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Questions for Platonic Solid on fixtures

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CooperS

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So I've been working on this layout in DIALux for a little while and THINK I have it nailed down. What do you think?

Question regarding beam angle. These bulbs show 120* while some others show 210-220-230*. Is this critical? And why is it these GLLUSA bulbs can get such a high Lumens rating at 2664lm(ea) when many many others are 2200 or less? Thanks for all you do here and your contributions. I have learned A LOT from your posts.

Fixture with LED tubes from PROLighting.com
https://www.prolighting.com/pl42t8led-5k.html

My Layout:
 

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Platonic Solid

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First off - Looks like you're doing quite well in Dialux. Please post link to garage door tracks, those look great.

If you're planning on wrenching in there I'd get some more fixtures between the cars and the walls/garage doors and aim for 93fc @ 30" workplane.

Just for general info, what are the overall LxWxH dimensions?
 
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CooperS

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Platonic Solid said:
First off - Looks like you're doing quite well in Dialux. Please post link to garage door tracks, those look great.

If you're planning on wrenching in there I'd get some more fixtures between the cars and the walls/garage doors and aim for 93fc @ 30" workplane.

Just for general info, what are the overall LxWxH dimensions?
Click to expand...

I am a CAD Tech so moving into Dialux was a pretty easy. (I built my whole house in Revit :) ) It's been a HUGE help. The garage door tracks, cabinets, toolbox, mini fridge and trash can are DWGs all scratch built in 3D. I can message a link if you'd like any of them. I have doors on the tracks too, they're just turned off. Which makes me think, I should rerun the calcs with the doors turned back on.

And you mention 93fc @30", in my calcs would that be the target level? If so, that seems like a lot of fixtures to get that 46fc up to 93fc. Are you thinking maybe adding more like below:


Dims are 19x29 with the 1 car bumped back...essentially a 19x29 3 car.
 

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Platonic Solid

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You left out ceiling height.
Vertical columns of fixtures 3 3 3 3
Horizontal fixtures 1 in front and 1 behind each car (on car center line), thus 6 horizontal fixtures.
Total fixtures = 18
This will give you even shadow free results.
Now select lamp output based on trial and error or select dimming fixtures.
 
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CooperS

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Platonic Solid said:
You left out ceiling height.
Vertical columns of fixtures 3 3 3 3
Horizontal fixtures 1 in front and 1 behind each car (on car center line), thus 6 horizontal fixtures.
Total fixtures = 18
This will give you even shadow free results.
Now select lamp output based on trial and error or select dimming fixtures.
Click to expand...

Sorry, ceiling is 8'. OK...so like this?

And what do you think about my fixture/lamp choice? I talked to a guy at ProLighting and he mentioned for a couple bucks, the ProLighting fixture was nicer than the Maxlite. And the GLL tubes you mentioned on post 1 come pre-installed. And, what do you think about the beam angle and why some are almost double the angle? Is that all that important?
 

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Platonic Solid

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Looks like second vertical column is hitting 150fc, so change that back to 2 fixtures.

Wider beam distribution works well for lower ceilings like yours, though when using this many fixtures it becomes much less import. If you were putting the lamps in wrapped enclosures wider distribution fills out the lens better. Generally, tighter beam spread for higher mounting.

Prolighting said they would send me that fixture to review 4 months ago, but they didn't follow through. Thus I'm skeptical about their "ours is better than theirs" claim. They also suggested a special GJ deal which they also didn't follow through on. Tell them you found them on GJ and see if they adjust their price a few dollars. Or ask them to match competitor prices since Prolighting charges you shipping.

If you're concerned about having too much light (this is age dependent), you could wire them to 2 switches such that the left lamp in each fixture is on switch 1 and the right on switch 2. Thus, maintaining even distribution at half output.
 
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CooperS

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Platonic Solid said:
Looks like second vertical column is hitting 150fc, so change that back to 2 fixtures.

Wider beam distribution works well for lower ceilings like yours, though when using this many fixtures it becomes much less import. If you were putting the lamps in wrapped enclosures wider distribution fills out the lens better. Generally, tighter beam spread for higher mounting.

Prolighting said they would send me that fixture to review 4 months ago, but they didn't follow through. Thus I'm skeptical about their "ours is better than theirs" claim. They also suggested a special GJ deal which they also didn't follow through on. Tell them you found them on GJ and see if they adjust their price a few dollars. Or ask them to match competitor prices since Prolighting charges you shipping.

If you're concerned about having too much light (this is age dependent), you could wire them to 2 switches such that the left lamp in each fixture is on switch 1 and the right on switch 2. Thus, maintaining even distribution at half output.
Click to expand...

OK...I'll modify it and see where I'm at. Meantime, what do you think of this fixture/lamp

(one you had suggested on page 1 I think)
https://beeslighting.com/maxlite-led-t8-lamp-ready/p/LSS2XT8USE4803


https://beeslighting.com/diva-light-led-t8-lamp/p/T8R-22L-50K-DM
 
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Platonic Solid

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To date, I've seen no complaints about the Maxlite housing. The lamp is fine as long as that is the lumen output that your layout is designed with.

Just noticed beeslighting shipping states: Free Shipping over $99 *Excludes items over 42 inches. Thus no free shipping!

Check Maxlite housing price and shipping from ledlightingwholesaleinc. Same housing is $12.50 (in cart) + shipping.
 
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CooperS

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I noticed the *over 42" but the cart adds, then subtracts $9.95 for shipping.

The specs are different on the tube, so I'd have to change that and rerun the calcs.

I'll check out ledlighting....
 
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CooperS

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Platonic Solid said:
Check Maxlite housing price and shipping from ledlightingwholesaleinc. Same housing is $12.50 (in cart) + shipping.
Click to expand...

I found it but it's $16...I don't see the $12.50 housing. EDIT (ah! IN CART) :)
 
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CooperS

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Platonic Solid said:
If bees... actually gives free shipping then they may be cheaper than ledlighting... after shipping.
Click to expand...

They are a little but I found a Maxlite tube at ledlight with 330* beam angle as opposed to the Diva with 180*. Which would you prefer in my situation?

Granted, neither are the lumen rating that the GLL is.
 
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Platonic Solid

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CooperS said:
OK...I thought the lower the ceiling the wider you'd want the beam?
Click to expand...
Only wider than 180 if using specific wrap lensed fixtures. Even then 180 is usually plenty. I wouldn't lose any sleep over using 120° 4ft strip light with 8ft ceiling = less light on walls - more on workplane.
 
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CooperS

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Platonic Solid said:
Only wider than 180 if using specific wrap lensed fixtures. Even then 180 is usually plenty. I wouldn't lose any sleep over using 120° 4ft strip light with 8ft ceiling.
Click to expand...

Excellent! Thanks again for all you have done here. It really is invaluable information for now and future members. I was so intimidated by the lighting part of my garage project, but now I feel like I have such a better grasp on it. Dialux was a big big help too. It puts it all in perspective, in real numbers.

I'll get through with this and drop you a link to the models we talked about above.
 
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Platonic Solid

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Lelandwelds said:
I think DYI or RFD TV could build a half hour tv show around you two. I would watch it.
Click to expand...
Isn't there a pimp my garage type show out there already? Not sure pimp my lighting would hold too many peoples attention. Maybe if we combine it with a select group of babe installer electricians we'd develop a following.
 
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CooperS

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Platonic Solid said:
Well done! So that's $30.67
(I really need to figure out a way to get kickbacks from these distributors :) JK)

The original Prolighting special GJ deal discussed was this fixture w/same lamps @ $31.24
Click to expand...

Yeah, I'm good with the deal I got. That light is the one they guy suggested I buy instead of the Maxlite, but you suggested it and it got really good reviews, so I saved a few bucks and got the Maxlite.
 
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Lelandwelds

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CooperS said:
:beer: Based on some of the TV lately on some channels, I think you're right. :)
Click to expand...

I'm serious.

I watch Successful Farming, Rural Heritage , and a few others. It wouldn't be the most watched show ever unless Platonic Solid looks great in shorts. But, I bet you could approach CNN'S numbers.

Actually, Successful Farming, The Victory Garden, or The New Yankee Workshop could each serve as a pattern.

Restore an old Columbian. Epoxy a floor. Argue about PVC airlines. Feature a Timothy Wilmots video.

It could work through season two.
 
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Platonic Solid

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Heck, why limit ourselves, might as well go all the way - "Garage Journal TV". There's enough content on this forum to keep that running forever.
 
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bczygan

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Platonic Solid said:
Well done! So that's $30.67
(I really need to figure out a way to get kickbacks from these distributors :) JK)

The original Prolighting special GJ deal discussed was this fixture w/same lamps @ $31.24
Click to expand...

Dumb question........

Would those lamps work as a retrofit in the Lowes Utilitech T8 fixture?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Utilitech-Linear-Shop-Light-Common-4-ft-Actual-6-85-in-x-48-13-in/4013485

822985510028.jpg


Bill
 
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Platonic Solid

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bczygan - Since the lamps are universal ballast compatible and ballast bypass (single or double end wired), they will work. Best efficiency is achieved by bypassing the ballast.
 
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CooperS

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Lelandwelds said:
I'm serious.

I watch Successful Farming, Rural Heritage , and a few others. It wouldn't be the most watched show ever unless Platonic Solid looks great in shorts. But, I bet you could approach CNN'S numbers.

Actually, Successful Farming, The Victory Garden, or The New Yankee Workshop could each serve as a pattern.

Restore an old Columbian. Epoxy a floor. Argue about PVC airlines. Feature a Timothy Wilmots video.

It could work through season two.
Click to expand...

I like it! That's three episodes right there!

Platonic Solid said:
Heck, why limit ourselves, might as well go all the way - "Garage Journal TV". There's enough content on this forum to keep that running forever.
Click to expand...

Now we're talking! That's true!
 
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CooperS

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Lelandwelds said:
Didn't want to jinx it by saying out loud. But since you brought it up . . . Just how busy do you think Ryan is?
Click to expand...

I'm not new here, even though I have only a few posts, but who is Ryan??
 
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CooperS

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Well, so far I'm pretty impressed with PROLighting.com. I ordered on 3/6 and they are scheduled to be delivered today, 3/8. Granted, I live one state away from Michigan so that helps, but the have the order ready and picked up the next day is great! A big plus is they have Amazon checkout, which means I don't have to have all my personal info and credit card info on ANOTHER server. Big bonus these days.
 
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Nivekdodge

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Platonic Solid,
I asked this in the wrong place. I've searched but I can't find a reason why 8' tubes aren't used? Something I'm missing?
 
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cybrdyke

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8' tubes exist, but they're not popular. First, they're a pain to handle, ship, move around. Second, the plastic ones tend to droop in the middle and so UL requires some sort of center support, just another P.I.T.A. Third, all there are greater efficiencies in 4' tubes because that's where all the manufacturers R&D money is being spent. Fourth, 8' fixtures tend to be in harsher locations, so their sockets are generally in worse condition. Alot of 8'sockets need to be replaced when tubes are being changed.
CD
 
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CooperS

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cybrdyke said:
8' tubes exist, but they're not popular. First, they're a pain to handle, ship, move around. Second, the plastic ones tend to droop in the middle and so UL requires some sort of center support, just another P.I.T.A. Third, all there are greater efficiencies in 4' tubes because that's where all the manufacturers R&D money is being spent. Fourth, 8' fixtures tend to be in harsher locations, so their sockets are generally in worse condition. Alot of 8'sockets need to be replaced when tubes are being changed.
CD
Click to expand...

Just for posterity, the thread Platonic Solid started addresses this issue in a post from PROLighting.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7073499&postcount=1331
 
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