Need advice on lighting

[Mr. D]

Hi guys

I have a 3 car garage with 11' ceilings and poor lighting that I need to upgrade. Currently there are three round light fixtures each holding three 60 watt light bulbs and I want to replace those with florescent strips.

I have room in the ceiling for two 6' and one 8' strip. What should I be looking for in the type of light or size?

Dennis

 

[Mustang51js]

4 ft t8 2 bulb or 4 bulb will work for you,look around Home Depot and see which one you like.

 

[rburke65]

I agree with the T8 fixtures. What is the dimension of your garage?

 

[iajonesy]

Are the t-8's brighter than other fixtures of the same type? I have florecents that are about 10 years old and would like something a little brighter. Thanks.

Mike

 

[Mustang51js]

T8 are brighter than the old t12 bulbs and use less power. T5 are brighter than t8 also

 

[Mr. D]

I agree with the T8 fixtures. What is the dimension of your garage?

20' deep X 35' Wide

I was looking at the ceiling last night and I have room for 8' strips at each location but they would have to mount deep wise to the garage and with both doors open half of the lighting would be covered up.

 

[Mr. D]

Found the below light on home depot site, is this overkill?

Lithonia Lighting 6-Light T5 High Output White Fluorescent High Bay $139.00

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lithonia-Lighting-6-Light-T5-High-Output-White-Fluorescent-High-Bay-IBZ-654/203629843#specifications

 

[pattenp]

High Bay lighting fixture may be a little too focused for 11' ceilings. Those are usually best used with ceilings 18' - 20' high.

 

[Mr. D]

1) High Bay vs Low Bay
2) T5 vs T8 vs T12
3) 4' vs 8'
4) 2 blub vs 4 blub vs 6 blub

Can we make this any more difficult.

 

[pattenp]

My choice is standard T8. The number of bulbs per fixture and length depends on how you need to place them on your ceiling to get the light you desire.

Edit: This is what I'd use in either 4' or 8'

http://www.lowes.com/pd_163723-337-...L=?Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&facetInfo=

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


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[bczygan]

Here is the generic answer that fits most average garages.

T8 4' 2 Daylight bulbs

Mount at reflective ceiling with no reflectors, or hang at convenient height with reflectors.

Find an online layout tool/lighting calculator.
Space for 50 to 100FC at 3' work surface. The goal is even general illumination.
(between 22 and 43 fixtures)

Add task lighting as required.