The Best Light Fixture Ever!

[overdriv]

overdriv - See bulb suggestions in post 1 of this thread.

I read that, but still don't understand if I need single ended or double ended, etc. Will my tombstones work??

 

[Platonic Solid]

I read that, but still don't understand if I need single ended or double ended, etc. Will my tombstones work??

Your T8 fixtures have electronic ballasts, thus you have shunted lamp holders. Get the Greentek bulb (link) and you can use your existing tombstones. This lamp is universal Ballast Compatible or Bypass. They may work with your existing ballasts, but I would pull the ballasts out for best lamp efficiency and performance.

Note: The Greentek bulb will work regardless whether you have shunted or non-shunted tombstones and single or double end wired. I would wire double end regardless of which tombstones you have.

 

[overdriv]

Will there be schematics for wiring with the bulbs?

I ordered 56 bulbs. How long do they normally last?

 

[Platonic Solid]

overdriv - the link I posted to the lamp has the Greentek spec sheet (link). It's really simple to wire: Hot to one end, Neutral to other end.

Spec sheet has rated life at 50,000 Hrs.

 

[Kristang]

Tomorrow I start construction of my new 26x28x12 garage! I am using bright white pole barn tin to finish the ceiling and walls. can someone give me a recommendation on the ideal lighting arrangement for this build? Thank you in advance!

 

[JC23]

Anyone have any idea on the frequency of HF having these on sale?

Just missed the one this July 4 weekend.

Thanks.

 

[Tombrown]

Hey all!

I am new here, and I am 100% lost...

I am closing in my new 40x60 pole barn (roll ups to be hung next week).

and now I am stuck on lighting... I want LED, and I want it bright. I have 14 ft eves with 21ft peak.. whats my turn key LED setup?

Thanks!

 

[Platonic Solid]

Too much demand - not enough time.

 

[tricountytrail]

LITHONIA LIGHTING
LED High Bay, 5000K Color Temp., 13286 lm
JEBL 12L 50K 80CRI WH

Question What controller can I use to dim these lights, and how many will each controller handle, Eventually I will have a total up to 12.

 

[Platonic Solid]

tricountytrail - Any 0-10VDC rated dimmer will work. If you use a dimming only control (link) (has no On/Off functionality) then you can control 25 fixtures. This is the lowest cost method as On/Off function would be done separately via standard 15A wall switches.

If you want On/Off switch with 0-10VDC capability you'll have to keep an eye on the rated LED dimming wattage. Example - This Lutron Diva dimmer (link) is rated 450W max. Each fixture is 91W, thus 450/91 = 4 fixtures max, which means you'd need 3 switches.

If you want everything in 1 switch you'll have to find a 1200W rated LED Dimmer (91W x 12 fixtures = 1092W).

Note: You can connect multiple fixtures to 1 dimmer. You cannot connect 2 dimmers to the same fixture(s).

 

[tricountytrail]

tricountytrail - Any 0-10VDC rated dimmer will work. If you use a dimming only control (link) (has no On/Off functionality) then you can control 25 fixtures. This is the lowest cost method as On/Off function would be done separately via standard 15A wall switches.

So I will have 4 circuits for the lights on 4 switches and I can connect all the
1-10v wires in parallel and to the single controller listed above with 18awg wire?
the 10v power comes from the fixtures then?

 

[Platonic Solid]

So I will have 4 circuits for the lights on 4 switches and I can connect all the 1-10v wires in parallel and to the single controller listed above with 18awg wire? The 10v power comes from the fixtures then?

Exactly. The dimmer is just a simple potentiometer.

 

[Toomanytools?]

Hey all!

I am new here, and I am 100% lost...

I am closing in my new 40x60 pole barn (roll ups to be hung next week).

and now I am stuck on lighting... I want LED, and I want it bright. I have 14 ft eves with 21ft peak.. whats my turn key LED setup?

Thanks!

Platonic has been the most resourceful in this area but the guy has been abused he has a life too. Others have chimed in with good results maybe they will help out. The information is in the thread but it takes days to read it some of the older posts 3-4 years are outdated as far as light fixtures. The layouts still hold true just replace with never fixtures.
Your shop 40x60 is pretty common so you should find a layout that is the same, it would be best to hang lights at one height so 14' or so.
You can use this app to check lights http://www.visual-3d.com/tools/interior/

Also do a search for 40x60, https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7851375&highlight=40x60#post7851375
Good luck.

 

[tricountytrail]

Exactly. The dimmer is just a simple potentiometer.

Thanks you are a great asset to this site!!!

 

[MadisonHardware]

Just wanted to add my thanks to this thread to Mr. Platonic Solid for his sage advice. I ordered 35 fixtures for my 30 x 40 shop and followed one of his layouts from another thread. With one of three bays wired in, I am thrilled. By far the best lit garage / shop I have ever owned. Thanks for all the information that you share on this forum.

 

[nastorino]

Thanks for all the info Platonic and for keeping this thread updated with the latest fixtures and bulbs.

For anyone about to purchase the Maxlite fixtures and the Greentek bulbs. Bees lighting has been my go to for fixtures for awhile. They had a ton of the fixtures in stock and got them from Cali to CT in no time. They won't give you special pricing. For the bulbs Green Light Depot had the best pricing especially after emailing them for a larger quantity.

 

[jjohnny]

Wanted to say thank you to Platonic. The amount of info in here is awesome. I think most people would be able to find what they need if they would look through and search for it but that takes some time.
Thanks again Platonic.

 

[alxmlr789]

Thanks for everything you do Platonic!

Are you guys installing these 4ft bulbs at 12 ft or do i need to go to an 80W high bay?

 

[steiner5]

Does anyone happen to know what light should be chosen in the Visual Interior Tool software that would best align with the Greenlight depot 18W VersaT8 LED tube that is being recommended?

 

[Platonic Solid]

steiner5 - https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6721429#post6721429

 

[steiner5]

PS.....thanks that is exactly what I needed.

 

[steiner5]

PS... I just noticed something and I think I know the answer but want to make sure. Regarding the link you provided for the software with the properties of the 18W Versa T8 bulb already loaded, it shows 5347 lumens per lamp and it only has 1 lamp in the quantity. The data on the 18W bulb shows about 140 lumens per watt which would run about 2520 per bulb so I assume the 5347 lumens is really for 2 bulbs. Is that correct?

Thanks again for you help.

 

[Platonic Solid]

steiner5 - Correct. We're using an integrated LED fixture to emulate a 2 lamp retrofit fixture.

 

[dusterdude]

Does anyone know where I can get a flush mount led light,5000 ish lumens linkable by wire?thanks

Sent from my LG-US601 using Tapatalk

 

[roycemek]

Hi,
I have an open space I'm looking to light (workshop) 27 x 20 with 8ft ceilings. I've been trying to read through as much of the thread as possible. I found a link from Platonic for these https://www.lightup.com/2ft-x-4ft-flat-panel-led-60w-dimmable-7800-lumens.html and they look really nice. Just wondering for a little advice if this will be overkill to have 7 or 8 of these fixtures in my space?

I also like the idea of maybe using some brand name, Lithonia. Something equivalent. "EPANL 2X4 6800LM 80CRI 40K"?? Can someone recommend a place to buy these online or locally (LA area). I tried googling the part number but seems like this is not a standard configuration. Thanks so much for all the help.

Royce M

 

[Platonic Solid]

roycemek - Follow Visual photometric tool instructions here
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6721429&highlight=visual#post6721429
Then change fixture to Lithonia EPANL.

 

[roycemek]

thanks, Plantonic. I was playing with the tool earlier but didn't quite know how to use. That tutorial really helped.

Now I really have to rethink my device choices. I was looking at these lights on Amazon this morning because of ease of ordering/shipment. But now it seems like 6000 lumens isn't sufficient for the number of fixtures I would like to use. I'm trying to limit my selection to about 9 if at all possible.

Thanks,
Royce M

 

[Platonic Solid]

https://www.beeslighting.com/lithonia-cpanl-led-flat-panel/p/CPANL-2X4-40-50-60LM-40K-M2

 

[Texasranch]

As a new member, thanks Platonic for all of this info. Makes lighting decisions much easier. Much appreciated.

 

[argulator]

https://www.beeslighting.com/lithonia-cpanl-led-flat-panel/p/CPANL-2X4-40-50-60LM-40K-M2

PS-do you have any experience/thoughts on those panels? I'm getting ready to build and would like to do something beside tube strips. My wife has told me she wants a licensed electrician installing all the wiring/lights (I'm a elect. engineer, go figure...) so if I've got enough money to pay someone to install them I don't mind blowing some more to get something a little more unique.

I've looked through numerous threads, is there any thing "cool" in terms of style (not light...) out there?

 

[Platonic Solid]

argulator - No hands-on experience with the Lithonia CPANL fixtures. Reading the specs, they have an integrated driver, thus no driver box on the back. For surface ceiling mount you'll need the $20 surface mounting kit which is only 1" deep.

There's no end to fixture options and prices. You really need to start with LxWxH and purpose of space.

 

[shopoholic]

Correct me if wrong but bee's lighting is showing that they went up to $20.91 each, almost a $5 raise

 

[Platonic Solid]

shopoholic - I assume you're referring to the Maxlite LSS2XT8USE4803. Currently $16.96 here (not including shipping) https://www.ledlightingwholesaleinc.com/LSS2XT8USE4803-p/lss2xt8use4803.htm. I thought you already purchased them for $12.64. Seems all light fixtures are going up in price lately and likely to keep going up.

 

[Toomanytools?]

Trade wars and Tariffs, yes lot's of things will go up.

 

[shopoholic]

Yep that's the ones I was referring too, and I had them in my cart almost $500 in lights and I didn't want to drop it at that time. picked up a project car for a steal instead. should have bought the lights too dangit.

 

[Evilcactuar]

$19.01 now!

Sent from my LM-V405 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[ddurrett896]

I went with 12 of the below. Shipping shows 1-2 weeks and they delivered in 3 days - packed with protection to protect the lights (see pic).

https://www.prolighting.com/t442ssubcxx00p0-18w5k.html

I sent them my garage dimensions and Kyle was able to get me a layout at the end of the day.

Originally, I was considering the el-cheapo Amazon light packs that averaged around $20/light vs these at $40. The negative was that you can't replace the bulb so in the future I might have an oddball fixture that doesn't match. Plus the coupon code GARAGEJOURNAL saves 7% which covered the shipping.

With these, I can swap the bulbs and keep the fixtures for life. Buy once, cry once. Great lights, great company that shipped faster than expected. Will update once installed.

 

[shopoholic]

I found a company that met/beat any price I could find on the maxlite fixtures on page 1. Bought them from AtlantaLightBulbs.com even had free shipping. cant wait to get them in 5-7 business days!

(14) maxlite LSS2XT8USE4803 fixtures
(30) James – ZY-T8-18W-1200-BIXX-5000K bulbs

Total: $480

 

[MotecM]

^Shill post?

What product did you get them to price match or beat, and what was the final invoiced price?

 

[calinflo]

Greetings,

I've been lurking and searching this site for a while and found it to be so helpful in my small garage re-do. I started in Flooring (went VCT) and have now moved onto Lighting

I have a small garage 19x21x9 that I am looking to light and have a few questions
As far as fixtures, I want to go with the Maxlite LSS2XT8USE4803 fixture – 9 of them per Visual Photometric Tool – also have a real nice layout
My question lies in the bulb selection – I would like to be able to dim them –

What bulbs (5k) are recommended for dimmable solution

OR is it the fixture that determined dimmable

Also, my garage ceiling is 9 ft high with garage door tracks and ceiling fans hanging down. My original plan was to mount the lights direct on ceiling but maybe I should hang them just below the lowest obstruction point which would be the door track – thoughts?

Thanks in advance

Calin