Lighting for new shop

[wildstyle]

I am at the point of starting to rough in all my electrical in the new shop. It is 28 wide x 36 deep with 13ft ceilings. I am looking at putting 4' twin bulb t8 fixtures in. I want to install them on 2 switches. Was thinking of putting up 12 fixtures, is that going to be enough?

 

[wildstyle]

Or should I maybe up that number to 16 fixtures? With 8 lights on each switch?

 

[pattenp]

Definitely 16, may be even 18. I always suggest at least 100 lumens per sqft. One 4' T8 lamp outputs about 2700LU. So 1008 sqft X 100 / 2700LU = 37.33 lamps or 18 two lamp fixtures.

 

[wildstyle]

Ok thanks. Put an ad in the local buy and sell looking for fixtures and had a lady contact me she was renovating a warehouse and will have a ton of lights so I am going to check those out tomorrow.

 

[On-Wheel]

Wow that surprised me.I only have 4 75w bulbs.Last night I looked at garage and thought 12 doubles would be a lot ,but good.Wow to 18.I bet my dad's wood shop didn't have enough.

 

[c4cruiser]

Why not use 8 foot T8 fixtures? Less work to install and wire. With using two switches to control the lighting, you can still get a decent amount of light from each set.

Also consider using fixtures that have cold weather ballasts. During the winter when the temps drop, the lights will get brighter faster. I would also suggest using the T8 tubes that have a 5000K degree color temperature. This will provide a whiter light compared to the yellow-ish look of 3000K color temp bulbs or even 4300K bulbs.

Also, if you are going to finish the inside, paint the ceiling and walls a semi-gloss white. That will help with brightness.

 

[wildstyle]

Was looking at new 8 ft twin fixtures at home depot. They were around 60 bucks each and had mixed reviews. All that I have looked at have been cold start balasts. Shop will be sheated with ply on the walls and ceiling and will all be painted white. Thanks for the tip on the color temp.

 

[wildstyle]

Also priced out some 4 bulb t5 ho fixtures. The electrical supply figured I would only need 6 of those fixtures.

 

[wildstyle]

But now that I research those fixtures I see they are recommended for 15' plus ceiling height ... hmmmm

 

[On-Wheel]

I was in a 24x60 today with 14 4' doubles and there was good light.My dad said something about the 4' and 8' ,one costs more but not sure if it was the bulbs or ballasts replacement.Down the road one or the other might be cheaper in long run.

 

[tfi racing]

I would go three rows,three switches,8' 4 lamp T8 industrials with 4100k lamps,don't waste the extra cash on 5000k lamps or T5,just not worth it.If you are considering used
fixtures,make sure they are 120V,if they are 96" lamps,they need to be less than free to be worthwhile.Nothing wrong with those fixtures at HD around here,sweet deal if you get them on the buy now pay later plan.

 

[cybrdyke]

^^^^^What this guy said!!
CD

 

[Steevo]

I used 14 of these 4-bulb 8' T8 fixtures to light my 24 x 40 x 12H shop.
Plus two over the workbench, and another over the lathe.

That's 56 of the T8-4' tubes for general lighting and 12 more for task area lighting.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_163723-337-8TSNF-232-UNV-EB81-U_1z11owh+1z140i7__?productId=3181905&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar|1%26page%3D1&facetInfo=Metalux

 

[wildstyle]

Thinking these might be the best option from the local electrical supply. They have Phillips ballasts if that makes any difference.

Main question is....how many of these? I am thinking 4 rows of 4 lights running the length of the shop (36 ft wall) 8 lights (2 rows) on each switch.

http://ebhdirect.com/default.aspx?page=item+detail&itemcode=SB248T-120O4#.VHQDJcnp948

Or I can order these from Lowes for about 50 bucks a fixture and free shipping which would work out cheaper than the local place.

http://www.lowes.ca/utility-fluores...-ft-actual-96-in_g1323768.html?ProductSlot=20

 

[bob_mp]

But now that I research those fixtures I see they are recommended for 15' plus ceiling height ... hmmmm

I am running 54W T5HO lamps with a 13' ceiling height. With a diffuser, they are fine and I really like them. A T5HO bulb in your visual field without a diffuser is a very different animal.

I have 22 4' dual bulb fixtures in my 21'x44' shop distributed on three circuits. With all of the lights on, it comes to about 235 lumens per square foot. Having lots of fixtures reduces shadows. I had about 125 lumens per square foot in the old garage. I like this much better.

I painted the walls and ceiling a high gloss white. Epoxying the floor helps as well.

Here's a pic.

The lights do generate a lot of heat when they are all on. Multiple circuits lets you trade off light versus heat.

I added blinds to cover the windows in the direction of my neighbor.

Cheers,
Bob

 

[pattenp]

I would go three rows,three switches,8' 4 lamp T8 industrials with 4100k lamps,don't waste the extra cash on 5000k lamps or T5,just not worth it.If you are considering used
fixtures,make sure they are 120V,if they are 96" lamps,they need to be less than free to be worthwhile.Nothing wrong with those fixtures at HD around here,sweet deal if you get them on the buy now pay later plan.

What are you talking about 4100k vs. 5000k. That is just light color. No price difference.

 

[Banjorear]

What are you talking about 4100k vs. 5000k. That is just light color. No price difference.

There is price difference between the 6500K and the 5000K. Approx. $15 for a box of 10.

I mixed one pair of 6500K in between two fixtures that have 5000K bulbs and I'm really pleased with the result.

 

[tfi racing]

What are you talking about 4100k vs. 5000k. That is just light color. No price difference.

Not readily available in BC and especially where the OP is located,you will likely need to pay more if they need to be brought in.

 

[pattenp]

There is price difference between the 6500K and the 5000K. Approx. $15 for a box of 10.

I mixed one pair of 6500K in between two fixtures that have 5000K bulbs and I'm really pleased with the result.

You need to make sure you are comparing apples to apples. There is a bulb life rating that makes a big difference in price and also the series phosphors makes a difference in price. Just the color difference may amount to a few pennies in price difference to no difference in price. I'm sure you paid more for the 6500k than the 5000k, but I believe there was more than just a color difference between the tubes.

 

[danfromsyr]

I've been in the process of fitting LED flood lights instead of replace my 8ft T8 bulbs.
the 30W LED floods are ~$20ea shipped. and I have 3 in my 1st (test) row where my 8fts were. if I was going to reflect (indirect) off the ceiling I'd have to bump to 50W units.

but so far I'm happy with the 3 30w units costing me 90w for the row that used to have 2 8ft 2bulb units costing me ~300w before.

I've found this seller as the cheapest delivered price.
eBay item number:171509973457

 

[Banjorear]

I've been in the process of fitting LED flood lights instead of replace my 8ft T8 bulbs.
the 30W LED floods are ~$20ea shipped. and I have 3 in my 1st (test) row where my 8fts were. if I was going to reflect (indirect) off the ceiling I'd have to bump to 50W units.

but so far I'm happy with the 3 30w units costing me 90w for the row that used to have 2 8ft 2bulb units costing me ~300w before.

I've found this seller as the cheapest delivered price.
eBay item number:171509973457

Interesting. I like this idea. How hot do they get.

Thanks for posting.

 

[danfromsyr]

not hot at all.
they do make some heat but the whole back casing is the heat diffuser
best prices I've found are this ebay seller.
I bought 1 to test/try then a couple more to fill out a row in my shop (12ft ceilings)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LED-Outdoor...t=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item6d8e15fabf

 

[slovettes]

danfromsyr - Can you post pictures of the installed LED flood lights? This seems like a very efficient and cost effective option.

 

[Banjorear]

not hot at all.
they do make some heat but the whole back casing is the heat diffuser
best prices I've found are this ebay seller.
I bought 1 to test/try then a couple more to fill out a row in my shop (12ft ceilings)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LED-Outdoor...t=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item6d8e15fabf

My ceilings are 10 ft. Any thoughts on being too close to at that height?

I'm assuming they are hardwired and the wire in the picture is just that.

 

[danfromsyr]

I don't have any installed pics, I'll try to snap some this weekend
they come with a pigtail, I just splice and tape a length of $1 (2pole)extension cord onto them to use in outlets for my lights.

they'll be fine in 10ft.
I initially bought the 10w versions, planning to have say 5 down a row.
but wasn't impressed in the 10w (never got to 5 either) and jumped to the 30w units with 3 per row. (fwiw I ordered 3 more today for another row)
it still takes some watts to make useable light, there's no free lunch. but these may be the cheapest 'general' lighting..
I still use task/drop/battery lights for underneath vehicle light.

 

[Banjorear]

Just ordered a 30W to try out. I'm hoping this works out. I like the small footprint and no bulbs to change. If anything, it will help to light up a corner that won't get lit using traditional 4' or 8' ft. lights.

Thanks for the tip.

 

[carpy11]

Great deal on Avante 2 ft. x 4 ft. 2-Light Volumetric Fluorescent Troffer Fixtures for local pickup in Lunenburg, Ma:

http://boston.craigslist.org/bmw/bfs/4778278491.html

 

[wildstyle]

I used 14 of these 4-bulb 8' T8 fixtures to light my 24 x 40 x 12H shop.
Plus two over the workbench, and another over the lathe.

That's 56 of the T8-4' tubes for general lighting and 12 more for task area lighting.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_163723-337-8TSNF-232-UNV-EB81-U_1z11owh+1z140i7__?productId=3181905&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar|1%26page%3D1&facetInfo=Metalux

Steevo, saw a picture of your lighting set up...we have similar sized spaces, mine being 28ft wide instead of 24ft. Looks like you have 3 main rows of lighting. Do you think I could get away with 3 rows of 8 foot 4 bulb t8's evenly spaced? So that would be 12 fixtures total.

 

[CNGsaves]

I've been in the process of fitting LED flood lights instead of replace my 8ft T8 bulbs.
the 30W LED floods are ~$20ea shipped. and I have 3 in my 1st (test) row where my 8fts were. if I was going to reflect (indirect) off the ceiling I'd have to bump to 50W units.

but so far I'm happy with the 3 30w units costing me 90w for the row that used to have 2 8ft 2bulb units costing me ~300w before.

I've found this seller as the cheapest delivered price.
eBay item number:171509973457

That sounds very creative !! So you're spending $18/fixture x 3 to get 7200LM (ie 2400LM x 3) to replace the previous 8 ft T8 ???

Start a thread on your setup, along with lots of pics. Let's SEE that !!

Do you just surface mount the LED flood lights directly to ceiling, and daisy chain the exposed wiring ?? Or do you run the wiring back up into attic and drop down at each fixture??

 

[pftwhftb]

New pole barn garage and I am putting 10, 30W LED floodlights in it spread 360 deg all the way around. I have 2 in already and will be getting the rest in this weekend. Love them so far and they are very bright and easy to install.

Here are some pics and I will have more when I get them all in. I am mounting them 10' up on the side walls.

Each 1 is 2250 lumens and with only 2 installed I had a reading of 114 lux 10' under them and 10' away from them.

 

[Banjorear]

I'm hoping mine arrive soon for I'm anxious to try them as well.

 

[danfromsyr]

great pftwhftb, great to post pics too.
I have 3 more ordered and should arrive this week.
my layout is 3 rows of 3 in a 24x24 12ft tall work bay where I park/work on 2 vehicles.
I only have 3 right now, but they're replacing the 2 8ft 2bulb fluorescents for a total of 270watts
I'll have to try and get pics after the holiday traveling when I can get back into the shop.

 

[pftwhftb]

Thanks!! I love them so far. And have had no issues installing. Only complaint I have is the inside kens is foggy, but I can take that apart someday and clean it. 6 wired in, 4 to go. I'll have it all done today.

 

[JoeMayo]

What do those 30W LED go for?

 

[pftwhftb]

Amazon from Lighting Ever the company. $23.99 with free shipping.

Got them all up, all 10 of them. Hey are amazing and there is no dark corner anywhere in the whole garage. No issues with the lights at all, well except the inside lens is foggy from needing cleaned, but I can do that eventually.

 

[KGB Pilot125]

Amazon from Lighting Ever the company. $23.99 with free shipping.

Got them all up, all 10 of them. Hey are amazing and there is no dark corner anywhere in the whole garage. No issues with the lights at all, well except the inside lens is foggy from needing cleaned, but I can do that eventually.

Just ordered my self one of these for testing both for my little garage and maybe even for work.

Best part is I used my rewards points. Thanks work!

 

[pftwhftb]

Just ordered my self one of these for testing both for my little garage and maybe even for work.

I'm truly impressed with them. I'm an LED fan. I have them above all my bay doors outside, solar ones and outside above the personal entry door. I have them in my jeeps, my pop up and security lights around the house, etc.
I was skeptical when I ordered them and went out on a limb after reading many reviews and scouring the Internet for info, which was very limited. I mean real info. Pics and opinions of real people who will use them for something other than lighting up their zen garden.( no offense if you have a zen garden) that's why I'm pouring info out there for everyone to see. I want more people to be able to enjoy the lights and have the right info.

 

[Banjorear]

I got mine for $17.99 shipped from Ebay.

 

[pftwhftb]

I got mine for $17.99 shipped from Ebay.

That's a good deal! I hope they are the same quality though. eBay stuff makes me nervous. These from Lighting Ever have a 2 year warranty.

 

[pete379]

I'm truly impressed with them. I'm an LED fan. I have them above all my bay doors outside, solar ones and outside above the personal entry door. I have them in my jeeps, my pop up and security lights around the house, etc.
I was skeptical when I ordered them and went out on a limb after reading many reviews and scouring the Internet for info, which was very limited. I mean real info. Pics and opinions of real people who will use them for something other than lighting up their zen garden.( no offense if you have a zen garden) that's why I'm pouring info out there for everyone to see. I want more people to be able to enjoy the lights and have the right info.

LED fan here,too. 24x48 truck shop, 14ft door. 3 50w leds on each wall, 12ft from floor, couldn't ask for better light ! I see they now cost about 1/2 of what I paid,guess that's how it goes,but I don't regret getting them.

pete