The Best Light Fixture Ever!

[ToddMcF2002]

Mount the fixtures parallel to and next to the vehicles so they don't interfere with the lift. This provides much better lighting around and under the lift. If you mount fixtures directly over the vehicles, they will have to be mounted much higher to avoid the lifted car and light will be blocked by the lifted car.

Great advice I'm very happy with the outcome. Thanks for your help!

View media item 97467

 

[samduhspam]

Hi there-

Sorry, I haven't read through the 100 pages. I have a approx 450 SF garage that I will be putting can lights in on each side of the walls. The ceiling is vaulted and I plan to put two 4' LED strips in. Can any recommend a brand or model? I have Day-Brite LF4-FR-31-30- U-XDIM as recommended from lighting person.

The garage us used mostly for car storage with 1 or 3 four post lifts.

Thanks!

 

[930dreamer]

Has anyone installed these LED from Sam's club?

https://www.samsclub.com/p/linkable-10pk/prod21062241?xid=pdp_carousel_rich-relevance.rr0_2

 

[Platonic Solid]

930dreamer - Clear lens is a deal breaker. Honeywell Spec (link)

 

[930dreamer]

So no lens for LED lights?

 

[Carford]

Low Voltage Lighting Fixtures - How to identify these from line voltage lighting fixtures and what are the differences in terms of design and operation?

 

[Platonic Solid]

So no lens for LED lights?

Frosted lens (aka: translucent diffuser) for LED lights. Evens out light distribution and causes less glare (eye irritation).

 

[Platonic Solid]

Low Voltage Lighting Fixtures - How to identify these from line voltage lighting fixtures and what are the differences in terms of design and operation?

Outside of the voltage there is no difference. At the component level, typical LED chips require ~3VDC and current anywhere from 10mA to 2A. Arrange 4 or 8 in series and you have 12VDC or 24VDC respectively. An LED array (PCB with multiple LEDs) requires DC input. The DC current needs to be regulated by either an onboard resistor (aka: current limiting resistor - which is not an energy efficient method) or a driver. The driver input is what determines AC or DC. Since most people don't have access to DC in the higher wattage necessary to generate significant lumen output, most higher lumen output fixtures are AC. Lower lumen output fixtures, (undercabinet, accent lights, tape lighting, landscape lights) are available in DC - powered either by solar or AC to DC converter.

 

[madspeed50]

I have an opportunity to grab a bunch of these brand new for dirt cheap. Obviously I would need bulbs, will the OP recommended bulbs fit these sockets, and any tips as to how to properly remove the ballasts?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Metalux...em-Fluorescent-Strip-Light-8TSSF232/305016127

 

[930dreamer]

Frosted lens (aka: translucent diffuser) for LED lights. Evens out light distribution and causes less glare (eye irritation).

Ok, I'm tracking now.

 

[Platonic Solid]

I have an opportunity to grab a bunch of these brand new for dirt cheap. Obviously I would need bulbs, will the OP recommended bulbs fit these sockets, and any tips as to how to properly remove the ballasts?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Metalux...em-Fluorescent-Strip-Light-8TSSF232/305016127

Recommend this bulb (link) from post 1. As for the fixture, cut all wires close to ballast and remove ballast. For each bulb, connect 1 lampholder to Line (Black) and the other end lampholder to Neutral (White). This video covers the basics.

 

[Platonic Solid]

930dreamer -

As posted in prior threads -
See result of bare LEDs on the back wall in this Honeywell shop light customer review picture:

​

 

[Trans damm]

I have a small 1 car garage 12x24 with front to back vaulted ceilings /\ 16’ at the high point. I was thinking about doing the new led recessed lights for a clean install. Anyone have any insight on using recessed in a garage? I’m worried about the angle of the roof displacing the light output. They are fairly expensive but since the garage is small I think 8-10 could get the job done. Appreciate any info. I plan on putting a lift in so lower hanging shop lights won’t work

 

[930dreamer]

930dreamer -

As posted in prior threads -
See result of bare LEDs on the back wall in this Honeywell shop light customer review picture:

I have some reading to do.

 

[MJK]

Thanks for all the good advice here. I have to admit, I am a bit lost in it.

I plan to order 9 Maxlite LSS2XT8USE4803 fixtures / 18 greentek bulbs.

Can I dim these? If so, will any standard dimmer as long as it is rated for >~350w? Trying to stay with Lutron Biscuit colored. I have to confess I am a little lost in how an amp drawn by different bulb types would require a different rating (600w incandescent vs 150w for LED on MSCL-OP153M-BI). Do I need the MSCELV-600M-BI $$$

Also, current fixtures elsewhere in the house have this prism reflector that really seems to work well on my ~10 foot ceilings. Is there a fixture that has these or a way to retrofit them?

Thanks for any and all help.

 

[Platonic Solid]

MJK - In general, retrofit bulbs with internal drivers like the Greentek are not dimmable. You'd have to locate an external driver, UL Type C, retrofit bulb and make sure the driver has 0-10VDC dimming capability. Type C is rather unpopular due to the higher cost of purchasing separate lamps and drivers. Not many available when I search - here's one example: Lamps (link) + Driver (link). For lower cost you can get 4ft integrated LED strip lights like this (link).

The easiest cheapest way to dim is by separating the low voltage 0-10VDC dimmer from the line voltage On/Off switch. 0-10VDC dimmers are nothing more than a potetiometer - the 0-10VDC is supplied by the fixture/driver. This allows all fixtures to be wired to 1 dimmer without regard for fixture wattage. Here's one (link). If you want to get fancy and spend the money on dimmers with On/Off function, then you'll have to pay attention to the wattage. As you've already noticed, the acceptable LED wattage is much lower than the incandescent wattage rating due to initial surge when LEDs are turned On.

With respect to the typical K12 acrylic prism lens on other fixtures in your house - usually used on recessed fluorescent grid fixtures - LED retrofit bulbs with frosted lens (aka: diffuser) can work. Just do not use clear lensed bulbs behind K12 acrylic unless you're going for a psychedelic motif.

 

[IMAGINETHAT]

OK - so I will be ordering some TechBrite 48" 3 Lamp LED T8 Strip Fixtures very soon.

What is this Garage Journal discount people speak of ?

Thanks in advance !

 

[Platonic Solid]

IMAGINETHAT - 7% off at prolighting.com - use GARAGEJOURNAL discount code at checkout.

 

[IMAGINETHAT]

IMAGINETHAT - 7% off at prolighting.com - use GARAGEJOURNAL discount code at checkout.

Awesome - thank you so much !!!

 

[MJK]

MJK - In general, retrofit bulbs with internal drivers like the Greentek are not dimmable. You'd have to locate an external driver, UL Type C, retrofit bulb and make sure the driver has 0-10VDC dimming capability. Type C is rather unpopular due to the higher cost of purchasing separate lamps and drivers. Not many available when I search - here's one example: Lamps (link) + Driver (link). For lower cost you can get 4ft integrated LED strip lights like this (link).

The easiest cheapest way to dim is by separating the low voltage 0-10VDC dimmer from the line voltage On/Off switch. 0-10VDC dimmers are nothing more than a potetiometer - the 0-10VDC is supplied by the fixture/driver. This allows all fixtures to be wired to 1 dimmer without regard for fixture wattage. Here's one (link). If you want to get fancy and spend the money on dimmers with On/Off function, then you'll have to pay attention to the wattage. As you've already noticed, the acceptable LED wattage is much lower than the incandescent wattage rating due to initial surge when LEDs are turned On.

With respect to the typical K12 acrylic prism lens on other fixtures in your house - usually used on recessed fluorescent grid fixtures - LED retrofit bulbs with frosted lens (aka: diffuser) can work. Just do not use clear lensed bulbs behind K12 acrylic unless you're going for a psychedelic motif.

Thank you so much! That makes a hell of a lot more sense now.

I'm thinking I might be better served to keep it simple at the beginning. I have 3 Lithonia SB232s running standard T8 fluorescents now. I think will just grab 6 more of those to match, wire in single pole simple switch and use the frosted Greenteks undimmed. It may not be perfect, but good enough.

Any reason not to bypass/remove the ballasts and direct wire them when I do this?

 

[Platonic Solid]

MJK - Recommend ballast removal as that just becomes an unnecessary energy wasting potential point of failure.

 

[tlmartin84]

I purchased a bunch of these about 3 years ago. They are on about 10 hours per week, so they have about 1500 hours on them.


The ballasts in them are PHILIPS LIGHTING ICN4P32N 3/4F17-F32


I am now replacing the 4th ballast out of 12 lights. This seems way to frequent to me, is there a better ballast out there that can be substituted?

 

[Platonic Solid]

tlmartin84 - That ballast shouldn't be any better or worse than any other name brand out there: Sylvania, GE, Universal. Consider removing ballasts and relamping with LED retrofit bulbs (link).

 

[2fst4u_7]

I am sure this has been covered but I cant seem to find it... Can the LSS2XT8USE4803 be wired/ mounted end to end? My goal was to mount 10 of these in tandem, so 8' of light for a 36x48' shop with 14.5' ceiling. Am I going in the right direction?

 

[Platonic Solid]

I am sure this has been covered but I cant seem to find it... Can the LSS2XT8USE4803 be wired/ mounted end to end? My goal was to mount 10 of these in tandem, so 8' of light for a 36x48' shop with 14.5' ceiling. Am I going in the right direction?

Yes, the Maxlite 2-lamp 4ft strip light can be continuously row mounted. They have knockouts on each end. However, it's not the right fixture for your ceiling height. Suggest something like this 110W 13860 lumen fixture. Qty. 15 3x5 pattern.

 

[2fst4u_7]

Yes, the Maxlite 2-lamp 4ft strip light can be continuously row mounted. They have knockouts on each end. However, it's not the right fixture for your ceiling height. Suggest something like this 110W 13860 lumen fixture. Qty. 15 3x5 pattern.

I already have the boxes installed, 10 total @ 2 rows of 5. Any suggestion for that setup?

 

[Platonic Solid]

2fst4u_7 - Hmph. That not an ideal setup. Max fixture center to fixture center spacing for 14.5' ceiling height is 14.5'.

1. What's the distance between the 2 rows?
2. What's the purpose of the space?
3. Will interior walls and ceiling be left bare wood as seen in your build thread?

 

[2fst4u_7]

2fst4u_7 - Hmph. That not an ideal setup. Max fixture center to fixture center spacing for 14.5' ceiling height is 14.5'.

1. What's the distance between the 2 rows?
2. What's the purpose of the space?
3. Will interior walls and ceiling be left bare wood as seen in your build thread?

The distance between the rows is ~12ft. The spacing between the lights in the row is ~8ft.
The purpose is hobby shop, hang out space.
Walls will be taped, textured, and paintd white.

 

[Platonic Solid]

2fst4u_7 - No time right now. I'll take a closer look this evening. Meanwhile look at this thread (link)

 

[Platonic Solid]

2fst4u_7 - I have to ask - Who came up with this layout pattern? It's terrible. If this is what you're sticking with, then I can't help you.

 

[2fst4u_7]

2fst4u_7 - I have to ask - Who came up with this layout pattern? It's terrible. If this is what you're sticking with, then I can't help you.

That would be me haha! Thanks for the help anyways, guess Ill try the fixtures in post one and see what happens!

 

[Platonic Solid]

2fst4u_7 - The fewest fixtures you can use and still yield even light distribution is 12 in a 3x4 pattern (12' fixture center to fixture center in both directions). I'd seriously consider fixing this now.

This fixture from Prolighting would work well. It's $92 after GARAGEJOURNAL discount. Or the fixture I previously posted.

Add a dimmer (link) and your good to go.

 

[Platonic Solid]

2fst4u_7 - This 87W fixture available in 4000K & 5000K (links) $82.50
Add lens option: $6.25
Add Surface Mount Kit (SMK4): $5.00
Total: $93.75

With surface mount kit you shouldn't need a junction box. Just run romex through hole in ceiling into fixture back.

 

[madspeed50]

I'll be ordering some 110 watt high bays and wanting to add a all in one dimmer such as the Lutron Diva. How do I determine how many lights can fit on one dimmer?

 

[Platonic Solid]

I'll be ordering some 110 watt high bays and wanting to add a all in one dimmer such as the Lutron Diva. How do I determine how many lights can fit on one dimmer?

8A x 120VAC = 960W / 110W = 8 fixtures max.

 

[madspeed50]

 

[fred d]

Ok....my brain hurts trying to understand the different options with all of the different abbreviations.
Feel like I’m dealing with NASA level information


After trying to figure out which bulbs I have
(the ends on my bulbs don’t look anything like the T5-T8-T12)
I’m pretty sure I have a T12 High Output.

I have 6 8ft fixtures between my 2 garages
From the reading I have done, I’m pretty sure I want to eliminate the ballast to help with energy cost, but my main purpose is brighter lighting for my aging eyes.

Don’t want to spend $100 each to just replace all the lights.
Looking for a clear (simple) suggestion on how best to move forward

Thank you for your patience and help

 

[Platonic Solid]

fred d - To convert your six 2-lamp 8ft F96T12HO fixtures to 4-lamp LED you need:

6 8' 4-Lamp Strip Retrofit Kits $8 ea (link) = $48 - 7% GARAGEJOURNAL discount = $44.64 (plus shipping)

24 LED bulbs with frosted lens $7.75 ea (link) = $186 (free shipping)

Total = $230.64 / 6 = $38.44 per fixture.

If you want 1 stop shopping and don't mind spending a few extra $, then you can get the lamps from Prolighting also: 4000K or 5000K color.
8.99 ea = $215.76 - 7% GARAGEJOURNAL discount = $200.66 (plus shipping)

Total = $245.30 / 6 = $40.88 per fixture (plus shipping)

All above linked lamps are universal so lamp holders can be wired:
line on one end and neutral on the other end
or
single end: line on one pin and neutral on the other

This video shows the process (link) - they happen to be using a bulb that only accepts single end.

 

[2fst4u_7]

2fst4u_7 - This 87W fixture available in 4000K & 5000K (links) $82.50
Add lens option: $6.25
Add Surface Mount Kit (SMK4): $5.00
Total: $93.75

With surface mount kit you shouldn't need a junction box. Just run romex through hole in ceiling into fixture back.

Awesome! Thanks so much the help, so would you recommend this over the previous mentioned light from prolighting?

 

[Platonic Solid]

2fst4u_7 - Prolighting surface mount brackets are a bit pricey @ $23.50 per set (link). Since 12 fixtures is over $1000, shipping cost becomes a non-issue. So yes, I'd go the ledlightingwholesale route.

36x48x14.5 87W 12300Lm 12 Fixture Dialux Report (link).
Note assumes interior is 36x48x14.5 (which it probably isn't) - reduce fixture distance to interior walls as necessary.

If you have the funds and plan on installing a dimmer, then their 132W 18,500 Lumen fixture works also.
4000K & 5000K (links) $101.25
Add lens option: $6.25
Add Surface Mount Kit (SMK4): $5.00
Total: $112.50

36x48x14.5 132W 18500Lm 12 Fixture Dialux Report (link)

FWIW - If this was my space I'd spend the few extra dollars and go the 132W 18,500 Lumen fixture route and put them all on one simple dimming-only control (link)