Mixing & Matching Lighting - T8/T5HO/LED/??

[Spudland_Dave]

This may seem like an insanely stupid question, but I'm gonna ask it anyways.. LOL..
Is there any technical light issues by mixing & Matching light sources in a shop? Due to budgetary constraints I just cant afford to pull the trigger on a $3,000.00 single purchase to knock it all out in one fell swoop. So, now I'm thinking I'll get a couple lights at a time...2 here, 2 there, wont even financially notice it.

I'd like to TRY the T5HO's for my first 2...Some people say they are fine on a 10' ceiling, others say too bright...I'd like to test for myself. just was wondering that in a technical sense if there were any "issues" of mixing/blending light sources, not so much an issue with the electrical aspect obviously but more the light output...if its a good or bad idea to mix different technologies cause it will hurt or improve lighting issues such as CRI, etc......

 

[stevep500]

I did some experimenting with T8 and T5 lights. I started with T8s with relatively high CRI and the highest lumens I could get. I had two tube fixtures and mixed color temps to get broader color coverage. Florescent bulbs only put out a few color spikes. They don't have a broad spectrum light like incandescents. I think I used 3200 and 4100 degree bulbs.

Later I tried T5HOs with two color temps. I really like them. I bought several new 2-tube, T8 troffer lights off of craigslist and converted them to T5HO operation. I mounted them directly to my 10' ceiling. The plastic lens helps disperse the light and keeps it from being harsh.

Steve

 

[roscoe2000]

Do a search on automotive detailing, you will find that a mix of light sources are better for spotting paint blemishes on automotive finishes. The same would be said about coloring rendering.