Shop lighting, new shop

[crackerjack222]

I am building a shop at the ranch, 56' x 30", 12' eave, 15' at the gable peak, no ceiling, all metal construction. I will not be working on cars, but tractors and other heavy equipment. I will need lights and am looking for suggestions. I am considering metal halide and flourescent. Are there any downsides to the halide? I can get 400w halides delivered for $135 each and figure four would probably be enough.

I expect to have additional 4' flourescent fixtures over the benches.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

If you expect to work in this shop, you want lots of light. Four won't get you to first base, you will need at least six. If you are willing to spend $135 each on MH fixtures, you would be better off spending $200 or so on six or eight tube T5 polished aluminized reflector light fixtures, which will yield more light.

I paid $40 each, five or more years ago, for these 400 watt MH fixtures, used, probe start (older technology as opposed to current production pulse start).

Here is 60x60 with 12 fixtures.

 

[Cuda]

I switched our shop over from 400 watt metal halides to 6 bulb T8's about 4 years ago. I flourescent fixture replaced one metal halide fixture. Have been very happy with both the light and the reduced power bill. Although I have noticed a somewhat significant ballast failure rate. But these are pretty much on 24-7.

 

[jhelrey]

I see the lights Charles has for sale on CL all of the time.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

If you find them (MH lights) on CL make sure they are capable of 120v or 240v, either multi-tap transformers (having 120/208/240/277 taps on one transformer) or single voltage of either 120 or 240. Many of the lights you see for sale are 277 volt ONLY and are useless to the homeowner. Also verify the wattage.

Charles