Lighting and CLF

[Provincial]

I recently installed several of the Home Depot pendant fixtures that veno posted. They were straightforward to install and work well. The price is reduced by about $5 so they sell for about $25.00 each locally. I an currently using 100W-equivilent CFL's, but am considering going bigger in a couple of the fixtures that are lighting up a large area.

I'd love to adapt these shades to a gooseneck conduit and use them for porch lights (out of the weather under the porch roof) to replace the wall-mount porch lights I have now.

 

[joe6749]

I just bought a 85 watt to try out in my garage! if this works i am going to try 6 for my 24 x32 shop. and one more in this http://www.growerssupply.com/farm/supplies/ProductDisplay?catalogId=14052&catalogId2=10001&ftCatalogId=10001&searchMethod=wcSearch&searchType=ANY&searchBeginIndex=0&searchDefaultPerPage=10&ftSearchBeginIndex=0&ftSearchDefaultPerPage=10&mfPartNumber=108685for the outside in front of the garage door.

 

[veno]

UP date.. just replace a cfl... one thing.. was noticed,, the quality of light has diminished over time.... the new light is a bluewhite, the other have lost some of their brightness....

over all, still very satisfied with the experience...

the light lasted almost 3 years... lights on 07/28/2009, dod, 07/20/2012

 

[787B]

Three years on the calendar, but how many hours on the bulb itself? Most promise to last longer than that and the warranty is sometimes 3-5 years. What's the warranty on your bulbs?

 

[veno]

to tell ya the truth.. I dont care.. they are up in the rafters in a metal building, with no AC. temps last year were 110 plus ambient ... and only one of 16 has failed... I was up in the loft area in that heat.... you could have fried a egg on the roof... so in my mind.. they have preformed well....

 

[firecop9774]

Veno,

Thanks for this thread and especially the updates as to the service life of the bulbs. I'm just completing my 28 x 30 x 10 pole barn, and have been concerned about inverting CFL bulbs.

I've just ordered eight of the exact make and model bulbs based on your experience (and the sharing of said experiences).

Many thanks again. I will post photos when they're up and running.

 

[veno]

Cheap 105watt lights

Just found this .. thought I would pass it along.... 2 105 watt. CFLs for 20.00 bucks..
this is such a deal... I make no claim as to their longevity.... but they are cheap....


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FRCUHY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[lowell66dart]

UP date.. just replace a cfl... one thing.. was noticed,, the quality of light has diminished over time.... the new light is a bluewhite, the other have lost some of their brightness....

Do you think that they just might be dusty which would hurt the output some?

I ordered my polebarn earlier this week. 40x80x14. It will have a white metal ceiling and it will have the Veno lighting plan installed.

 

[veno]

No.. It's not a dust issue.. There are reports of deminshed brightness over time with the cfls... To me its not that big of a deal considering cost of performance....

On a 40x80 if broken into 4 quadrants.. I would use 6 to 8 lights per quadrant.. At 8 lights per quadrant two 20 amp circuit should be used... Or 4 15 amp...

Enjoy... And thanks to all for the kind remarks by all...

 

[lowell66dart]

Let me know if you run across any more deals on bulbs. They only had 5 sets available and I want to get one brand when I buy

 

[kenfath]

Target Stores Aug 12-18 sales paper on Page 11 advertises "Sale $6.99 2-pk. GE Energy Smart 12,000-hour CFL light bulbs in 40-, 60-, 75-, and 100-watt equivalents. 1-year life."

I suggest every time you install a CFL write the date on the base. WHY? You will have an accurate record of how long the bulbs have lasted. I've had good experiences with the second generation CFLs and felt they provided a reasonable service life.

 

[IONH]

^ that's how long they were installed, not how long they were actually used. Not very useful to anyone except you with your own habits.

 

[jonahbones]

CFL stil doesnt last as long as a T8, compare lumen output, cost, longevity and power consumption and a contemporary quadphosphur electronic ballast t8 is a long way ahead of anything but a well engineered LED fixture.
my 2c

 

[veno]

^ that's how long they were installed, not how long they were actually used. Not very useful to anyone except you with your own habits.

CFL stil doesnt last as long as a T8, compare lumen output, cost, longevity and power consumption and a contemporary quadphosphur electronic ballast t8 is a long way ahead of anything but a well engineered LED fixture.
my 2c

nay sayers...

so how long does a T8 last, then total the cost of the fixture, and tube... then compare the cost of a CFL, how many CFLs will it take to equal a single T8 4 bulb fixture..

How many 20 dollar CFLs can I replace before I equal the cost of a 4 bulb T8?

 

[ddawg16]

nay sayers...

so how long does a T8 last, then total the cost of the fixture, and tube... then compare the cost of a CFL, how many CFLs will it take to equal a single T8 4 bulb fixture..

How many 20 dollar CFLs can I replace before I equal the cost of a 4 bulb T8?

I feel the same way.....

Each has it's applications.....with T8's....the only choice you have is length and color....

With CFL, you can put them in places a tube won't fit....and you have more flexibility over where you can fit them.

 

[lowell66dart]

So.... my shop will have a white metal ceiling. Anyone have any idea's on what to mount to the ceiling so I can then attach the ceramic fixture. Something white would be nice but I can always paint too.

 

[jonahbones]

The trouble with CFL retrofit globes is that they cram the starter and ballast into the base of the globe and then the globe is used in a fixture that cannot vent the heat resulting in failure. The other issue is that an incandescent radiates light from the base of the bulb spiral CFLs try to replicate this those with straight tubes need to be placed parallel not pointing down.
compact tubes like g24s used in fixtures with intergrated ballasts are good for small spaces and have the longevity of t8s
4 t8s is a lot of light from one fixture
t8s generally last 8 years in the shop burning 10hrs a day and are replaced for reduced output not failure

 

[firecop9774]

Just got my eight CFL's (identical to Veno's) up - took a few seconds to warm up to full brightness - wow! I'm very pleased. Now hopefully I'll get the same service life.

Thanks again Veno!

 

[383]

Re: Cheap 105watt lights

Just found this .. thought I would pass it along.... 2 105 watt. CFLs for 20.00 bucks..
this is such a deal... I make no claim as to their longevity.... but they are cheap....


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FRCUHY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I'm surprised, but they still have those for $18.46 for two, thinking that is what I'll go with.

I'm looking at some others, can someone help me understand the light output? Here (http://www.1000bulbs.com/category/300-watt-equal-compact-fluorescents-6500K/) are two bulbs, both are 6500k. One is rated at 250w equivalent, and has 4000 lumen output, the other is 300w equivalent, but the lumen output is 3400. Both are 65w.

 

[383]

I went with the lights that Veno posted (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FRCUHY/?tag=atomicindus08-20) after shipping they were $12.70 each, still a good price.

I installed 12 in my 30x32 shop, 11 ft ceiling, which come to 80 sq. ft. per light. I have six on each circuit with a separate switch for the front half and the back half of the shop. I'm happy with the amount of light I have, especially since I have spent less that $200 total for lights. Thanks Veno.

 

[moonlight_ken]

I went with the lights that Veno posted (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FRCUHY/?tag=atomicindus08-20) after shipping they were $12.70 each, still a good price.

I installed 12 in my 30x32 shop, 11 ft ceiling, which come to 80 sq. ft. per light. I have six on each circuit with a separate switch for the front half and the back half of the shop. I'm happy with the amount of light I have, especially since I have spent less that $200 total for lights. Thanks Veno.

383 - What did you use for your fixtures on these... I am planning on a shop about the same size and trying to figure out that piece of the puzzle.

 

[383]

383 - What did you use for your fixtures on these... I am planning on a shop about the same size and trying to figure out that piece of the puzzle.

I used these, $1.47 each at Lowes.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_71140-334-6...rrentURL=?Ntt=ceiling+light+socket&facetInfo=

 

[altereddezignz]

Ok i have a couple question here. I have a shop that is 100x50. Now it is split in the middle with an apartment and so on so i really have 2 shops on each end that are approx 40x50 that need to be lit. Roof id 13 at door and about 15 where the lighting would end but with the rafters lights would be mounted at 13 feet all the way across. No reading the first post it was stated that he used 16 of the 105 CFL bulbs but if he had to do it again he would use an extra row so i am guessing a total of 24 CFL.

I am now running 4 450 MH ligh fixtures without the reflectors so it spreads light all over. The ceiling is white roll insulation and it is a really good reflector.

Now for the math. 4x450=1800 24 of the 105w is 24x105=2520.

The average luman of a 450mh is approx 20000LM after wear so i have approx 80000 Lumans approx. Not sure how many humans these throw http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FRCUHY/?tag=atomicindus08-20 ie=UTF8&m=APGNKGIBL58YH&qid=1345070033&s=generic&sr=1-2&tag=vglnk-c47-20

The same looking 105w CFL from 1000bulbs show approx 6000 lumans.

So i would need approx 14 of the 105w CFL for a total of 1500w total. Now no reason to match the wore out bulbs i ahve and go a step above and run 20 total in this 40x50 area that would be 2100W and 12000 lumans. Now this will not save me much in a months time by dropping the 400 watts or so.

So would i be better off just replacing the 450w mh bulbs i have now and get the true 20-25000 lumans from each one. it would be alot cheaper for sure 10*20=200, 2 pack of bulbs from amazom 1.50*20=30.00 and wire to run the new fixtures so i am well over 250-275 for each side. Or i can get a good 450MH bulb for approx 15 each so thats 15x4=60$ kelvin of 4000. but i think thats ok.

What do you guys think??

Could i use less lights at the 105x CFL and still be as bright. I have had my 450MH lights now for over a year and i bought them used and have never changed the bulbs and i am ok with the amount of light but they are starting to kinda twinkle, lol cant explain it, bulbs are getting bad...

 

[Zogman]

I am in the planning process of my shop and this looks like a great alternative to using 8' flourescent bulbs. These 105 CFL's do not require a ballast do they??? My ceiling is 12 tall and bulbs will be about 7' apart. Does this sound OK?

Thanks

 

[altereddezignz]

Well here is my outcome. I ordered 2 bulbs. i placed them 6 ft of the wall and about 10ft between. My ceiling is white but i did not get as much light as i liked on the ground. They did not seam bright enough. Again i only had 2 and by ceiling are about 13.5ft. Walls are white, ceiling is white just didn't seam to provide enough light in my opinion. They do not require a ballast. I currently use 2 400watt MH bulbs and it is very bright. I might be completely wrong if i was to buy more of them and place them a little different but it is a lot of money to even match the lumans and output of the 2 MH bulbs i have. The 2 MH bulbs output approx 80000L to were one of the CFL produce around 6500-8000 so you would need 10-13 to match the output.

I wish i could be more help. I may end up biting the bullet and buying more to see how it turns out. If this help amazon has some great bulbs 105W here

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FRCUHY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This is what i got and they look just like the ones i paid 20$ each for.
The amazon link you basically pay 24$ for 2 bulbs and they offer 5000,5500 and 6500K. I purchased the 6500K. Ill post a pic of them later when i get home.

I also hung up 1, 4 bulb-T8 fluorescent fixture with 32W bulbs and it seamed brighter than the 2 105W CFL bulbs if that help.

I have 1, 2 bulb-T12 40w florescent fixture and it seams to spread more light than one of the 105W CFL bulbs

Hope this helps some. Give me a personal message and ill shoot you my # if ya wont to call or text about any issues or ideas b/c i am in the market for change..

As you can tell im looking for efficiency to keep operating cost low and keep from having shadows.

 

[383]

If I had it to do over, I think I would have gone with a 5000-5500 bulb instead of the 6500. The light seems a little harsh with a blue tint, would like to see what it would look like with 5000k bulbs.

 

[veno]

Glad to see this thread still going and growing...and people are happy with their results... I had no clue that it would grow like this when I posed the original question.... good luck guys and gals, and thanks for the support and comments... Ya'll have made this thread... not me...

these are looking interesting too, now that prices are falling for LED

[http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007CEVJKW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I did see 70, 100, 150 watt LED floods...
http://www.ledwholesalers.com/store/index.php?act=viewCat&catId=110

 

[cj7365]

CFL stil doesnt last as long as a T8, compare lumen output, cost, longevity and power consumption and a contemporary quadphosphur electronic ballast t8 is a long way ahead of anything but a well engineered LED fixture.
my 2c

and CFLs are made in China

 

[veno]

and CFLs are made in China

and that computer you just typed the msg on is made where?

be sure to check where the ballast is made too....

 

[veno]

and CFLs are made in China

and that computer you just typed the msg on is made where?

be sure to check that ballast as to its country on MFG..

DONT get me wrong here... you show me a MADE in the USA and I'll buy it...

I quit buying Milwaukee tools for the very reason... I try very hard to buy made in north America..... I dont use any self check outs.. why? deprives some one of a JOB...

 

[CNGsaves]

Discovered this great thread for using CFL instead of flourescent tubes.

My garage is approx 24 x 34 with only 8 ft ceiling all sheetrocked, and I'm looking to upgrade shabby job prior homeowner did with hanging flourescents.

I'm considering 2 quadrants (front and back) of say 5 or 6 porcelain bases with Veno's method of 105watt / 6500K cfl screw in bulbs. These now are down to $9.23 each for the bulb on Amazon.

Would light bouce enough off ceiling to eliminate need for any reflector? Any comments on post #146 about using less intense bulb like 5000K??

Post #120 above has reflectors for around $12 each. Would these be beneficial for just an 8 ft ceiling, or just get in way?

What do you think?

 

[ddawg16]

I have 16 recessed cans in the ground floor of my garage. I wouldn't do it any different.

I don't have issuse with shadows...I like the flexibility with color and wattage.

I paid about $6/can.....I still need to install trim..I'm waiting to catch them on sale. Since I'm using PAR lamps, I don't need reflectors.

Click on the link in my sig to see the lights.

 

[Zogman]

I have 16 recessed cans in the ground floor of my garage.

You lost me here..... recessed cans in the floor????? you mean't ceiling right???

 

[Charles (in GA)]

If the ceiling is bright white, then I cannot see a need for a reflector, and the bulb would cool better. That is a lot of heat, and with the base up, its cooking the ballast in the base as it is, so the more open it is, the better for airflow and convection cooling of the lamp.

Be sure and use a real porcelain lamp holder, the plastic ones probably would not like that much heat. Use the highest temp rated wire practical, NM-B is 90°C rated so that would be a good choice. If you have some older NM laying around, look at the temp rating on it before you use it.

Charles

 

[Highbeam]

Would light bouce enough off ceiling to eliminate need for any reflector? Any comments on post #146 about using less intense bulb like 5000K??

The 5000k is color temperature. Has nothing to do with intensity or lumens. A 5000k bulb will be more white and a 6500k more blue. I use 4300k which are very sunlight like.

 

[CNGsaves]

Thanks Charles on info of using CFL's with simple porcelain bases.

Would 15A breaker handle each quadrant of 5 or 6 porcelain bases all daisy chained together (also to eliminate chance of humming noise)? Wiring will be in hot attic (KS weather) but covered in insulation. Same recommendation for wiring?

 

[veno]

if you are only using 6 lamps of the 105 watt type.. they pull 0.88 amps per lamp...so 5.28 amps.. on a 15 am circuit is way safe...14 to 12 ga wire will handle this load with no effort.

 

[ddawg16]

You lost me here..... recessed cans in the floor????? you mean't ceiling right???

My garage is 2-story.....the cans are in the ceiling of the ground floor.

 

[Trollhole]

I went with the 105w lights recommended in this thread. Made a huge difference for the cost. Thanks for the tip.

 

[edboyles]

The farmtek fixtures arrived today..... 4 boxes of them......... they look like they will do the trick.. rated for 200 watts.....

I installed 20 of these reflector fixtures in June 2010 along with 105 watt CFL like Veno mentioned earlier from 1000 bulbs. Have not lost the first bulb and 2-1/2 years after the fact am very satisfied.

Thanks Veno for the thread!