4-lamp tandem uses one 4-lamp ballast. Of all the typical fluorescent lamps and ballasts, F32T8 lamps and ballasts have the best efficiency, selection and price.

 

[leftfootbraker]

Thanks for clearing this up for me.
I'll go with he tandems.

Cheers

 

[t-dog]

Platonic Solid- Any chance I could get some help with a lighting design for my garage. It's getting close to being a usable space for my woodworking (Primary Hobby) as well as a space to detail my cars but the lighting is flat out terrible. I'm wanting to get something going ASAP. I read in your other thread about lighting fixture and bulb recommendations and it's been very helpful. I'm wanting to use LED bulbs as I'm a big fan of lower wattage fixtures (Solar Home, etc.).

Here is a picture of the garage.

Dimensions are 20' wide, 42 feet deep on the tandem side, 22' deep on the other side and ceilings are 9'4"H

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[roadrunner255]

Re: roadrunner255 36x40x12, 2/12 Pitch 15' Peak

roadrunner - I experimented with multiple fixture and layout options and turns out the best one was the first one. The Cooper fixture you linked to is a good price for a good fixture. The layout dimensions may not be exactly where your purlins are. The closer you can come to the layout dimensions the better the results will be. All fixtures in layout hanging 1.5' from ceiling surface.

The Lithonia fixture I used is basically the same as the Cooper. Cooper doesn't have an 8ft IES file.
Here's the Dialux report (linked)

Image linked to larger view.

Any issues with the lights not being 1.5' from the ceiling? Overhead doors will interfere with the lights. The lights can only hang down 6" from the perlins, so 12' 3", 13', 13'9" for the first 3 rows.
Thanks!

 

[Platonic Solid]

roadrunner255 - assuming purlins are 8", then 6" from the purlins = 1.17ft from ceiling surface. That's only 4" difference from the original 1.5ft from ceiling surface suggestion. I tested it and it only changes the avg at workplane illumination from 86fc to 85fc. You're good to go.

 

[Platonic Solid]

t-dog - no promises - if you're in a hurry I can't help you. There are only so many hours in a day and I am insanely busy. Your light sucking black flooring looks nice, but isn't going to help you any. How big a fan is your wallet for lower wattage LED fixtures? Are we talking budget friendly James LED strip lights or higher end "aesthetics matters as well as efficiency" type fixtures?

 

[t-dog]

t-dog - no promises - if you're in a hurry I can't help you. There are only so many hours in a day and I am insanely busy. Your light sucking black flooring looks nice, but isn't going to help you any. How big a fan is your wallet for lower wattage LED fixtures? Are we talking budget friendly James LED strip lights or higher end "aesthetics matters as well as efficiency" type fixtures?

I appreciate the feedback and any help you can provide. I don't need light tomorrow. I'm not looking for a perfect scenario. I'm sure if I read through every single post in this thread I might be able to find something with similar dimensions and just wing it. So I don't expect you or anyone else to spend hours working out multiple configurations. While it would be nice I believe those services deserve more than just a thank you. They deserve payment for time invested. I commend you for helping as you have for so many already.

As for a budget, well I'd say $600-900 would be what I'm willing to spend on lights. I know this will buy several James LED strips but if there is a product that might stretch the budget no more than 50% of the high amount and still be efficient I'd definitely consider it. With that said do you have any quick down and dirty thoughts on fixtures and layout?

 

[roadrunner255]

roadrunner255 - assuming purlins are 8", then 6" from the purlins = 1.17ft from ceiling surface. That's only 4" difference from the original 1.5ft from ceiling surface suggestion. I tested it and it only changes the avg at workplane illumination from 86fc to 85fc. You're good to go.

Thanks!

 

[clubairth]

Platonic Solid;
Another request for a light layout!

I have a 30' X 40' shop. One side (15' wide) has 10' ceilings and the other side (15' wide) has 16' ceilings. Have a two post lift installed on the 16' side centered about 25' from the front wall. 15' from the back wall.

Bench in corner of 10' side. Two 10' legs on bench.

2 Garage doors. A 16' and a 9' at the front of the 30' wide side. Man door on the 40' side wall.

Garage unfinished studs and rafters but I have covered all the walls up to 8' with white painted peg board.

Do you prefer a drawing or picture of the space to help with the lighting design?

Thanks for your help too!
Kevin

 

[dkitt10]

Hey Platonic Solid,

I posted this a little while ago but would appreciate your insight on design

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=312573

Thank you very much!!

 

[Platonic Solid]

dkitt10 - see response in your thread here (linked)

 

[INTMD8]

Re: INTMD8 35 x 46 x 15' peak 4.8:12 pitch

Even though I've had to mostly stop doing lighting layouts, I couldn't resist the unique design INTMD8 came up with.

The main lights are up, thank you again!!! Looks great.

Had to change the layout for the lower ceiling section as the garage door and attic stairs were in the way. Put up 8 4ft led's but they aren't wired in yet.

 

[Platonic Solid]

DAAAAMN Jim! That’s not a garage, it’s a Shrine! Your project is an amazing transformation. And fast - I only posted the layout 2 weeks ago. Looking forward to any comments on how much light reflects off that floor onto the undercarriage when a car is up on the lift.

 

[terrylb]

Hi everybody. My first post!

Thank you Platonic for this info-packed thread. I've learned a lot by reading your posts here and also the lighting fixture sticky.

I'm building a 32' x 25' garage workshop in SoCal that is divided into three areas. The left side will be for parking and light-duty maintenance. It has a 9'9" flat ceiling that will be drywalled.

The middle section is 15'6" x 24'6" and has vaulted trusses that rise from 9'9" to 11'6" at the peak. I was planning on leaving these trusses open. There are two skylights in between trusses now. This section will eventually get a 2 post lift.

The right side has a 9'9" flat ceiling that will be drywalled. This area will be for a workbench, tools, cabinets, storage, etc.

I would like to go with LED strip lights but I'm still not sure how to deal with the differences in ceiling heights and the vaulting. Maybe it's too small to make a difference but I've never done any kind of lighting layout so any and all advice is appreciated. As I've gotten older I realize how important good lighting is so I'd like my first workshop to be a clean, well lighted place for working on cars, woodworking projects and making and drinking beer!

The walls will be drywalled and painted a light color. The floor will be getting an epoxy like finish with flakes that will be white, blue and black. It might be a little dark.

I've included an interior photo taken during construction that shows the flat and vaulted sections and also a sketch with interior dimensions.

I realize everyone's probably out shopping, but if you're avoiding the crowds and want to help a newbie, it would be greatly appreciated.

Happy holidays.

-Terry

 

[INTMD8]

DAAAAMN Jim! That’s not a garage, it’s a Shrine! Your project is an amazing transformation. And fast - I only posted the layout 2 weeks ago. Looking forward to any comments on how much light reflects off that floor onto the undercarriage when a car is up on the lift.

Thank you!!! I will take undercarriage pics as soon as I run something up there

 

[Platonic Solid]

Thank you!!! I will take undercarriage pics as soon as I run something up there

Pictures are great, but since they're a poor indicator of actual light output what really matters is your visual experience in the space. Is the lighting good for reading a manual or rebuilding a carb? From the picture, it appears the rear of the Ferrari needs the light from the 8ft area.

I know you're not done, but as a guide, here's your space without any fixtures in the 8ft area and a car parked with rear about 2ft into the vaulted ceiling area.

 

[INTMD8]

Pictures are great, but since they're a poor indicator of actual light output what really matters is your visual experience in the space. Is the lighting good for reading a manual or rebuilding a carb? From the picture, it appears the rear of the Ferrari needs the light from the 8ft area.

Very neat! Your photo matches my perception of what's going on there. Agreed the back of the car needs light from the 8ft area if parked in that spot.

When I was hanging the lights (before they were fired up the first time) I was thinking I was going to need more lights around the perimeter or over the tool box but now that they are working it seems perfect.

 

[CapnAl]

Hi Guys, I am in need of some layout help, please. I have a 38w x 58 deep garage with 12' ceiling height. Walls are white foam (ICF-Insulated concrete form) construction. I have a 18"main beam running 58' from front to rear, and 22 15" cross beams, 11 on each side, perpendicular to the main beam, spaced about 5' apart. (There is another garage above). 2 garage doors on the front end, 16' wide by 9' high.
I can utilize the 15" cross beams to mount the fixtures, but if possible, I would like to mount the 8' fluor.'s between the cross beams, paralell with the cross beams, and suspended down from the 12' steel deck ceiling, but slightly above the lowest level of the 15" beams, hence a bit of protection. I'll have a 12 x20 workshop area at the left rear of building, and a two-post lift on the right side of the 18" front-to-rear center beam, at about the halfway, front-to-rear position.
I already have 25 lithonia tz 232 mv 8' fixtures, don't have to use them all, but I would appreciate lamp suggestions, and of course, layout help.
Thanks and Merry Christmas, Al

 

[Dadofour]

Re: Dadofour 29 x 39 x 12.25

Platonic Solid,

My structure is up and I am getting ready to do rough wiring. When getting blue board for my radiant floor at the local lumber yard, I saw a shop with LED lights and the brightness and whiteness was amazing. If I were to use the LED Tube you recommended:

18W James LED $11.99 x 20 = $240 + Free Shipping
(Be sure to get frosted lens)

How would that effect the layout? Would I still need the same fixture layout?



Thanks,

Than

Click here for Isoplot PDF with fixture Qty.s and type.

Click all images linked to larger views.

 

[skipnay]

How much do you charge for that?

 

[Platonic Solid]

Re: Dadofour 29 x 39 x 12.25

Platonic Solid,

My structure is up and I am getting ready to do rough wiring. When getting blue board for my radiant floor at the local lumber yard, I saw a shop with LED lights and the brightness and whiteness was amazing. If I were to use the LED Tube you recommended:

18W James LED $11.99 x 20 = $240 + Free Shipping
(Be sure to get frosted lens)

How would that effect the layout? Would I still need the same fixture layout?

Thanks,

Than

If you did the same layout = 38 Maxlite housings + 76 James LED bulbs = $1463, yields 83fc avg at 30" work plane - so it's close to the 88fc from the fluorescent layout.

If you used Qty.21 of the 7000lm Lithonia ZL1N (linked) = $3340, yields 86fc at work plane.

 

[Platonic Solid]

How much do you charge for that?

Sorry, I'm not available for hire. Some have given "tips" which is appreciated, but never really covers my time.

 

[BruceMc]

Platonic - just wanted to say thanks for all the information you've posted. It kept me from erring in the direction of compromising just to save a few bucks and a little time in the short run. In the end I wound up with a straightforward layout that I expect to be very happy with for a long time.

 

[Dadofour]

Re: Dadofour 29 x 39 x 12.25

If you did the same layout = 38 Maxlite housings + 76 James LED bulbs = $1463, yields 83fc avg at 30" work plane - so it's close to the 88fc from the fluorescent layout.

If you used Qty.21 of the 7000lm Lithonia ZL1N (linked) = $3340, yields 86fc at work plane.

Thanks. I think I will go fluorescent and swap a few out with LED tubes to experiment with what fels best. Thanks. Will post pics when installed.

Than

 

[Fredro Starr]

Is anyone familiar with the 4' Costco LED lights?

Here are the specs from the website:

This 4ft. LED Shop Light with chain requires no lamps to replace and lasts up to 50,000 hours. Perfect for hanging or flush mount installation. Ideal for use in garages, basements, game rooms, or utility rooms. Easy plug-in fixture, no humming, ultra light weight design, saves up to $275 in annual energy costs.

Features:

•Actual Wattage: 38
•Life Hours: 50,000
•Lumens per Watt: 97
•Brightness (Lumens): 3700
•Color Temp: 4100K
•Packaging: includes 2 Shop Lights with chain individually packed
•Finish: White
•Lens: Frosted
•Bulb Type: LED
•Usage: General Purpose & Task Lighting
•Common Applications: Garages, Basements, Game Rooms, Utility Rooms
•Energy Star: Yes
•RoHS: No
•Dimensions: 47.26” L x 4.9” W x 1.65” H
•Life Years: 45.7
•Volts: 120
•Estimated Yearly Energy Cost: $4.58

* Life is based on 3 hrs/day

** Estimated Yearly Energy Cost is based on 3 hrs/day, 11¢/kWh. Cost depends on rate and use.

I think they are only $30/fixture.

I am building a 40' x 30' garage with 8' ceilings. From what I have gleaned from this forum, wrapped fixtures are preferred due to the low ceiling height. I would like to go LED if possible. Are these lights a non starter?

Thanks,

 

[Platonic Solid]

Fredo Starr - You are talking about this Feit shop light (linked) @ $70 for 2, thus $35 ea. = 3700lm / $35 = 106 lm per $1. Not intended for hardwired install. When fixture dies you replace the whole fixture.
Compare to James LED fixture on page 1 of "The Brest Light Fixture ..." thread: 4500lm / $38.50 = 117 lm per $1. For hardwired installation using replaceable LED bypass bulbs.

The better long term option is the James bulbs with Maxlite housing. The initial cost and performance differences are negligible. Either way, you don't need a wrapped fixture for your 8ft ceiling as long as the bulbs are not glass.

 

[Fredro Starr]

Thanks Platonic!!

Based on your many consults I am confident I can figure out a configuration. Appreciate the assist.

 

[Speedy!]

Here are a couple shots from a GoPro of what the computer model suggested and how my final implementation turned out. Fixtures are Utilitech 4 foot 4 bulb T8 with Phillips 840 class bulbs. Ceilings are 12'.

I had to make some slight adjustments in orientation for the pull down ladder and recess for lift.

Got the bulbs on clearance for $10 a box of 10 at Home Depot which helped A LOT on the cost.

 

[naturalgas]

Platonic Solid, I will be finishing up my new build garage and have no clue what to do for lighting. The garage is 36x40x12 all open. I will Sheetrock ceiling and walls. Wall area on average is 6 ft to ceiling the rest is concrete, built into banking. Could you recommend led lights for this. Thanks in advance.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Platonic Solid]

naturalgas - Suggested fixture: Lithonia ZL1N (linked) or similar output. Qty. 24 (assuming 3 garage doors, thus 4 rows of 6 fixtures between garage doors/walls) ($3816) yields 82fc @ work plane in an empty space.

 

[bdresch]

Platonic Solid, I am about to finish a garage/shop in a house I just purchased. Garage is 20'x20'x8' high, it will have white painted OSB walls/ceiling and light colored epoxy floor. The shop is more my concern, it will be used as my wood working shop. 20'x13'x8' high, white painted OSB walls/ceiling and light colored epoxy floor. Both 20' walls will have workbenches or workbench height tools lining them. The one 20/ wall will have 16" deep cabinets for half and a 24" deep lumber rack covering the other half of the length. I was initially thinking of doing the Feit electric shoplights based on price, but I want something that I can hardwire.

Thanks

 

[bdresch]

Okay, after reading this whole thread I think I will be going with the the 18W frosted James bulbs and T8 fixtures. I saw a few layouts earlier that showed 15 fixtures in a 24x28 space, that is about the same overall space I will have. The garage would mostly be storing cars, but I would do maintenance and repairs but only with a single car in there so I have room. I was thinking 8 or 10 in the garage portion (leaning towards 8), and 7 in the shop.

 

[naturalgas]

naturalgas - Suggested fixture: Lithonia ZL1N (linked) or similar output. Qty. 24 (assuming 3 garage doors, thus 4 rows of 6 fixtures between garage doors/walls) ($3816) yields 82fc @ work plane in an empty space.

Thanks, Platonic


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Platonic Solid]

Pic is too small laynrocker84

 

[terrylb]

Hi PlatonicSolid,

Right before Christmas I posted #216 here. Since then I've tried to get DIALux working, but being a Mac/unix guy I don't own Windows and unfortunately the wine windows emulator failed to run DIALux.

Based on other layouts in this thread, attached is my rough placement of 4' fixtures. In your opinion, would using the James bulbs in this layout work? As I mentioned in #216, the left bay is for parking and light maintenance, the center bay (which has an open, vaulted ceiling) would be for automotive work on a lift and the right side will (someday) be a general purpose workshop with cabinets, workbench, tools, etc.

Using the sketch as a reference, the attached photo was taken from the top right looking toward the bottom center where the two garage doors are.

What do you think? Any guidance very much appreciated.

 

[laynrocker84]

Platonic, Hopefully the new pic is better

Thanks
Trey

 

[68 sat]

Hello GG members and Platonic Solid,

I am about to layout my electrical plan for my garage and would appreciate any feedback/help. Time is something I value since I have so little of it so if you have the chance to help with my layout I would be happy to compensate you.

The garage is approximately 37' X 22' X 12'. It is a four car garage with the near two bays devoted to daily drivers and the far two bays to my car hobby. I will have one lift for storage and a row of work benches along the walls in the configuration of an L.

It is basically my dream garage and I feel blessed to have this opportunity to put this together.

Feel free to ask any questions...

 

[Fredro Starr]

Fredo Starr - You are talking about this Feit shop light (linked) @ $70 for 2, thus $35 ea. = 3700lm / $35 = 106 lm per $1. Not intended for hardwired install. When fixture dies you replace the whole fixture.
Compare to James LED fixture on page 1 of "The Brest Light Fixture ..." thread: 4500lm / $38.50 = 117 lm per $1. For hardwired installation using replaceable LED bypass bulbs.

The better long term option is the James bulbs with Maxlite housing. The initial cost and performance differences are negligible. Either way, you don't need a wrapped fixture for your 8ft ceiling as long as the bulbs are not glass.

Platonic,

I was going to push the button today and realized I told you ceilings were only 8 foot but in reality they are 9. Does this change the recommendation?

Thank you,

F*