Lighting for detailing

[BHR4CE1]

I am getting ready to remodel a 2 car garage whose sole purpose will be for storing a few of my extra cars, as well as detailing my cars. I am putting in a 4 post lift (just don't know which one to get...help!) and I need to have LOTS and LOTS of light in there for detailing purposes.

I was hoping to have them install flush mounted fluorescent fixtures because of their neat appearance, but I don't want to sacrifice function in the quest for form. I was first thinking of having a horizontal row of fixtures installed in the entire side walls about 4' off the ground, thinking that they would really light up the sides of the car being detailed...but that will screw up all of my proposed shelving/cabinetry plans, so I need to stay with ceiling mounted fixtures that will illuminate the entire work area like an arena.

Any suggestions?

 

[nehog]

I have eight florescent fixtures in each of my three bays. One bay has 4 400 HID (metal halide) lights in addition, the other two have 2 400 HIDs. Other than having to keep sunglasses handy when all lights are on, it provides very even lighting. The walls are mostly white, the floor is natural concrete, unfinished, but covered in most places with white vinyl plastic which is also very reflective. The sunglasses work OK, I found I didn't need welding glasses.

Oh, cool, the power company just pulled up with an award for the most power used for lighting a garage in the state! I'm so lucky!







Oops, had the lights on, the guy from the power company looked up, and is now blinded. I think they're taking away my award now.

 

[sarel.wagner]

My shop is about 645' and ceilings are 9' high. Using 4 HID 250W Metal Halides and 14 T5 dual 36W tubes. Have a look at my blog to get an idea. Only part of this is yet installed, trying to finish the lights off this weekend.

See my Sig line for the link to the blog. I used some free demo software to plan this.

Rgrds

 

[BHR4CE1]

My shop is about 645' and ceilings are 9' high. Using 4 HID 250W Metal Halides and 14 T5 dual 36W tubes. Have a look at my blog to get an idea. Only part of this is yet installed, trying to finish the lights off this weekend.

See my Sig line for the link to the blog. I used some free demo software to plan this.

Rgrds

Checked it out and I think you might have just what I need. Do all those lights make a lot of heat? Are they flush mounted or surface mounted?

On a side note, I see you are into VW's. Check out my custom New Beetle. It has been in about 20 Magazines and won pretty much every show it went to. Go to this website and click on BHRIFIC

www.frankscars.com

 

[sarel.wagner]

Will go have a look They are all surface mounted, will take some more pictures for ya. The T5 Tubes are all fully enclosed and electronic ballasts from Osram, so very little heat and high efficiency. The Metal Halide Low Bays create some heat, but down on floor level you don't really feel it that much. Also they are on separate switches so is easy to control.

Rgrds

 

[BHR4CE1]

OK, thanks for the info.

 

[sarel.wagner]

Pictures of my installation as promised, about a 1/2 of the fittings are now installed.

Rgrds

 

[BHR4CE1]

Looks nice. I wonder if those lights can be flush mounted?

 

[sarel.wagner]

These ones are exclusively surface mount.

Rgrds

 

[BHR4CE1]

Ah, ok. I am trying to do all the lighting as flush mount. I just love the streamlined look of flush mount fixtures.