Lighting

[joefbeams]

How is the best and most economical way to light a 30ft. X34ft. building with 12ft ceiling (just see bottom of trusses) used mainly for equipment storage and shop like work. Would rather not use tube fluorescent fixtures and do not anticipate a lot of lighting will be necessary. Thanks. joefbeams

 

[eljefino]

If you have a metal roof that green translucent "skylight" stuff mixed in... is free light once you pay for it.

If you don't want to buy new fixtures you might be able to get some old sodium halide type fixtures at auction, on craigslist, from a building material recycler, etc. You could probably also find serviceable T12 fixtures in a junk bin.

Flourescents are popular for a reason. Spread them thin for general lighting and have task lighting over your immediate area when you're working.

 

[Docholiday]

How is the best and most economical way to light a 30ft. X34ft. building with 12ft ceiling (just see bottom of trusses) used mainly for equipment storage and shop like work. Would rather not use tube fluorescent fixtures and do not anticipate a lot of lighting will be necessary. Thanks. joefbeams

Tell me why u don't like flouresnt. There r other options

 

[Docholiday]

How is the best and most economical way to light a 30ft. X34ft. building with 12ft ceiling (just see bottom of trusses) used mainly for equipment storage and shop like work. Would rather not use tube fluorescent fixtures and do not anticipate a lot of lighting will be necessary. Thanks. joefbeams

You have a few options but why not flouresnt?

 

[joefbeams]

I don't like fluorescent because I have previously had trouble with them lighting in cold weather. I assume using a cold weather ballast would solve that . joefbeams

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Well, also telling us where you are located would help. For the most part, you can easily get T8 Fluorescent with electronic ballast that will easily start down to Zero. But there are many ballast options and a few others, such as Compact Fluorescent bulbs in porcelain sockets would also work.

Knowing your location helps save the guessing on your climate and temperature possibilities.

Charles

 

[Docholiday]

I don't like fluorescent because I have previously had trouble with them lighting in cold weather. I assume using a cold weather ballast would solve that . joefbeams

electronic ballast with T8 or T5 r economical an very bright.

 

[aqr81]

I went with T8 and electronic ballasts and am very happy with the choice. I went to specs on light output and simply control with additional circuits. When I need all the light it's there. Costs a little bit more up front but you only do it once and it is worth it in my opinion.

I posted something in the lighting discussion area that you might find helpful. It is HERE Good luck.

 

[paullie]

http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay...gId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1

how about these with a lightbulb in it

 

[BreeStephany]

I had a lot of problems with starting problems related with florescent lighting in my shop as well (Montana = COLD winters). My solution was a ton of Halo 6" recessed can lights with 65W lamps. They look really nice and give the shop a nice finished look. When I bought cans, trims and lamps, they were about 6 cans to the price of 1 fluorescent fixture w/ lamps, so it actually was pretty cost saving.

I did a 6' x 6' spacing for general work area and a 24" spacing in a straight row for my tool space and benchtop lighting

Nice thing about them is that they will start at ANY temp, and look amazing if you ever finish your garage

 

[pattenp]

Florescent HO fixtures are rated to start down to -20F.