Lighting HELP for 16 x 22 Garage

[pitterpat]

Ok, finally got my 16 x 22 garage wired for my spot welder (50amp outlet and air compressor (60 gal). Now I need some lights, all that is in there now is single bulb lights(2). Was looking to buy them at Menards (11% sale) or some place else. I have a hip roof in my gar so the lights will not be that high.

I need suggestions and education about the different types of fluorescent there are. I know nothing about T8 or any other fluorescent lights. I would probably like 2 lights on the W side of the gar over the workbench, 2 in the main front area of the garage and 2 in the back area. Does that sound right? I also have 2 small fluorescent (plug-in type) lights that I can mount under the cabinets.

thanks!

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I've read that a lot of guys on GJ are using pot lights in theirs garages. Of course those will only work if the walls are going to be finished!

 

[jvitez]

Read through this thread. Excellent information!

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=76550&highlight=lighting+tips

I'd look at T8 only. The electronic ballasts work much better than old T12 magnetic ballasts, and T12 lamps are less efficient, and are being slowly phased out anyway.

T5's are smaller and even a bit more efficient than T8's, but are quite a bit more expensive yet.

Two other things to think about: colour rendering index (CRI), and lumen output.

CRI means how close to natural do colours look being lit by that bulb. The human eye sees anything above a CRI of 85 as being really good. CRI's in the 60's are the old cool white T12's that make everything look as ghastly green colour.

Lumen output means how much light the bulb gives. Most T8's are around 2600-2850 lumens per bulb.

Are you over 40? If so, you'll need double the light as in your 20's. Hard to make it too bright. I'm planning on about 150 lumens per square foot, so about 46 2-bulb fixtures in my 1700 sq ft garage, and I'm over 40. What are you planning on doing in there? Lots of fine detailed work, or general working (playing....)? You need more lumen output the finer the work you're doing.

Keep your 2 bulbs on it's current switch. If you're just going in there to grab something, you don't need to turn on your whole bank of fluorescents for one minute. It reduces bulb life the more times you switch it on and off.

 

[pitterpat]

@jvietz, thanks for the info.....did not think about keeping the 2 bulbs but it is a good idea. that also means I would have to put the light switches (2 or 3) behind the door but probably a good idea.

Thanks!

 

[pitterpat]

Has been a while since I posted in this thread. Since the last time this is what is done:

1. Got the wire run and sub-panel installed
2. Took sub-panel out because it was a MLO and I was going to have too many breakers for no main disconnect
3. Installed new CH-BR service panel as a sub-panel.
4. Installed breakers for spot welder, compressor, bank of lights and outlets
5. Installed lights.

Here's pics of what the light looks like with the 1-4' old flourscent and 2 bare bulbs. Also, after I got the 2nd set up I did some straightening up of the garage, it looks a lot better. More straightened up pics tomorrow, I got some stuff put away.

1st 2 new flourscent's installed....may not look that much brighter but it is.

2nd set of 2 new flourscent's installed....in real life it is much brighter than only 2 new lights:

Will install 2 more flourscent's tomorrow....I have a hip roof and these will be installed higher up because of the hip and it is where the garage door opens.

FYI, I know why these lights were on sale @Menards...they light up bright and everything but the SOB's only put the chain in package, no "S" hook. Had to do some improvising and will have to straighten them again tomorrow.