The Best Light Fixture Ever!

[Platonic Solid]

I've got a 24x36 shop that I now need to light. Leaning towards James Ind. ZY-T8-22W1200 and the PQL-55027. It pains me to see the much recommended PQL-55027 ( https://www.1000bulbs.com/product/154480/PQL-55027.html ) price for shipping standard ground. I've priced 16 @ $12.52ea and shipping @ $8ea. Seems excessive.

HOLY CR@P!!! Are you seriously saying they want $8 x 16 = $128 to ship 16 housings? If that's true I'm speechless. I assumed standard shipping, but that's unreal.

OK, I just went to their site and put 16 in my cart and confirmed that shipping is exactly what you stated - Totally Outrageous. Dang, that's BS!!

 

[Platonic Solid]

Updated Spread Sheet: Lighting System Comparison

Removed 1000bulbs dot com as a viable low cost housing supplier due to insane shipping charges.

 

[Platonic Solid]

For an empty 4ft 2 lamp wrap housing, pqlighting shows a similar housing as previously linked, but they don't show pricing. If you check, please post price and shipping/handling charge.
http://www.pqlighting.com/products.cfm?p=LED READY

For 4ft or 8ft bare bulb strip light housings check shineretrofits.
http://www.shineretrofits.com/shop-...icient-light-fixtures/led-ready-fixtures.html

 

[C2 Turbo]

Would these Samsung bulbs

http://www.polar-ray.com/samsung-4f...?gclid=CNWZ7aODrcMCFeVj7AodMmkAvg#description


work with these


http://www.shineretrofits.com/us-en...-ready-8-foot-4-lamp-strip-light-housing.html


These seem to be a good bulb.

Thanks

 

[Platonic Solid]

C2 Turbo - Yes. Any fixture with nun-shunted medium bipin lamp holders can be wired to work with any LED bypass bulb.

 

[BruceMc]

HOLY CR@P!!! Are you seriously saying they want $8 x 16 = $128 to ship 16 housings? If that's true I'm speechless. I assumed standard shipping, but that's unreal.

OK, I just went to their site and put 16 in my cart and confirmed that shipping is exactly what you stated - Totally Outrageous. Dang, that's BS!!

Through their Amazon storefront they charge 4.95 S&H.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013DZ3ENI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Platonic Solid]

Through their Amazon storefront they charge 4.95 S&H.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013DZ3ENI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

LOL! So we can buy the same housing from the same distributor through Amazon and save $3+ in shipping. I don't get it, but it works for me.

 

[Platonic Solid]

Check this one out: ledlightingwholesaleinc has the Maxlite LSS2XT8USE4803 housing for $12.50. I added 10 to the cart and entire shipping cost was $20 (for me in CT calculated by address) thus total = $145.00 for 10 = $14.50 ea.
http://www.ledlightingwholesaleinc....ady-Linear-Utility-Strip-p/lss2xt8use4803.htm

I think they're wired for single ended LED lamps, but I bet they could easily be rewired if you are using double ended.

 

[gpflepsen]

Check this one out: ledlightingwholesaleinc has the Maxlite LSS2XT8USE4803 housing for $12.50. I added 10 to the cart and entire shipping cost was $20 (for me in CT calculated by address) thus total = $145.00 for 10 = $14.50 ea.
http://www.ledlightingwholesaleinc....ady-Linear-Utility-Strip-p/lss2xt8use4803.htm

I think they're wired for single ended LED lamps, but I bet they could easily be rewired if you are using double ended.

I ordered one of those Maxlite fixtures to evaluate before going in for 16, from ShineRetrofits.com for just under $16 shipped out of Denver. I'll need to get them hanging w/ a NEMA 5-15 cord because I have outlets in the ceiling.

 

[JohnnieMo]

Check this one out: ledlightingwholesaleinc has the Maxlite LSS2XT8USE4803 housing for $12.50. I added 10 to the cart and entire shipping cost was $20 (for me in CT calculated by address) thus total = $145.00 for 10 = $14.50 ea.
http://www.ledlightingwholesaleinc....ady-Linear-Utility-Strip-p/lss2xt8use4803.htm

I think they're wired for single ended LED lamps, but I bet they could easily be rewired if you are using double ended.

Do they have a quality LED tube to go with it? I'm looking to outfit my new 31x22 shop and I'm in Canada, so ordering from one vendor saves me a lot of shipping and customs charges.

(BTW - long time reader of this thread but only a first time post-er)

Sent from my Passport

 

[BruceMc]

LOL! So we can buy the same housing from the same distributor through Amazon and save $3+ in shipping. I don't get it, but it works for me.

Yeah, I've found that before for a few companies, with some even discounting the price from what's on their own web site. It pays to check.

Doesn't do me any good, though. They won't ship to AK.

 

[Platonic Solid]

Do they have a quality LED tube to go with it? I'm looking to outfit my new 31x22 shop and I'm in Canada, so ordering from one vendor saves me a lot of shipping and customs charges.

(BTW - long time reader of this thread but only a first time post-er)

They don't show the 22W James LED, but they do have the 18W bulb: http://www.ledlightingwholesaleinc....-Watt-T8-Replacement-Tube-p/zy-t8-18w1200.htm

Since they don't give you the online option of ordering frosted or clear lens, I'd call them to make sure you get frosted lens.

 

[turtl631]

Check this one out: ledlightingwholesaleinc has the Maxlite LSS2XT8USE4803 housing for $12.50. I added 10 to the cart and entire shipping cost was $20 (for me in CT calculated by address) thus total = $145.00 for 10 = $14.50 ea.
http://www.ledlightingwholesaleinc....ady-Linear-Utility-Strip-p/lss2xt8use4803.htm

I think they're wired for single ended LED lamps, but I bet they could easily be rewired if you are using double ended.

I think I'll be buying these from here and the james 22w lamps from shine retrofits, I will certainly report back. 24 fixtures in a 24x36x10 space that will be white painted plywood.

 

[Platonic Solid]

I think I'll be buying these from here and the james 22w lamps from shine retrofits, I will certainly report back. 24 fixtures in a 24x36x10 space that will be white painted plywood.

You have a problem already. the US warehouses are out of James 22W bulbs, thus shineretrofits price jumped from $12.99 ea. to $19.99 to cover the cost of shipping from China. I'd suggest you either wait till they're back in stock or get the 18W from ledlightingwholesaleinc linked above.

I'll have to fix my 22W James link. When they changed their price it now links to the single pin bulb (not the medium bipin that everyone wants).

 

[Platonic Solid]

Through their Amazon storefront they charge 4.95 S&H.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013DZ3ENI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I think they're watching us. Amazon shipping went up to $11.20. Slightly more than their insane direct shipping charge.

 

[Platonic Solid]

Updated Spread Sheet: Lighting System Comparison

Updated James LED pricing. Added 18W & 15W LED.
Added best known 4ft strip housing value as: ledlightingwholesaleinc.com @ $14.50 ea.

 

[BruceMc]

I think they're watching us. Amazon shipping went up to $11.20. Slightly more than their insane direct shipping charge.

I think their algorithms are playing games. I get so tired of that. S&H dropped to $4.50 when I just checked.

 

[turtl631]

You have a problem already. the US warehouses are out of James 22W bulbs, thus shineretrofits price jumped from $12.99 ea. to $19.99 to cover the cost of shipping from China.

One step forward, two back it feels like.

 

[Platonic Solid]

LED vs Fluorescent Strip Light Comparison:
2 James LED 18W 2160 lumen bypass lamps in a typical 4ft strip light housing compared to 2-Lamp F32T8 2900 lumen (per lamp) fluorescent strip light fixture.

These LED lamps have a 120° aperture, compared to the 360° output of fluorescent tube lamps.

Here’s how this plays out in the real (virtual) world with one 2-lamp strip light mounted in a 10ft cube.
Almost identical lighting at 30” workplane.
Fluorescent puts more light on walls and ceiling making the overall room lighting more even.

Here’s the full 2 lamp James LED Report (link)

Here’s the full 2 lamp Fluorescent Report (link)

Images linked to larger views

 

[mryanangel]

I picked up 8 of the T8 fixtures on the spreadsheet and 16 of the Samsung LED bulbs.

Looking at the wiring diagram that came with the bulbs and comparing to the wiring that came with the fixtures has me confused.

The bulb diagram looks to run hot (black to one end and neutral (white) to the corresponding terminal on the other end of the bulb. Not sure where ground comes into play.

The fixture has hot and neutral both running to the two terminals on one end.

What is the correct way to wire these up?

View attachment 489273View attachment 489274View attachment 489275View attachment 489276

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Platonic Solid]

mryanangel - Rewire fixture to agree with wiring diagram on bulb. Remove one of the wires from the fixture socket and plug it into the opposing socket. (Wire will come out with a twisting pulling action). Your post seems to have several links that don't work.

 

[mryanangel]

mryanangel - Rewire fixture to agree with wiring diagram on bulb. Remove one of the wires from the fixture socket and plug it into the opposing socket. (Wire will come out with a twisting pulling action). Your post seems to have several links that don't work.

Platonic,
I attempted to post pics of the bulbs, sockets and document that came with the Samsung bulbs.
After reviewing several retrofit videos, including one using samsung bulbs, they all appear to run Line (L) to one post and Neutral (N) to the other post on the same end. No wiring running to the opposing end of the bulb.

For the Samsung LED bulbs listed in your spreadsheet, would you expect the line and neutral to both connect to one end, or opposing?

Thanks

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Platonic Solid]

I'd really go by what the label on the lamp says. I know the only site that sells them links to this PDF which shows (L) on one end and (N) on the other, but I also know these things can be changed by the manufacturer at any time, so I would always default to the wiring instructions and/or label that come with/on the lamps.

 

[gpflepsen]

Here's a possibility for affordable shoplight fixture available from Menard's:





Just grabbed one and pulled it apart; ballast:



Housing:


Has a cord for NEMA5-15 power. Would be an easy retrofit for high performance ballast & tube or convert to T8 LED.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

 

[Westbank]

I'm trying to find a good quality 8ft fixture for my 20' x 20' garage (10' ceiling) and stumbled upon the CREE LS series.

Anyone could confirm if this a good option for a 10ft ceiling ?

Product page: http://lighting.cree.com/products/indoor/surface-ambient/ls-series

 

[Platonic Solid]

Westbank - The Cree LS has appropriate output for 10ft ceiling and certainly more attractive than the retrofit bulb option.

 

[soj]

Platonic, is there any downside I am overlooking on these 8' bulbs, vs converting my existing fixtures with this kit and using these bulbs.

Two 8' bulbs = $77.40

4 4' bulbs + tandem kit = $64.85

Total wattage is the same (72), both 5000K, both frosted, 8640 lumens for 4 X 4', 8500 lumens for 2 X 8'.

I am thinking it will be easier to just remove ballast and rewire my fixtures than to remove ballast and re-configure to 4 X 4' bulbs, which could wipe out the price difference (my time is worth something). The Amazon reviews are great, and this GJ member is happy with his. Plus the 8' single pin bulbs can be rotated to maybe get better light spread.

Your thoughts please. I really appreciate all the time you put into helping those of us who are in the dark about lighting.

 

[Platonic Solid]

soj - I agree with all the points you made. There is no reason to switch to 4ft LED lamps. I like your point about being able to rotate the lamps too. I figured shipping costs for 8ft lamps would kill the deal, but your link shows free shipping. The Hyperikon lamp claims a wider beam spread 158° vs James at 120° I'd want to see an IES comparison before I'm completely sold on the beam spread since the vast majority of budget priced LEDs have 120° aperture.

 

[soj]

soj - I agree with all the points you made. There is no reason to switch to 4ft LED lamps. I like your point about being able to rotate the lamps too. I figured shipping costs for 8ft lamps would kill the deal, but your link shows free shipping. The Hyperikon lamp claims a wider beam spread 158° vs James at 120° I'd want to see an IES comparison before I'm completely sold on the beam spread since the vast majority of budget priced LEDs have 120° aperture.

I can't take credit for the idea to rotate the bulbs for wider coverage, that came from Robbie13 in this thread, post #10. That thread is where I found out about these bulbs.

They call it free shipping, I call it shipping included. UPS doesn't work for free. When figuring price I try to find out shipping cost.

Regarding IES files, I found this on their website. http://hyperikon.com/ies/ It claimed to have an example IES file, (and a note that you can call for other IES files) but it didn't show up in Chrome or IE 11, just a link to the file. This is that link to the IES file. It is for a similar 4' bulb. I don't know how to read it of course, but I did see mention of Beam Angle, Left=70.8, Right=78.5. So I am guessing you add them together for 149.3. Less than the 158 claimed on Amazon, or the >153 shown in their catalog.

Bottom line: I think I will try a pack of 4. I have one fixture that needs a ballast and one that won't come on in damp weather. The only other ones I can find at a close price are 40W with little or no company info and no reviews.

Thanks for your input.
jp

 

[Platonic Solid]

Looks like you can get the Greentek you linked to for $30 ea. (unknown shipping) through their website. Both Hyperikon and Greentek claim 180º apertures on their respective websites and have active UL files.

 

[soj]

Looks like you can get the Greentek you linked to for $30 ea. (unknown shipping) through their website. Both Hyperikon and Greentek claim 180º apertures on their respective websites and have active UL files.

Thanks for finding their shopping site. I never saw a "buy here" link on their main site.

I put 4 in a cart and shipping to AR is $16.38, making the bulbs 34.09 each, $5.61 savings over the Hyperikons. I had noticed that several reviewers complained about the Hyperikons sagging in the middle. Which they acknowledge by offering free support clips, but only if you call and request them. I chatted with someone from GreenTek and they said their bulb has an aluminum housing and "is designed not to sag". So now I am leaning toward the GreenTeks.

Trying not to muddy the water with too many choices, but I have to ask: What are your thoughts on this bulb? It is more money,(also available through Amazon for a little less) 4 more watts, but they claim a 240 degree beam spread and 4400 lumens. I notice some reviewers are replacing two florescent tubes with one LED. I am using Phillips F96T12/CW/EW, 60W Alto tubes (339945 product # on the case). I can't find any info on that tube from Phillips, this is the closest data sheet I could find. It shows 4200 lumens. I realize you can't make a direct comparison in lumens because of the different light patterns. Also, that bulb is only available in clear, but my fixtures are at 12', not sure how that would work. For the other LEDs we have discussed I was going with frosted, per your recommendation.

The two rows of LEDs in that bulb, angled to each side should accomplish what I was thinking of doing with two bulbs aimed to each side of the fixture. I am probably over thinking all of this, set me straight.

Thanks, jp

 

[GarageSpider]

I was considering the cree, but not digging the 0-10V dimming. I'd like dimming, don't want to run more wires to get the 0-10V working.

I found mention of these in the Candlepower forum: https://www.hollywoodlightsled.com/specs-led-t5

They dim on a standard dimmer. Very pricey, tho.

Without dimming, the Greentechs look to be comparable, and cheaper.

I'm looking for a flush troffer setup in drywall ceiling. Considering these: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lithonia...ent-Troffer-SP8-F-2-32-A12-120-GESB/100249370,

Any comments on this troffer?

 

[Westbank]

I totally agree with you GarageSpider. The CREE LED fixture is almost perfect but I also don't like the fact that I won't be able to dim them.

Even the other fixture I was looking at has the same issue: Lithonia ZL Series.

Hard to find a dimmable LED fixture (standard dimmer) at a reasonable price.

I was considering the cree, but not digging the 0-10V dimming. I'd like dimming, don't want to run more wires to get the 0-10V working.

I found mention of these in the Candlepower forum: https://www.hollywoodlightsled.com/specs-led-t5

They dim on a standard dimmer. Very pricey, tho.

Without dimming, the Greentechs look to be comparable, and cheaper.

I'm looking for a flush troffer setup in drywall ceiling. Considering these: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lithonia...ent-Troffer-SP8-F-2-32-A12-120-GESB/100249370,

Any comments on this troffer?

 

[GarageSpider]

Yeah, $70 dimmer and running an extra pair of wires.

vs

More expensive LED tubes.

Running extra wires is not desirable for me as my garage is drywalled and painted.

With the CREEs, what happens when you burn out the bulbs? I know its 50,000 hours, but at that point, do you do a fixture swap? The unit doesn't look serviceable. Plus LEDs tend to dim over their life. So do you have to service it sooner?

I'm leaning toward the flourscent troffer and retrofit with bulbs. Haven't decided on which bulb yet.

 

[Westbank]

You're bringing a good point with the serviceability of these fixtures.

Still looking for the perfect fixture but if you ever find good quality LED ready fixtures in 8ft length (tandem), let me know.

Yeah, $70 dimmer and running an extra pair of wires.

vs

More expensive LED tubes.

Running extra wires is not desirable for me as my garage is drywalled and painted.

With the CREEs, what happens when you burn out the bulbs? I know its 50,000 hours, but at that point, do you do a fixture swap? The unit doesn't look serviceable. Plus LEDs tend to dim over their life. So do you have to service it sooner?

I'm leaning toward the flourscent troffer and retrofit with bulbs. Haven't decided on which bulb yet.

 

[ExxWhy]

LED vs Fluorescent Strip Light Comparison:
2 James LED 18W 2160 lumen bypass lamps in a typical 4ft strip light housing compared to 2-Lamp F32T8 2900 lumen (per lamp) fluorescent strip light fixture.

These LED lamps have a 120° aperture, compared to the 360° output of fluorescent tube lamps.

Here’s how this plays out in the real (virtual) world with one 2-lamp strip light mounted in a 10ft cube.
Almost identical lighting at 30” workplane.
Fluorescent puts more light on walls and ceiling making the overall room lighting more even.

These look like a very good alternative to standard T-8 fixtures. It's about $55 for a basic big orange 8' tandem T-8 with 4 bulbs, or about $70 8' of LED.

As I understand it, the linked fixtures work with the linked bulbs, and it's good to go with no additional parts or pieces aside from the wiring to it?

If I ran a row of these with 6 inches between them, would it make a significant decrease in the lighting? To be slightly more specific, I was thinking 4 rows of 9 fixtures in a 39X43 building with 13.5 ft ceiling.

 

[Platonic Solid]

ExxWhy - All specs indicate that the linked bulbs and housing are a direct fit without any modifications or rewiring required.

4 rows of 9 fixtures with 6" end spacing yields 57fc avg at work plane.
4 rows of 10 fixtures with 0" end spacing yields 63fc avg at work plane.

 

[ExxWhy]

10% fewer fixtures gives 10% less light, makes sense. That's a fairly significant difference for me since I am at the low end of ideal light based on my perusal of the layout thread. I may need to add some perpendicular fixtures in a few select spots in addition to skipping the 6 inch spacing plan. I'll do some more studying in the other thread.

I'm not too sure I have the right idea in my mind as to what 60fc looks like. I'm guessing it's a bit brighter than the typical school gym??

Platonic, after reading a lot of the info you have freely provided I must thank you for your time contribution to the GJ community. You've been most helpful!

 

[elba]

I don't understand all of the numbers related to bulbs. That said, I went by Lowes and looked at their lighting display and the T5 bulbs looked the brightest and best to my eyes. Anything wrong with the T5's ?

 

[Platonic Solid]

ExxWhy - At 13.5' mounting height, LED really isn't cost effective. I'd go with Qty. 23, 8ft 4-lamp F32T8 Tandem strip lights with a high ballast factor Ballast (BF = 1.15 min), thus 92 lamps. Suggested ballast = Sylvania 49455

Perimeter fixtures all 3ft from respective wall. 1ft space between each in 4 fixture rows.
Here are the photometric results in PDF.