Metalux by Cooper lighting T-5 Versus CFLs

[bookman51]

I was getting set to go with CFL 105 with 6,900 lumens with reflectors in my pole building. Then I checked again with a local electrical shop. They are selling Metalux T-5 units with 6 bulbs that put out a total of 27,000 lumens for $167.14 pre tax. I sure thought about a year ago the price for T-5 units were closer to $300.

That is pretty competitive with the CFL 105 with reflectors.

By my calculations, I need about 12 of the 105 CFL to do what 3 of the T-5 units will do. Using $25 as a price per bulb, plus $14 for the reflector, plus the base, the T-5 units only slightly more than the CFL units needed.

Anyone have any experience with Metalux (made by Cooper Lighting...salesman said made in Georgia) and thoughts about more CFL versus fewer T-5 lights? Thoughts welcome.

Bookman

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Metalux - Cooper Lighting has its office in Peachtree City, GA, but don't get the idea that the fixtures are made there. Some might, but I suspect many are not. Cooper has many divisions and it just happens that the lighting division office is here.

How, big? how high? dimensions? Three fixtures, even if super bright, may not be what you want, you could end up with a lot of shadows, and hot spots. Depends on the use of the building, the spread of light from the fixture, the height of the fixture, the shape of the building, etc.

Which fixture? P/N, style, etc. 2HBG, HBE, HBHT, etc.

Charles

 

[Aceman]

I never understand why folks would want lampholders/can lights all over the place in a shop/garage/barn? It seems to take so many compared to other lighting methods.

We ALWAYS use either a flourescent tubed fixture(T8/T5) or some type of metal halide. Metalux is a very common brand, it's made using the same cheap quality parts as every other lighting brand I come across. They should work fine...

The T8 strips we buy are Hecho in Mexico I believe.

 

[bookman51]

I was just figuring in the shop part of my building (32 x 40). I might put in 4 there. I was in a large building recently at the local county fair grounds. I was amazed how few T-5 lights they had to light the entire building. Talked with the a local public power fellow about it...since he had a booth there.

Do not know the fixture and light style...just know it is T-5 and the reported wattage and lumens.

Bookman

 

[bookman51]

Aceman, I assume people use CFL's to save money and perhaps reduce shadows at the same time.

Thanks

Bookman

 

[walrus]

I never understand why folks would want lampholders/can lights all over the place in a shop/garage/barn? It seems to take so many compared to other lighting methods.

I don't understand can lights either. I guess it looks better but in a cold climate all I see is heat going up into the trusses, where I don't want it.

I can see CFLs in an area, maybe there is some price advantages but I'd go with T8s or T5s for a shop. Put them in rows with switches so you can have them all on or some combination.

 

[bookman51]

So, to highjack my own thread, what is a reasonable footcandle level for a shop area .... and a storage area? The lights will be about 14 feet up from the floor. I have yet to find a calculator on the Internet that takes into account all the variables, such as how high the lights are hung and use or non use of reflectors. The walls range from a white (peg board or insulation) to light gray (inside of metal walls.

Thanks in advance

Bookman

 

[gone ballistic]

the t 5 bulbs put off alot of heat so watch how close you mount them to the ceiling their is a company called orion that makes a 6 bulb fixture with t 8 bulbs that is pertty impressive they cost around 140.00 per fixture and you will probably have to get them at a electrical supply house or if you have a friend that is an electrican they might be able to snag onto them

 

[jimmie jam]

i can tell you that i went back and forth on this issue for months while i was doing a 600sf w/13' ceilings addition to my garage. after not being able to decide, push came to shove when i needed to put in fixtures to get the electrical permit finaled. i told the electricans to put the ceramic (plastic now) single bulb fixtures up and i would get some bulbs in. fast forward....i'm at costco and picked up a box of daylight CFL's (like 10 for $14) 14w = 60w bulbs for the temporary solution. well, after seeing what 9 of these bulbs give off for light (looks like a lighted basketball court) i'm not going to do anything else for the lights in this garage. so much for "over thinking" lighting for this area. i'm done for now .

 

[bookman51]

Jimmie Jam, Thanks. My area to be lighted is quite a bit bigger but interesting that you got good lighting from 14 watt (60 watt equivalent). I have a 40x32 shop area and a 40x40 storage area with the ceiling (bare rafters) about 14 feet up. Still (over) thinking.

Thanks again.

Bookman

 

[jimmie jam]

Book, you might consider these with CFL's for you open rafter area. www.nationalfancompany.com/p/NFC-BL12RT.html . my addition is approx. 22.5 x 27.5 and the spacing is about even with 9 bulbs. remember you can get CFL's up to 250w equlivalent i believe. the cost to operate these CFL's is very attractive over the conventional T5, T8 fixtures.

 

[bookman51]

Jimmie, I those reflectors are a little cheaper than I have seen elsewhere. Thanks. Are CFL really cheaper to operate then t-5 and t-8s? I thought certainly cheaper than regular bulbs but was not sure about t-5 and t-8.

Thanks again.

Bookman