Lighting ideas in cold, dark Alaska.

[Joshlaska]

I've used the search functions on this site, but haven't found a definitive answer so I thought I'd just ask.

We have put up a 60x40 metal building. 16 ft walls, 2x12 pitch. It is going to be spray foam insulated and heated.

We are going to use the facility to train therapy dogs. Plan to put a mezzanine over the last 15/20 ft.

It needs to be bright in there, but not crazy. We would like to use LED lights.

Any advice on what sort of fixtures and pattern to use?

 

[Platonic Solid]

What's your lighting budget?
Basic Fluorescent strip lights (+ lamps) around $1/sq ft, thus $2,400
LED will be at least double that, thus $4,800+ and you may have difficulty finding LED fixtures that provide up-light.

 

[tfi racing]

I would also recommend basic T8 fluorescent,LED has its advantages but try getting a replacement locally and/or quickly in Alaska!

 

[Joshlaska]

Thanks for the responses, guys.

From my previous reading on this forum, I was hoping you'd chime in, Platonic Solid.

$2,500-$4,800 is within reach for lighting, but I'd certainly like to spend less. I had not anticipated the cost being that high.

Forgive me - you use different fixtures for led vs fluorescent?

Approximately how many fixtures would I be using? Also, and again forgive me - I did google it - what is up-light?

And there are 3 Home Depots in Anchorage, we should be able to get bulbs.

 

[Platonic Solid]

F54T5HO fluorescent strip lights will work well in your application. You can use LED retrofit bulbs in F32T8 fluorescent strip fixture housings, but:

• You'll need lots more of them to achieve the desired light output.
• The beam spread (angle of light output) from the typical LED retrofit bulb is 120-160° vs fluorescent which = 360°, thus some of the fluorescent light will bounce off the ceiling (this is up-light) preventing the dark ceiling "cave effect".