Lighting for a new 40X72 workshop

[tagoes11s]

Time to spec out the lighting. Within the next week we'll be ready to start putting lights up. We're building a 40x72 with 12' ceiling workshop that will be used for working and detailing cars, snowmoibles, Karts, etc. I want to have very good lighting in the shop. Were putting up a white steel ceiling, and will probably eventually epoxy the floor and finish sidewalls. I have 4 3' windows installed on the West side of the building. I also have a car lift we use a lot.

From my reading on the forum it sounds like 8' T8 lighting would be best?

Can anyone suggest a layout with how many lights I should install to get better than average lighting?

A few questions, how far from the side wall should the lights start? how much spacing in between? Having good recomendations there would help.

Also how many curcuits should I run the lights on 2-3?

Thanks for your help!!!!!!!

 

[tagoes11s]

Ok, maybe I just confused myself. Would I want t8 lighting or HO lighting? Also what bulbs would you suggest? daylight?

Based off the cooperlighting website they suggested the following diagram. I'm was a little confused on what FC I should go after for a hobby type shop. I used 100 sound right?

 

[tfi racing]

T-8 or HO?HO is likely about twice the price,they are intended for low temperature or outdoor lighting.If you are heating the shop,the T8 would be the ones to choose.I would use 3-4 circuits and switch the llghts in rows or groups so you can only turn on lighting as its needed.

 

[tagoes11s]

Does anyone have any suggestions as to the amount of lights? would it be enough? overkill?

 

[Aceman]

Rocco, a member here, I believe is a lighting rep for Lithonia lighting. You could try pm'ing him.

But my suggestion, if you want to do it once and do it right, is to contact your local electrical supply house(if Rocco doesn't help you first) and ask to speak to one of their lighting reps. They are in the market of designing lighting systems based on your specific needs along with selling you the corresponding fixtures to match. They will usually design for free, which yours should be pretty basic, as long as they know you'll buy the fixtures from them.

 

[BoydS]

Originally posted by tagoes11s
Does anyone have any suggestions as to the amount of lights? would it be enough? overkill?

There are several factors to consider when planning your lighting layout and your off to a great start by utilizing a program as offered by Cooper Inds. IMO 100 fc IMO is too much, as that's a lot of light. I would reduce that to 50 fc for your overall lighting and consider using fixtures over the work benches for your detail work. You can always use portable lighting that will provide illumination where overhead lighting will not, ie inside and under the vehicles.

There are several illumination level charts available on the net. Take a look at them and consider how to apply that to your situation. I also suggest you check out Lithonias Visual program. It's free and gives you many options to choose from.

Just my 2 cents...

 

[tagoes11s]

Thanks for your input!

 

[IBEW]

Use HO 8'. Run 3 rows the length of your shop. Don't put T8 in unless you don't have the money to do it right. HO's are twice as bright and work in all temps. You just paid a ton for your new shop.....don't sell your shop short. I am a retired Elec. and would put nothing else in. By the way Lowe's has the best price.

 

[LoneGunman]

8' T-8's or T-5's are the way to go, use the fixtures that take 4' lamps instead of the 8', much easier to store and transport replacements. No lighting rep will recommend HO's for YOUR applications, HO's are quickly going the way of the dinosaur.

 

[Palmetto]

Ive got (6) 8'-0" T8 fixtures in my 30x40x14 shop. They are very bright, but kill the radio signal with RFI. Got mine from Lowes.

 

[dstryr]

I agree with BoydS, 100fc is probably too much. I just sold a machine shop job, 80'x160' with 22' sidewalls using T5HO 6lamp highbays and with about 55fc avg. it is really bright.

Another thought on ballasts, cold weather starting is a function of the ballast and lamp combination. READ the data on the ballast. Most electronic T8, and T5/T5HO ballasts are rated to around -20*F.

T12 4' (F34CW/SS/ECO) magnetic GE ballasts are RATED for 60*F min temp but will start at WAY colder temps than that. The small unheated shop on the back of my garage has old magnetic ballasts and they start in just about any weather. I've had them on at -10*F.

The T8 electronic ballasts (GE) on my shelf are rated to start at -22*. The ballast in a T5HO 6lamp highbay on my shelf is rated at -22*F min starting temp. The GE F96T12HO 2lamp magnetic ballast on my shelf says 60* min starting temp, same as the 4' T12 magnetic ballasts.

There just aren't many applications that can't be met by T8s or T5s anymore.