T8 Fixture Options

[Ezzie]

I am just about ready to buy the flourescent fixtures I need to finish off my new shop. Not really jazzed about the reviews I have read on the Lithonia fixtures/ballasts you get from the big box stores (HD, RONA, Lowes) or the Lights of America from Wally Mart. So I went to the local electrical wholesaler (Nedco) today with my shopping list to get some prices.

Need 4x 2' x 4' troffers to go in the suspended ceiling I am putting in the kitchenette area.

Need 9x 8' strip lights (3x 24' rows, each row on a seperate switch) for the ceiling on the workshop area - a 28' x 32' x 16' H room.

Couple of options they have in brands (all prices in CDN$)

For the troffers (4x 48" 32W T8 bulbs)

Cooper Metalux 2GR8432AUNVEB81U at $60.95 ea.
-or-
Canlyte AA44812004VA at $54.75 ea.

For the strip lights (8' fixtures with 4x 48" 32W T8 bulbs)

Cooper Metalux 8TSS232UNVEB81U at $54.10 ea.
-or-
Canlyte SB248T120O4 @ $59.15 ea.

This doesn't seem to be any more expensive than the equivalent Lithonia stuff I have seen in the local HD.

Any thoughts about these fixtures or experience?? I have no idea where the ballasts come from as there is no info on the web sites of either manufacturer about it.

 

[tfi racing]

Unless you are doing the no money miracle at HD on their card,grab the fixtures from Nedco.The fixture itself is the same POS flimsy piece of Chinese tin that will bend by you just lookin' at it no matter how much you pay or whose name is on the box or where you buy it.There is a chance the wholesaler's lights may have a better quality ballast,but I would be surprised if it did.The big box $18.99 homeowner grade fixtures are the ones you need to be wary of,the fixtures you are considering from Nedco are likely the equivalent of the ones at HD.

 

[Nostraquedeo]

My personal opinion, the Lithonia fixtures are going to be a lot better than the Metalux fixtures. If you want a good fixture, look at H.E. Williams. Their fixtures are going to be the same guage, however the quality of manufacture is better. Cold rolled corners, post painted, baked on white enamel paint, etc. I specify them commercially all the time, and never have any problems. I have had several manufactures show me their fixtures an I prefer the Williams fixtures over everybody's. I would go with the 74, 75, 76, 77, or 78 series for strips. Then the 50 series for the troffers.

http://www.hewilliams.com/

 

[Ezzie]

H.E.Williams does not appear to have any distribution in Canada.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Cooper and Lithonia are reputable brands commonly used in industry, I don't think I've ever heard of Canlyte but maybe they're a Canada-only product. Most of the the light fixture companies get their ballasts from multiple sources, depending on who's the least expensive when they go to order them - they're pretty much treated as generic parts. I'd buy the lights from the local electrical house, even if they cost a little more - you'll get better service from them if there are any problems.

 

[Ezzie]

Just did a tour of the local big box stores. Both HD and RONA carry only the Lithonia brand. HD was cheaper than RONA for the identical part# fixtures.

8' tandem 4 bulb strip light

Lithonia TC 2 32 120 1/4 GESB $57.95

2' x 4' 4x 32WT8 bulbs (not included)

Lithonia 2GT8432A12 120 1/4 GESB CSA $66.95

Also got some bulb prices

HD - per 10 pack Phillips Alto
Cool White (4100K) $22.95
Natural White (5000K) $34.98
Daylight White (6500K) $29.98

RONA - per 12 pack Sylvania ECO
Cool White (4100K) $34.99 ($2.92ea.)
Daylight White (6500K) $39.99 ($3.33 ea.)

The local wholesaler (Nedco) sells 32WT8 4100K for $2.25 ea.

Looks like they will get my business.