Metalux strip lights at Menards

[dschmit]

Looking at the T8 4 bulb 8 foot Metalx fixtures at menards. What do I want? They list two similar lights 8TSNF232 and the other is the same but with an R at he end of the model number. Is the R reprsenting a "residential" ballast and the other maybe commercial? And also, are these Metalux quality lights? Was looking at Lithonia at HD but with menards 11% I can save qute a bit. I was thinking 21 for a 38 x 52 with 12.5 ft ceiling. White liner tin on ceiling and walls.

 

[cybrdyke]

The R is for residential. The ballast is 120v only...that's your hint that it's a residential ballast.
Metalux is a good quality fixture, although all of the lowest price stuff sold at the big box stores are just that....lowest price stuff. Anyways, it's as good as the Lithonia.

 

[Stuart in MN]

This pdf file is the spec sheet from the Metalux website, it has information on how to configure the part numbers. http://www.cooperindustries.com/con.../library/literature/Metalux/090667_Strips.pdf I don't see anything in there that includes a single 'R', but it may be referring to a rapid start ballast instead of an instant start ballast.

edit: I looked around the Metalux website some more, and it does appear they use R to indicate 120vac residential ballasts like cyberdyke said.

 

[Platonic Solid]

Agree with above. As far as ballasts go, you really do get what you pay for.
The difference between strip lights is often the lamp spacing. SNF being a narrow (lamps very close together) spacing. Wider lamp spacing is more efficient, but may be hard to justify the cost difference. Both Lithonia and Metalux (Cooper) offer the same fixture variety.

 

[dschmit]

Thanks for the replies. I am open to suggestions if anyone wants to throw some at me for different fixtures that would be better quality.

 

[Platonic Solid]

If you're willing to take on the challenge, you can build your own premium fixture.
See my post here: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4706849&postcount=83
Wiring Diagrams here: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4741401&postcount=86

 

[Mr onetwo]

I used Metalux lights from Lowes. They have better ballasts than the Lithonia fixtures from HD.I am very happy with them and there is no radio noise. http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay...&cm_mmc=AFF_CJ-_-6147012-_-2470763-_-10935405

 

[CKS1955]

I have the Metalux 4' with 2 T8 lamp strip lights from Menards with the wire guards to protect the bulbs. They work well for my shop.

Jay

 

[Platonic Solid]

I used Metalux lights from Lowes. They have better ballasts than the Lithonia fixtures from HD.I am very happy with them and there is no radio noise. http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay...&cm_mmc=AFF_CJ-_-6147012-_-2470763-_-10935405

Just for the record, the pictures Lowes is using to sell the SNF fixture are actually of the wider lamp spacing SSF version.
The build I mentioned above may cause RFI since it uses a Class A Commercial ballast.

 

[Mike Honcho]

Just for the record, the pictures Lowes is using to sell the SNF fixture are actually of the wider lamp spacing SSF version.
The build I mentioned above may cause RFI since it uses a Class A Commercial ballast.

looks like SNF use T8 bulbs, and SSF use T12 as well.

 

[dschmit]

I may also look at the high bay 6 lamp fixtures that evryone likes. Is a 12'6" ceiling high enough for those?

 

[Platonic Solid]

I may also look at the high bay 6 lamp fixtures that evryone likes. Is a 12'6" ceiling high enough for those?

Not recommended. Stick with F32T8.
Rule of thumb:
High Bay = 20 ft minimum from floor to fixture face.
Low Bay = 25 ft maximum from floor to fixture face.
Standard fixtures = 16 ft maximum from floor to fixture face.

 

[dschmit]

Platonic, Thanks for all your help.