New garage lighting system

[Distinctive-Garages.com]

Before I am yelled at, please let it be known that I am asking for the forums opinion on this product...NOT trying to sell it to anyone here...I have my local customer base for that. I respect the forum members opinions and would like to run a product by you all as an informal focus group.


Lumalinks are a linkable, modular, flexible, and expandable lighting system utilizing a central hub and 4', 2-lamp fixtures that can be mounted in any configuration. Max is (9) fixtures per hub.

I think it's a cool product for the person who wants to add new/more lighting to their workshop or garage without the need for an electrician.

Opinions welcomed, both positive and negative, I can take it. And, in advance, thank you for your opinion. Like I said, I respect the opinions and views of the forum.

http://distinctive-garages.com/audio-visual-and-lighting

 

[Distinctive-Garages.com]

Also, I am sorry for the poor quality pics on the website of the product...the manufacturer owes me the higher resolution files but wanted to work on the web layout this evening.

 

[rickairmedic]

Looks like a neat idea but the big question is how much are hose monsters.

Rick

 

[Distinctive-Garages.com]

Looks like a neat idea but the big question is how much are hose monsters.

Rick

Approx. $169 for each 2-light kit and $89 for a 1-light kit

 

[igo4bmx]

I have a beam that goes across the ceiling- is there any extra pieces that are offered to go around beams?

I just noticed you're in the philly area- I will have to contact you soon about this solution

 

[Distinctive-Garages.com]

I have a beam that goes across the ceiling- is there any extra pieces that are offered to go around beams?

I just noticed you're in the philly area- I will have to contact you soon about this solution

To be honest, I don't see a solution for going around beams...atleast not using the supplied or available cord covers, etc. If I'm correct in assuming you have a beam that runs across the ceiling perpindicular to the way your cars par in the garage? I have the same issue in my garage where there were two junction boxes for ceiling lights in the 'front' of the garage over the cars hoods. So the previous owners took one junction box and ran Romex tacked to ceiling to beam, down one side and up the other and installed a strip fixture there 'behind' the beam for over the car trunks.

With this system you'd have about 4' of cord from the HUB to go around the beam, then start your branching out with (4) fixtures from there (only four since you'd be branching out from one HUB location across the beam and 4 fixtures is the max per HUB branch.

What I did is put a normal 8' strip in back of beam for over car trunks, leaving the Romex tacked to ceiling and painted ceiling color, and I'm using the Lumalinks system for the Front part over the car hoods and work bench area with a (6) fixture configuration.

PM for more info or answers to questions. I'm available to help.

 

[jmack]

They look nice, but I just don't see the value in being able to "expand" your lights by adding a 4 ft cord and another light.

Aren't you just going to install all of your lighting from the beginning to light the whole garage? With this system, is the idea that you would install 1 light because that is where your workbench is now and then at a later time you'll discover the need to light an adjacent space 4 feet away? How often does one find themselves asking "if only I had another light that was 4 linear feet away from that one, I'd be set"

 

[Distinctive-Garages.com]

They look nice, but I just don't see the value in being able to "expand" your lights by adding a 4 ft cord and another light.

Aren't you just going to install all of your lighting from the beginning to light the whole garage? With this system, is the idea that you would install 1 light because that is where your workbench is now and then at a later time you'll discover the need to light an adjacent space 4 feet away? How often does one find themselves asking "if only I had another light that was 4 linear feet away from that one, I'd be set"

The value is two-fold. If you have existing junction boxes and typical fixtures don't meet your needs, this system can 'expand' from the center HUB wired to the junction box and allow you to put lighting wherever you need it by building a network of fixtures from that HUB.

It also allows you to 'expand' later if you decide you want to re-configure your lighting, add to it, etc.

GREAT for remodeling the garage like so many here do, where you may move things around and don't want the expense of hiring an electrician to rework your entire lighting scheme.

I'd also bet that MANY people say 'if only I had a little more light in this area I'd be set" like jmack says above.

 

[bluesman2a]

I like the looks and I like the idea. I think the cost is prohibitive though. An average T-8 fixture would be somewhere between $25-50. I think the most upscale fixtue I've seen is the weather-proof ones like I have in my shop at around $100-125.

You can do much the same setup using conduit and/or PVC. That's what I have on mine it's not QUITE as slick, but it's a clean install none-the-less. Certainly not worth the additional cost.

I would think in that price range a majority of people would be looking at T-5HO fixtures instead.

 

[Distinctive-Garages.com]

I like the looks and I like the idea. I think the cost is prohibitive though. An average T-8 fixture would be somewhere between $25-50. I think the most upscale fixtue I've seen is the weather-proof ones like I have in my shop at around $100-125.

You can do much the same setup using conduit and/or PVC. That's what I have on mine it's not QUITE as slick, but it's a clean install none-the-less. Certainly not worth the additional cost.

I would think in that price range a majority of people would be looking at T-5HO fixtures instead.

Definitely not for everyone. The components in the kit that allow for branching from one central HUB is unique and not duplicated elsewhere, the easy plug and play from fixture to fixture is unique and not duplicated elsewhere without having to hard-wire the fixtures together.

I think for most people, it would prove to be very useful. Sure it could probably be replicated with alot more time in wiring, and with alot less desirable looks, but definitely NOT as easily as with this system.

Keep the comments coming...I really do value everyone's opinion who has taken the time to look.

Thanks

 

[kbs2244]

They have made fixtures with a 4 foot cord at one end and an outlet at the other end for years.
You can "dasiy chain" as many as you like as long as you don't overload the circuit.

 

[Vicegrip]

To expensive for the amount of light. Dual 4 footers don't make a lot of light. Mounting and wiring up a string of lights is not all that hard. I guess if you were a total tool klutz they might be worth it if electricians are expensive in your area.

 

[cobrabob]

Ok, I can see where this would work in my single car garage attached to the house with plaster ceiling and walls. I have two incandescent bulbs that I could replace w/this system. I could install lights the old fashioned way but since I don't use this garage much, I don't want to spend much time working on this project. So this would be a quick improvement. BUT, the high cost would send me looking elsewhere. I'm cheap.
My .02.

 

[waltmcq]

Pretty fancy, too fancy for me. I wired my new shop for all the lights I need but in my 2 car garage it only had 2 lights in it so I wired in 2 eight foot fluorescent lights then one four footer above the work bench. So maybe a more basic cheaper model would be more marketable to me.

 

[sam 8]

I can see a use for this in certain room environments where dust, etc. clinging to wires and junctions is a problem.
It is also a very clean install, which I like.
Jmack I cleaned it up. I meant T-12.
Proof one should not post while running a fever...can't think straight on a good day...

 

[jmack]

Can you explain your comments on T8 bulbs?

I am looking to add flourscent lights to my garage and I had read a Family Handyman article that specifically recommended T8 bulbs over T12 bulbs for use in the garage. What is wrong with T8 and what is better?

 

[litljay]

Sorry to bump an old thread, but I've been considering this for my basic 2-car garage.

My garage has 1 junction box for lighting and it is located in the front 1/3rd of the garage. I installed an 8' T8HO fixture there and it has been ok, but nothing spectacular.

Has there been anybody with experience using these?

 

[Falcon67]

IMHO - you could buy some decorative covered tray material, wire and fixtures and not spend near what that system costs. 60" of white wiremold raceway at HD is $8. Wiremold Nonmetallic Raceway, White Model # NMW1 Internet/Catalog # 100657474
Also:
Wiremold 5 Foot Wire Channel, Ivory
Model # B-1 Internet/Catalog # 100657480
$5.97/EA Each

Run 14-2 through it to each mounted fixture.

You could buy metall conduit, fittings, fixtures and a conduit bender cheaper still. Paint the conduit ceiling color and it'll be nearly invisible.

 

[Cryptic1911]

Hm, these are pretty damn cool.. never heard of them before