The Best Light Fixture Ever!

[Coloradical]

I have the exact same size garage and was also I thinking the same thing. I am late to this party and trying to figure out all the info in this thread is very intemidating. I currently have 48” flouresent lights. From what I gathered, there are replacement LED bulbs that I can buy but I need to bypass my ballasts to avoid frying the LED's. Thanks for the help.

I just pulled the trigger on four Maxlite LED fixtures and 2200 lumen bulbs. These 4 are gonna be replacing 2 standard light bulbs so I’m sure it’s gonna be brighter than that at least. [emoji23] Ordered from Bees Lighting.

 

[Willypu]

I just pulled the trigger on four Maxlite LED fixtures and 2200 lumen bulbs. These 4 are gonna be replacing 2 standard light bulbs so I’m sure it’s gonna be brighter than that at least. [emoji23] Ordered from Bees Lighting.

I went on the Pro-lighting website and they referred me to someone who sent me a worksheet. It asked for all the dimensions of the shop and what level of light I wanted. They created a lighting diagram and suggested lights and fixtures, no extra charge plus the 7% off for mentioning GJ.

 

[WaterBoyz]

I went on the Pro-lighting website and they referred me to someone who sent me a worksheet. It asked for all the dimensions of the shop and what level of light I wanted. They created a lighting diagram and suggested lights and fixtures, no extra charge plus the 7% off for mentioning GJ.

Winner
Winner
Chicken Dinner

 

[JonnyC]

So I was on the fence between Pro-lighting and Green Light Depo on their universal T8 LED tubes. Mainly based on price after shipping I decided to go with 18 of the VersaT8 LED tubes from Green Light Depo linked on the first page.

I really like the design of the universal tubes. I have instant-start ballasts already so I could just toss the lamps in and be done, but since they also allow double-end direct wire, I'm going to leave my shunted tombstones in, cut the wires to the ballasts and just wire them directly up.

If all goes well, I will regret not seeing this thread before when I purchased Hyperikon tubes as they required non-shunted tombstones to be installed and have a massive start-up delay.

Thanks to those that put this resource thread together!

 

[pioneer1]

They are however sending me new lights at shipping cost only. They where very easy to work with.

So, I received the 2 new bulbs yesterday, and guess what? 1 of them didn't work, can you believe it.Just my luck. Called them today and they are sending another 1, no charge this time .

 

[Schu338]

Quick picture after putting up some fixtures. 24' x 32' x 9' high. The (2) outside rows are 2-bulb Maxlites and the (3) in center are (3) bulb Tech-Brites. All lamps are GLL-USA 5K, I think 2664 lumens each. All on 2 switches, no dimmers, TONS of light. Love it.

 

[JonnyC]

So my Green Light Depo lights arrived. I retrofitted two of my fixtures to bypass the ballast and wire them double-ended. They certainly are bright! Maybe it was just me though, but before retrofitting my fixture it tried them with the instant start ballast and they seemed somewhat dim. Not sure if their output changes with the way they are wired, but I'll be retrofitting the rest of my fixtures this week.

 

[hamdog]

I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on how to light this garage. There are already 4ft led fixtures above the two main bays but they are surface mounted to the ceiling which is at an angle to the floor. The garage ceiling is entirely sloped in about three sections, from 10ft at the walls to 17ft at the peak, nothing horizontal. The ceiling pitch is 6/12.

You can see where ceiling meets in the photo. There is also a beam spanning an odd angle which is right at 12ft.



Any help would be appreciated. I'm not against relocating the existing 4ft lights and i have 4 Lumegen 2ft led linear high bay lights as well.

 

[hemiallen]

I just installed a James industries 225 watt 4' fixture, and using my phone's downloaded Light meter ( light meter pro keeps popping up asking for me to upgrade)

to compare the James 225 watt to the home depot's 18,000 lumen industrial light 2' unit ( both are 5000k brightness:

At 13' mounting height, measured at 3' the HD gives 27 lumen and 295 lux

The James is mounted 10' at the ground gives 26 lumen, 275 lux, this is AT THE FLOOR so both measured at the same distance from the source......

This is in a darkened shop, and individually on.

I am not sure and doubt the measurements, but if you can say it should show the difference between the lights, my determination is there is no advantage of one over the other.

I did hold the phone right at the lights, and the James was 30,000, and the HD was 18,000.! I am guessing they both advertise using my phone for numbers, lol.


Both of these are 20' from a wall, and hung in a 20' eve building, using a 2x4 framed support structure and I moved around under each to get the high number, which is posted above.

Anyone explain an error in my methodology and why the James might be better than the HD unit for the rest of my shop?

HD is $105, James was about $160 each shipped, and both include my state's taxes.

Thanks for any suggestions, I'm leaning toward the HD industrial company's lights.

I do notice on the James when on I can see the 4 strips of lights, the HD I can not see them. And one doesn't overcome a shadow equally spaced supporting these lights, they are 90 degree's to each other and 15' apart, the shadowed 2x4 upright is equidistant to each light.

Allen

 

[Platonic Solid]

hemiallen - Well that doesn't sound right. The 225W James light is supposed to be 32,000 lumens (which would be seriously excessive at 10' or 13' mounting heights). Can you measure current draw of each fixture?

 

[hemiallen]

PS, I just sent you a message.

I just went out and looking at the raw cement floor, it seems marginally "brighter" than the HD 18,000 units I have been playing with. I might need to unbox and wire the other James light to see if there is a difference.

I am surprised there was no manual, nor do the boxes they shipped in state what unit is inside the box! I'll look at the frame later to see if it's obvious what I received.
Thanks

 

[hemiallen]

Update

They are indeed the 225w James lights. Now that it is darker, and spending more time the James are brighter, but not 2x to my eyes.

But, using the back side of my phone vs the face, and going up a ladder, the lighting numbers climb fast. And moving up a step the meter climbs faster than the digits can keep up, and getting close to the face of both the James and HD lights, they read what the literature says. I noticed on the James, gong up the ladder, letting it climb to a stable number, then slowly walking down I get a higher number than just going up the ladder. I suspect it might be a saturation issue.

The one thing I did find before ordering, the company gave me a layout using the 225w and the 165w 2' james light, and it required 2x as many lights buying the 2' than the 4'. I am not sure I agree with that, but not placing the james at 20' like I plan when hardwired permanently, I can't see needing 1/2 as many 4' giving the same lighting coverage. Without doing work, say measuring or reading under the lights, I think it's tough to be subjective about my comfortable lighting needs. I should do that before ordering the rest of my lights.

Hope this clarifies the differences I see, some.

 

[Platonic Solid]

You are measuring Fc or Lux. Both measures of light at a certain location. Fixture Lumen output is the total measure of light exiting the fixture. Do not expect to measure total lumen output of a fixture with a phone app. This is only done in a laboratory setting.

I can't comment on the 225W vs 165W fixture layout qty without knowing the LxWxH spec.

 

[hemiallen]

The app has both Lux and FC, I did both to see if they made sense, but maybe they shouldn't be linear to the other?

LED light wholesale gave me numbers based on an open 50' x 90' with a 20' light height ( which is my eve height, I have no ceiling and a 4:12 pitch white interior insulated roof), with both lights. His first Calc was at 40 FC, I asked to rerun both lights at 70fc, as the 165w needed 2x the fixtures over the 225w light when he ran 40FC.

Basically the 165w at 8.33 from the 50' walls and 16.67' apart, and 7.5' from the 90' wall and 18' apart, 5 x 3 pattern for 18 lights at 70fc

225w at 8.33 from the 50' walls,at 16.67 between one way (50' way)
and 9' from the 90' direction walls and 18' apart , and 15 lights total, so using the 225w fixtures it removed one row of 3 lights is all that changed.

Hope that makes sense

 

[Platonic Solid]

90x50x20 (I just did a cube - no open ceiling - default program 70|50|20 reflectance)
Fixtures surface mounted at 20ft

Qty. 18 110W 16406 Lm fixtures spaced 15'x 16.66' = 51fc @ 30"

Qty. 18 165W 24563 Lm fixtures spaced 15'x 16.66' = 76fc @ 30"

Qty. 18 225W 32000 Lm fixtures spaced 15'x 16.66' = 98fc @ 30"

 

[hemiallen]

Thanks, that matches their calc's well. Only question, yours are 15' from the walls vs their ~ 7-9' from the wall ?

And is the 76FC enough for most people? I do think, as the cost of the lights are very close, the 225w makes sense to me.

 

[Platonic Solid]

No, mine are 7-9' from walls. 15'x 16.66' is fixture to fixture spacing, 6x3 pattern, center pattern on room.

76fc is plenty for most tasks. 93fc recommended for machine shops and auto mechanics.

Use dimming if opting for 225W.

 

[hemiallen]

Thank you very much

 

[hemiallen]

Ok, I purchased a southwire kit with a clamp on meter and inline splitter to calculate watts (Amps x volts)

Home Depot 167.88

James 237.84

I still do not visually see that the James light is 20% more light ( based on measured watts) as the HD light, and my phone app using the same distance ( 10' from the source) shows these 2 lights at basically the same FC output! And the James says they are 30,000 lumen vs 18,000 lumen specification of the HD light.

 

[Platonic Solid]

I can't explain what you're seeing on your meter. Worth noting that the human eye is a very poor judge of brightness.

The Commercial Electric (link) fixture claims 18000 Lumens @ 170W = 106L/W
The James fixture (link) claims 32000 Lumens @ 225W = 142L/W

 

[hemiallen]

Thank you.

So 165w vs 225w will give 20 more FC at 30" height makes the decision easy, for the same cost, but I am surprised my eye doesn't see the James mounted at 10' as extremely bright VS the HD 165w light.

I just stood under each in the dark shop, and I do not see the James being too bright to be comfortable, but maybe after a longer time it would be obvious the ~90+FC being too much light.

Thanks again

Allen

 

[Platonic Solid]

You don't have to use dimming. It will only feel bright for the first minute or two while your eyes adjust. After that it will be comfortable. Plus the calcs are based on an empty room. Actual levels will drop as you fill the space and I used the default 70% flat ceiling reflectance which you won't achieve.

 

[hemiallen]

Perfect

Thank you very much

 

[derek_m]

i went with the maxlite fixtures and 5k bulbs from prolighting, fast shipping and very happy with the result. cant wait to get a ceiling up and some white on the walls. 9 fixtures for 900sf (28x32) garage, 8ft ceiling.

https://scontent-ort2-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/54256650_2394036503948744_1372279932683550720_o.jpg?_nc_cat=111&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-1.**&oh=50785d97273e2020f7407a3c2ef9910e&oe=5D2523E1

 

[cybrdyke]

Ok, I purchased a southwire kit with a clamp on meter and inline splitter to calculate watts (Amps x volts)

Home Depot 167.88

James 237.84

I still do not visually see that the James light is 20% more light ( based on measured watts) as the HD light, and my phone app using the same distance ( 10' from the source) shows these 2 lights at basically the same FC output! And the James says they are 30,000 lumen vs 18,000 lumen specification of the HD light.

Hemi,
Hope these thoughts help you understand....
First, the human eye can barely detect a 20% difference in light if you were standing underneath them. It's not unusual that you cant tell the difference. Where the difference comes into action is when you are spending time using the space. With better light, you'll see things easier with less eye strain. With lower levels, you'll squint, get tired easier, and be less happy.
Second, phone apps are horrible at measuring light. I use one every day. But I only use it for comparing A to B, not to get actual measurements. To do actual measurements, you need a real light meter. The problem with phones is that, not only is the technology not set up well, but there are also alot of "settings" in the camera system that will affect the outcome of the reading. FYI- foot-candles and lux are the same thing, exept lux is the metric measure.
Third, taking light readings is not as easy as it seems. I've seen professionals that dont know how to do it properly. It needs to be done at night and holding a phone and walking around will skew your results.
Good luck,
CD

 

[hemiallen]

Thank you for the information.

It makes sense to me that it would be difficult to see the difference with my eyes, and I agree, the phone was obviously not a good device and my expectations were an A to B ratio, not an accurate number. But surprisingly, when the phone was placed right under the diffuser of each, it was amazingly correct compared to the advertised numbers. I could see the best measurement was to lift the phone to max it's reading and lowering it gave higher numbers, although I think it peg'd the system.

Buying the $50 meter to measure watts made a huge improvement in my trust that the James is the better choice.

Thank you for the insight.

Allen

 

[sambo0012]

I thought I would give a quick update to this thread. I took the advice of Plantonic Solid and purchased 7 4ft fixtures from PROLighting.com. The fixtures and bulbs are listed on the first post of this thread. I am very happy with how it all turned out. Lots of light. Very well made fixture. Below are links to what I purchased. I would highly recommend this combination.

Maxlite 48" 2 Lamp LED Ready Utility Strip 120-277V

GLL 48" 18W LED T8 - 2,605 Lumens - Direct Wire Single End or Opposing End or Ballast Compatible - 5000K - 120-277V

 

[easyrider13]

Maxlite LSS2XT8USE4803 at $14.29 with free shipping.

Homelectrical.com is showing the Maxlite LSS2XT8USE4803 fixture today for $14.29 with free shipping. I just ordered 15.
I've read mixed reviews about this vendor. Their representative confirmed the price today and said that they would be drop-shipped from Maxlite in 2-4 weeks.
I'll post my experience.
Update:
The fixtures were sent via UPS and are out for delivery today (3/18).
A good price, free shipping and prompt delivery. Three out of three.

 

[bulletpruf]

All -

Did some searching and I'm interested in the Maxlite LED T8 setup. Have a 21' x 23' garage. so I'm thinking about going with 6 fixtures.

Question is the height -- the installed height would be 11'6" and I don't have the option to hang them (need the height for 4 post lift). Will these work well with 11'6" installed height? If not, any recommendations?

Thanks

Scott

 

[Platonic Solid]

bulletpruf - Suggest using 3-lamp 8000 Lumen fixtures (link) at your height.

 

[bulletpruf]

bulletpruf - Suggest using 3-lamp 8000 Lumen fixtures (link) at your height.

Thanks, PS. I'll check those out.

Scott

 

[harryking]

great information bro thanks for sharing good help i got

 

[Toomanytools?]

I find that spec sheet rather suspect since it also states 50,000 hr. rated life. What did MI to Washington State shipping cost?

I'm shopping thse lihjts read carefully the specs.
...The durable white finish metal body provides excellent heat dissipation providing 90,000 hours (L80 TM-21 at 68°C) of service life. 50,000 hour DLC warranty life. Sensors are available.

I'm getting that the housing is warranty 90K, the light 50K.
Can be misleading if not reading the whole story.

 

[lazyriverrat]

I ordered 14 of these: (LEDLHBY1000050040-5000K 2ft LED Linear High Bay - 2nd Gen - 110W - 14300 Lumens - 5) from LightUp.com. I was pretty excited to get them installed.......that was 2 months ago........just got an email that my order was cancelled. Guess I'll be resuming my search for the best fixture, that I can actually get.

 

[Platonic Solid]

lazyriverrat - Similar fixtures:

https://greenlightdepot.com/collect...r-high-bay-110w-ul-dlc?variant=14393292521515

https://www.ledlightingwholesaleinc.com/EHB2-110-850-p/ehb2-110-850.htm

 

[lazyriverrat]

Thank you, I already have the Green Light fixtures in my cart. I was hoping to stumble on a coupon code for them if I waited a bit. lol
Thanks again.

 

[bulletpruf]

All -

Did some searching and I'm interested in the Maxlite LED T8 setup. Have a 21' x 23' garage. so I'm thinking about going with 6 fixtures.

Question is the height -- the installed height would be 11'6" and I don't have the option to hang them (need the height for 4 post lift). Will these work well with 11'6" installed height? If not, any recommendations?

Thanks

Scott

I ended up going with 10 of the Maxlite fixtures. Really pleased with how it turned out.

 

[Rebird]

I thought I would give a quick update to this thread. I took the advice of Plantonic Solid and purchased 7 4ft fixtures from PROLighting.com. The fixtures and bulbs are listed on the first post of this thread. I am very happy with how it all turned out. Lots of light. Very well made fixture. Below are links to what I purchased. I would highly recommend this combination.

Maxlite 48" 2 Lamp LED Ready Utility Strip 120-277V

GLL 48" 18W LED T8 - 2,605 Lumens - Direct Wire Single End or Opposing End or Ballast Compatible - 5000K - 120-277V

Thanks for the recommendation..... I just ordered 14 of these from Prolighting.

 

[BentBierz]

Excellent question. Eventually I'll get around to making a chart or graph that can be used by everyone.

Meanwhile, for your specific situation:
60 2-lamp 4ft LED fixtures (thus 120 LED bulbs) mounted at 13ft = 88fc at 30" workplane.
Same Qty. of F32T8 normal ballast factor (0.88) fixtures = 93fc

90fc =
313,000 lm using open fluorescent strip lights
267,000 lm using James LED strip lights
234,000 lm using Fluorescent strip lights with reflectors

Hello,

This was posted some time ago but I was wondering if a chart or a graph was ever created? My 30' x 50' steel building has 12' walls and a 13' ridge and I am trying to figure out if I can hang the lights (Maxlite LSS2XT8USE4803) directly on the purlins or if they need to be dropped down at all. I would like to attach them directly to the purlins but won't if I would be losing a lot of efficiency. Thanks.

 

[BentBierz]

All -

Did some searching and I'm interested in the Maxlite LED T8 setup. Have a 21' x 23' garage. so I'm thinking about going with 6 fixtures.

Question is the height -- the installed height would be 11'6" and I don't have the option to hang them (need the height for 4 post lift). Will these work well with 11'6" installed height? If not, any recommendations?

Thanks

Scott

bulletpruf - Suggest using 3-lamp 8000 Lumen fixtures (link) at your height.

Or maybe this answers my question.