Need new garage lights

[ib4classics]

My current ceiling florescent lights ( Four 2 bulb 8' on one switch) , three of the ballasts are out. My current lights have one pin on each end to insert into the respective sockets
I have searched the forums and it seems " T-8's" are the popular choice.
I currently get severe radio interference and don't want to repeat the problem.
How many lights can I put on a 20 amp breaker?
Also I live in a four season climate, single numbers in the winter and currently 100 degrees.
Thanks
John

 

[ishiboo]

My current ceiling florescent lights ( Four 2 bulb 8' on one switch) , three of the ballasts are out. My current lights have one pin on each end to insert into the respective sockets
I have searched the forums and it seems " T-8's" are the popular choice.
I currently get severe radio interference and don't want to repeat the problem.
How many lights can I put on a 20 amp breaker?
Also I live in a four season climate, single numbers in the winter and currently 100 degrees.
Thanks
John

Depends on what light you install. A typical T8 fixture takes two 32W HO bulbs, or 64W per fixture... or .53 amps. 20A * 80% gives you a total of 30 4' dual-bulb fixtures per 20A. (There's a small unit fudge here between watts and VA, however they're quite close.)

The T8 fixtures/bulbs are popular because they will start in single digit weather, and the new digital ballasts should not create electrical interference for you. In addition, the T12's are being phased out. The newer bulbs/fixtures are also more energy efficient.

Use several switches for all your lights, so you can have only the needed amount of light, and at minimum 1-2 fixtures on for finding your way.

 

[BHR4CE1]

I live in a four season climate, single numbers in the winter and currently 100 degrees.

Well, the first thing you need to do is MOVE!

 

[1Garageman]

Well, the first thing you need to do is MOVE!

Sounds like a fellow Ohioan!

It's 94 degrees outside now and it will be 9.4 degrees in January!
We get it all!

 

[Random Guy]

As far as the number of fixtures you can put on one 20 amp circuit, you have to look at the label to find out how much current your ballasts draw. Divide 16 (Maximum allowable continuous load on a 20 amp circuit) by that number and that will tell you how many fixtures you can put on your 20 amp circuit.

 

[DoyleDee]

I'm currently running 16 2bulb (32w each bulb) fixtures in my shop and I'm currently running at 7.5 amps on my 20 amp circuit.

 

[ClassAct]

The tubes you describe are almost certainly the large diameter T12 with older style 60 Hz ballasts. Since your ballasts are out, I recommend going to a T8 tube as they are available in 8' sizes. The T8 ballasts will be electronic, meaning higher efficiency and no flickering. The T8 tubes themselves are higher efficiency per watt. Choose the ballasts based on expected worse case startup conditions. Special ballasts are made for cold weather startup. You will have to replace the lamp holder assemblies when you replace the ballasts. A good place to start is the Philips ballast site,
Philips Ballast Info

 

[tfi racing]

I would stay away from the Phillips ballasts,I seem to replace a lot of them in the first six months of use.You can reuse your sockets with the F96T8 lamps,just a slight wiring change will be needed.I use a ton of GE ballasts,I think the one you may need is GE259MVN,I don't have one in front of me so I'll have to confirm that.