Lighting for 32x24 w/ 10' ceiling

[sheslostcontrol]

Looking for lighting advice on a 32 x 24 x 10 windowless shop.

Home Depot has the super bright 8' T5 assemblies for $70 and I'm considering moving on them. But I've read that they could be too bright for 10' ceilings, that they are usually reserved for 12' ceilings and higher.

Anyone use the super bright T5 lights in spaces with 8 or 10' ceilings?

 

[Steevo]

The general consensus is that T8's are the way to go, but there have been some T5 users here.

 

[mg67rt]

I recently purcchased the 4', 6 bulb t-8 fixtures from Home Depot. They are roughly 8' from the floor level. My workspace is 14x20 and i used 4 fixtures. The lighting is fantastic and as bright as daylight!, it's nice to be able to see what I work on again.

 

[sheslostcontrol]

Has anyone with 8/10' ceilings used T5 bulbs? Be interested in hearing your opinions here.

 

[-JP]

If you are looking at the regular 28W T5 lamps, there is not much difference in comparing to the regular 32W T8 lamp in terms of energy used and lumen output.

There is a big difference in the cost of the lamps as the T5's will cost you around 3 to 4 times what the T8 cost. If you don't have many lamps this may not be much of an issue.

If you are looking at the 54W T5HO, that is really overkill for a 8-10' ceiling and if the lamps are not shielded in some way by the fixture you will not be happy with the glare. They will offer more light output but unless your performing surgery in your garage I don't think you will need that much.

I recommend using the T8 and I bet you will be happy with the cost and performance.

JP

 

[sheslostcontrol]

If you are looking at the regular 28W T5 lamps, there is not much difference in comparing to the regular 32W T8 lamp in terms of energy used and lumen output.

There is a big difference in the cost of the lamps as the T5's will cost you around 3 to 4 times what the T8 cost. If you don't have many lamps this may not be much of an issue.

If you are looking at the 54W T5HO, that is really overkill for a 8-10' ceiling and if the lamps are not shielded in some way by the fixture you will not be happy with the glare. They will offer more light output but unless your performing surgery in your garage I don't think you will need that much.

I recommend using the T8 and I bet you will be happy with the cost and performance.

JP

I keep hearing about the cost difference. Maybe it's just my area, but I checked HD yesterday and this is what I found..

T8

4' T8 fixture (no bulb included): $25
4' T8 bulbs (two) $8
Total for one assembly: $33

T5

4' T5 fixture (including two bulbs) $35

HD also sells a 8' high output T5 (two bulbs) for $70.

I don't know where you guys are checking prices, but the T5 assemblies seem to be priced very similar to T8 units.

I'm more interested in whether the T5's will be too bright for 10' ceilings (unfinished walls.. just studs & OSB currently).

 

[-JP]

Sheslostcontrol,

I am referring to replacement lamp cost. The price you will pay when you install new lamps in the fixture. Your looking at the price for the fixture with lamps from the factory which are discounted.

As far as brightness the only other info I can offer is take a look at the thread http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=86212 which discussed the T5HO light output.

JP

 

[sheslostcontrol]

Sheslostcontrol,

I am referring to replacement lamp cost. The price you will pay when you install new lamps in the fixture. Your looking at the price for the fixture with lamps from the factory which are discounted.

As far as brightness the only other info I can offer is take a look at the thread http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=86212 which discussed the T5HO light output.

JP

Ok - understood.. taking a look at the other thead now. thanks.

 

[Shocker]

I bought the Lights of America 4ft T8 lamps at Walmart and they have been good. I have lost a few, but returned them for replacement.

9 bucks each.