Opinions on installing lighting panels *vertically* in small workshop

[gamp945]

I am finally getting around to installing proper lighting in my small 12 x 14 workshop that I built several years ago.

For temporary lighting, I installed a single 4-ft T8 LED on the bottom of the central triple-2x12 roof beam (first image attachment). This works fine but I noticed it casts a lot of shadows. It can also be a bit blinding because the central beam is relatively low (~8 ft) and the lighting is pointed down at your head.

I was planning on just installing more light panels on the central beam but then I got to thinking that I could install T8 light panels vertically instead of horizontally (second image). This would bounce the light off the ceiling due to the sloped ceiling. I've temporarily installed a few lights this way and it appears to work very well.

Any thoughts on if this is a good idea? I can't find other examples of people with a building design like mine that allows lighting to be installed this way.

Is it code compliant to install T8 light fixtures vertically? If so, any suggestions on fixtures?

 

[BrandonV]

As long as the manufacturer doesn't prohibit it I would think you'll be good.

If you're happy with it that's all that matters. Obviously if you look straight at the light you'll have a bad day.

 

[Innovate1]

Some are installed in channels facing upward so you don't even see the fixture and all the illumination is reflected light. Should be no problem. You will probably need a few more fixtures to get the same light level but indirect light is more even with less shadows.

 

[Zeke]

Indirect lighting is really nice if there is enough. All this talk about LED strips, tubes, and screw into an E26 base types all work well for me until they don't.

Anything in the normal line of sight can be annoying. I like task lighting so I use an array of desk lighting at grinders and the lathe. They have hoods so the light source is well up inside the fixture and can be eye level and yet only cast light to the work. I've got a few clamp on types as well used both for photography and video, but they serve as temporary lighting for any task anywhere.

I work with colors so natural light is a big plus. But a mixture of color temps plus and incandescent or 2 will normally get me s a spectrum placed as needed.

 

[cybrdyke]

I am finally getting around to installing proper lighting in my small 12 x 14 workshop that I built several years ago.

For temporary lighting, I installed a single 4-ft T8 LED on the bottom of the central triple-2x12 roof beam (first image attachment). This works fine but I noticed it casts a lot of shadows. It can also be a bit blinding because the central beam is relatively low (~8 ft) and the lighting is pointed down at your head.

I was planning on just installing more light panels on the central beam but then I got to thinking that I could install T8 light panels vertically instead of horizontally (second image). This would bounce the light off the ceiling due to the sloped ceiling. I've temporarily installed a few lights this way and it appears to work very well.

Any thoughts on if this is a good idea? I can't find other examples of people with a building design like mine that allows lighting to be installed this way.

Is it code compliant to install T8 light fixtures vertically? If so, any suggestions on fixtures?

The lights aren't designed to be mounted vertically. All of the science in the design is based on them being mounted flat on a ceiling. When you turn them sideways, the light doesn't really go where you would think it should. If your existing fixture is blinding then looking directly into vertical fixtures isn't going to be any better.
Now, after saying all that...if you tried one vertically and it worked out well, then go for it. There's no reason you cant do it.
Good luck,
CD

 

[Zeke]

The lights aren't designed to be mounted vertically. All of the science in the design is based on them being mounted flat on a ceiling. When you turn them sideways, the light doesn't really go where you would think it should. If your existing fixture is blinding then looking directly into vertical fixtures isn't going to be any better.
Now, after saying all that...if you tried one vertically and it worked out well, then go for it. There's no reason you cant do it.
Good luck,
CD

I think that makes sense. Mounting vertically around the perimeter aimed at walls would ensure no light in the eyes.

But what I'm not understanding here is what kind of lights these are. I'm not at all fond of bare LED's. At least the tubes are diffused. Is this really the problem, the type of lights? Mine are at 8 feet and they don't bother me at all. Some are lower over benches and all have reflectors. I've got little use for just a simple strip.

Mine are all converted fluorescent fixtures.

 

[gamp945]

@cybrdyke: I agree that lighting manufacturers design light panels to minimize overhead shadows and that mounting vertically will change that to some degree.

The design of my building means that mounting the panels as I have illustrated in the OP will not be in my line of sight. The lower 2x12 beam panels will be pointed vertically toward the back (short) wall of storage and a workbench. In other words, the light will almost always be behind & above me.

The higher 2x12 beam is 12 feet high and out of my line of sight unless I specifically turn my gaze up there for some reason.

 

[gamp945]

I think that makes sense. Mounting vertically around the perimeter aimed at walls would ensure no light in the eyes.

But what I'm not understanding here is what kind of lights these are. I'm not at all fond of bare LED's. At least the tubes are diffused. Is this really the problem, the type of lights? Mine are at 8 feet and they don't bother me at all. Some are lower over benches and all have reflectors. I've got little use for just a simple strip.

Mine are all converted fluorescent fixtures.

I have not purchased the fixtures yet, but the illustrations in the OP are meant to show that I'm thinking of T8 style lights or integrated LED light panels. The fixtures will definitely be diffused lighting, not bare LEDs. Here's a couple examples:

Metalux 4 ft. 2-Light Linear White Integrated LED Ceiling Strip Light with 4200 Lumens, 4000K 4ST2L4040R - The Home Depot

The Metalux 4FT ST series is a combination of quality, performance, and value that helps make ordering, installing and saving energy the top focus of any project. The Metalux 4FT ST series is double lens

www.homedepot.com

Commercial Electric 48 in. x 10 in. 4200 Lumens Matte Black Wood End Caps Integrated LED Panel Light 3000K 4000K 5000K Dimmable 567091121-PA - The Home Depot

Commercial Electric 4 ft. x 10 in. LED Flush Mount Ceiling Light with Matte Black Wood designed end caps adds a bit of Modern decorative flair to your home or office. Prior to installation, adjust color

www.homedepot.com

My temporary lighting is a simple 4ft T8 double LED fixture that I bought from the clearance section at Lowe's for $1 It is installed vertically and does a surprisingly good job of lighting the short half of the shop. If I double or triple that amount of light, I think I will likely want a dimmer switch so that I can control when I want my retinas blasted with full power lighting.

 

[dave*99]

I think I will likely want a dimmer switch so that I can control when I want my retinas blasted with full power lighting.

Check compatibility of the dimmer and lights you select.
Some dimmers and some lights dim properly some times........ The others just flicker, strobe and ****.
0-10V dimming works well. Triac dimming, well it works when the fixtures and dimmer are feeling good about each other.

 

[cybrdyke]

That metalux fixture isn't dimmable.
CD

 

[gamp945]

Thanks, cybrdyke. The linked fixtures were to give Zeke an idea of what kind of fixtures I'm thinking of (diffused LEDs, not bare). I picked the linked fixtures at random from HD's search results.

I'm open to recommendations for good fixtures and do want dimmable.

 

[Zeke]

Don't know dimmer compatibility but your choice of diffused light will go a long way to making your lighting comfortable.

I often wonder, why dim? I have a couple of lighting systems. One is old track lighting that I can turn on that lights up some features of my garage, let's say a car. These are not for working.