The Best Light Fixture Ever!

[Platonic Solid]

thoyer - The retrofit bulbs are used in many new installations due to low cost and ease of relamping in the future.

 

[Vicdog]

Let's clarify - You have a single 4ft 2-Lamp fixture with 2-2400 lumen bulbs (thus 4800 lumens total) in what I'll guess is a 30x24x10 space. You can't judge by a single fixture since your pupils can't properly adjust. If you permit your pupils to adjust to the dark area of the space and then look towards the single light source, it will be uncomfortable. This is why even light distribution is important,. Once you've evenly filled the space with the remaining fixtures, your pupils will adjust and it will not be uncomfortable.

That’s why you’re the expert! I went ahead and put the lights up, and low and behold they look great. They weren’t blinding me so what you said makes sense.

Thanks!

 

[thoyer]

When running multiple 48" fixtures, is it best to start with one ceiling box then run conduit between the fixtures or use a ceiling box for each fixture?

Still trying to figure out the spacing and number of fixtures using the "Visual Lighting" program. Guess I'm not as lighting CAD savy as I thought...........

Tom

 

[Marctrees]

Hey All !

I am new to this thread, but have read virtually all pages.

Platonic - You should setup and post an email address to a Paypal account to accept donations/ fees.

You do TOO much to not get some compensation.

3 years ago when my shop was being planned, we were going to use 105 w pigtail CFL's in a porcelain lampholder in LARGE polished SS mixing bowls reflectors, now considering LED instead for 40 x 35 x 10' woodwork / general shop new yet unlit Pole Building.

Questions -

** Why is there not more talk about LED "Panels" ?

Can anyone direct me to anything (Panels or tube / lamp combos) specific for a 10- 11 ft above floor mounting height ?

I want ALOT of light... MORE than average.

** Also - WHY SO much talk about dimmers ?

Total newbie to LED other than ALOT of recent study.

Background - Res/ light commercial Master Electrician by trade but retired 15yr ago... before even CFL's came out much.

Marc

 

[Aegwyn11]

I have a 18'x50'x9' space that I need lit. Its currently a garage, but we're converting it into a dual purpose space...purpose #1 is dog training, purpose #2 is home gym. First priority is even light distribution, so I'm thinking about using the single bulb variant of the Maxlite T8 fixture from the first post of this thread just so the bulbs can be spread out a bit more. I'm considering the Greenlightdepot tube (since the other one is out of stock).

BTW, the blue lines in the drawing are lights. Everything else are obstacles (garage door opener, attic door, etc.).

My question is whether or not I'm going to be way over-killing this with the plan I attached. This is a total of 23 bulbs/fixtures for a total of nearly 60k lumens, something around 70 fc according to the online calculator I found (not sure if I'm doing that right??).

Thoughts on this? Too many fixtures? Qty ok, but too many lumens (go with lower wattage bulb)? Or all good and it won't be too bright?

 

[seancassey]

very helpful - thanks a bunch

 

[Hot shot]

I have a 46x28 3 car 11 ft ceilings
Walls and ceilings are osb painted white
Have 26 4ft maxlite fixtures also
I used these bulbs
2600 lumens per bulb
They are not too bright
I don’t remember who it was on here but they said the keystones were good bulbs
I didn’t know anything about led’s
Google the cat #
A lot of companies sell these bulbs
Hopes this helps some


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[Aegwyn11]

Have 26 4ft maxlite fixtures also

You have 26 of the dual bulb version (52 bulbs)? Or single bulb version (26 bulbs)?

 

[Hot shot]

2 bulbs per fixture

The reason I have the pics of the boxes they came in is because I bought 1 extra fixture and 2 extra bulbs just in case


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[Mggray1968]

Thanks to the forum, just called GreenLightDepot and was able to get a box of (30) of the lights in the first post for 6.99 each (209.70 / box). I have thirteen double T8 florescents to retrofit.

 

[crdiy]

Is there a lighting layout tool that can provide specs for flush mounting LED strips on a 3:1 pitched gable ceiling? I am finishing the inside of my 50x100x16 steel building with white liner panel and want to maintain maximum clearance by flush mounting the strips rather than dropping them. I am currently planning for (6) 8ft 68w (8200 lumen) led strips in each 20ft bay ( 3 on each pitch), based on the results I got from a lighting layout tool that would only allow for a flat ceiling (I used 18ft avg ceiling height). I would like to find a tool that is more precise, before I spend $2500+ on the strip lights. I’m curious on the optimal spacing of the strips since I will have a white sidewall and the peak height is 22ft.
Appreciate any guidance. Thanks.

 

[networknerd]

Hi all, first off - thanks to all the useful contributions on this forum. I have done a lot of reading on here the last few weeks.

I am building a new home with ~25'x27'x11' garage. There is a second attached garage that is of similar size. I am having the electrician wire 4 fixtures per garage. This does not include door opener lights (i'm not counting those as adequate light).

I was originally leaning towards a 4 or 6 tube Diamond or V shaped T8 led ready fixture like the PLT-20023 from 1000bulbs

I like the idea of the tube fixtures because it gives me flexibility with wattage and lumens (since I wouldn't HAVE to fill it with 6 bulbs).

Alternatively, since this is new construction it would be easy to run lines for a dimmer...so i am also considering linear fixtures such as the Condor G2 90W from warehouse-lighting HBLED90W/5000KFR-G2

I dont need it so bright that I can perform surgery but I would like everything to be well lit. I'm looking for the best bang for the buck with light coverage that I can get with 4 fixtures (per garage). Thoughts?

 

[mrben157]

Hello i just built a 40x60x14 pole barn. 20x20 is a sectioned off living quarters with a loft above so i am really only interested in good lighting above the 40x40 shop section. Wood trusses 12' on center with stringers connecting them every 10'. Height measured from floor to the bottom of the trusses is about 13'. After much reading i appear to be right on the edge of high bays vs the lights recommended at the beginning of this thread. Would i be better off mounting the recommended just below the trusses or going with some high bays up above against the ceiling? Would my trusses and stringers interfere with high bay lighting? Would like to get near the 100fc target. I also have 3 roll up doors 2 @ 11x12 and 1 @ 11x10.

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

[mrben157]

Hello i just built a 40x60x14 pole barn. 20x20 is a sectioned off living quarters with a loft above so i am really only interested in good lighting above the 40x40 shop section. Wood trusses 12' on center with stringers connecting them every 10'. Height measured from floor to the bottom of the trusses is about 13'. After much reading i appear to be right on the edge of high bays vs the lights recommended at the beginning of this thread. Would i be better off mounting the recommended just below the trusses or going with some high bays up above against the ceiling? Would my trusses and stringers interfere with high bay lighting? Would like to get near the 100fc target. I also have 3 roll up doors 2 @ 11x12 and 1 @ 11x10.

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

Forgot to mention 4/12 pitch

 

[Toomanytools?]

Any suggestion?

Your space is similar to mine 36' X 56" X 16" within 100 square feet. One option is a 4x5 pattern 20 fixtures at about 14,000Lm which would give me about 97FC at workspace height. The other was 15 lights at 19,000Lm equals about 106fc, both those fixtures were Diva lights.

I have been advised not to go over 20,000Lm at 16 foot ceiling height the light is too much glare when you are in the space. my actual height is 15'6" fixtures would be about 15'.
You are best to use lower lumens but more lights to reduce shadows.
I would think for auto work in general 80-100 FC would be good, but maybe a few more if doing engine rebuilding or detail work.

I don't know anything about the lights you mentioned, I have looked for made in the USA lights but it gets very expensive. Brands like RAB, Techbrite, Maxlite seem very good.

I have a smaller shop 24x40x11 that I started getting Diva lights for from Beeslighting https://www.beeslighting.com/LHB-065W-U-50K-D10
I had also looked at DECO lights but at almost $40 per fixture more can't justify the $600.
Diva also has the same fixture but in 14,100 lumens that would work for your shop.
Lots of lights and opinions, decide on a firm budget, if you plan to be in the space longer than 7 years than maybe spending more for fixtures may work.
Hope this helps some.

 

[Jawgarage]

Has Anybody used these MaxLite fixtures? Good result? Im lighting two 25x30 garages with 11’ ceilings and white walls. Thinking of 3 rows of 4 four foot fixtures in each garage.

Jeff

 

[Platonic Solid]

Jawgarage - The Maxlite SL-48421-50 (link to Amazon) is a cord connected shop light primarily for over a workbench at ~8' mounting height that they're selling as general lighting. It will provide light, but you get what you pay for. I can usually find them at my local discount store in the $12 to $15 range. If your garages are just used for parking then mounting them at 11' is OK. If you actually work in there, then higher lumen output is recommended - something closer to the 7000-8000 Lumen range.

 

[Jawgarage]

Jawgarage - The Maxlite SL-48421-50 (link to Amazon) is a cord connected shop light primarily for over a workbench at ~8' mounting height that they're selling as general lighting. It will provide light, but you get what you pay for. I can usually find them at my local discount store in the $12 to $15 range. If your garages are just used for parking then mounting them at 11' is OK. If you actually work in there, then higher lumen output is recommended - something closer to the 7000-8000 Lumen range.

Oh wow.....thanks for keeping me from making a big mistake. Now to find some higher lumen strip lights since the garages are are mix of storage and real workspace.

 

[FTG-05]

So I'm planning to buy 4 more ELD lights to replace the old 400w halogens. My go-to in the past was this 2' linear high bay from GreenLightDepot: https://greenlightdepot.com/products/lhb-110w-with-lens-and-w-o-lens?variant=36041819012 I really like the 5 I have in my shop now.

However, that light is currently out of stock. So I'm looking at this 150w 21750 LED UFO high bay light: https://greenlightdepot.com/product...-tempered-glass-ul-dlc?variant=15187937984555

Specs are:

145 lm/watt vs. 149 lm/watt
286 lm/$ vs. 195 lm/$

Thoughts, good, bad or ugly?

 

[Platonic Solid]

FTG-05 - Here's another option (link) 134 L/W, 268 L/$

UFO's are fine for higher mounting since there's more output from a smaller luminous opening. I wouldn't mount them any lower than 15ft for a 21750 Lumen fixture unless using a dimmer.

 

[FTG-05]

FTG-05 - Here's another option (link) 134 L/W, 268 L/$

UFO's are fine for higher mounting since there's more output from a smaller luminous opening. I wouldn't mount them any lower than 15ft for a 21750 Lumen fixture unless using a dimmer.

I need to go measure the height of the halogens; they're probably right around 14-14.5 feet.

Thanks,

 

[houtan]

Thanks for the thread. Extremely helpful and informative

 

[Jawgarage]

Jawgarage - The Maxlite SL-48421-50 (link to Amazon) is a cord connected shop light primarily for over a workbench at ~8' mounting height that they're selling as general lighting. It will provide light, but you get what you pay for. I can usually find them at my local discount store in the $12 to $15 range. If your garages are just used for parking then mounting them at 11' is OK. If you actually work in there, then higher lumen output is recommended - something closer to the 7000-8000 Lumen range.

I cant seem to find any LED strip/shop lights at 7,000-8,000 Lumens. Anybody know of any?

 

[Platonic Solid]

I cant seem to find any LED strip/shop lights at 7,000-8,000 Lumens. Anybody know of any?

https://www.prolighting.com/commercial-lighting/ledready/t443ssubcxx00p0-18w5k.html

Remember to use 7% GARAGEJOURNAL discount code at checkout.

 

[Marctrees]

My apology to SteaveAustin for my previous post in this thread.

Welcome to the Forum. Steave !

Marc

 

[Jawgarage]

https://www.prolighting.com/commercial-lighting/ledready/t443ssubcxx00p0-18w5k.html

Remember to use 7% GARAGEJOURNAL discount code at checkout.

I had them also do a layout for me and it matched what we laid out on our own a year ago!!! So glad since the electric is already in place. They gave two options:

2 lamp fixtures at 5700 lumens or the 3 lamp fixtures you suggested at 8000 lumens. They said that the first is 65 footcandles and the second 90 footcandles.

I need 24 fixtures for both garage halfs so the $20 cheaper cost per unit for the 2 lamp would sure help. Thoughts?

 

[diesel_farmer]

This is a very informative chain of posts. Thank you to all of you that have taken time to provide good information here.

BTW, I noticed that Greenlightdepot is running sale on the T8 bulbs - it's worth checking out.

Question: I have several high bay fixtures that use the t5 bulbs - specifically F54T5HO bulbs. Is it worth trying to replace the t5 with LED t5 bulbs or scrap the fixtures and start over? If it's worth getting t5 LEDs, are there any bulb recommendations?

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[Platonic Solid]

I had them also do a layout for me and it matched what we laid out on our own a year ago!!! So glad since the electric is already in place. They gave two options:

2 lamp fixtures at 5700 lumens or the 3 lamp fixtures you suggested at 8000 lumens. They said that the first is 65 footcandles and the second 90 footcandles.

I need 24 fixtures for both garage halfs so the $20 cheaper cost per unit for the 2 lamp would sure help. Thoughts?

Depends on your age and the detail of the projects being worked on. The older you are, the more you'll appreciate the additional light.

 

[FTG-05]

FTG-05 - Here's another option (link) 134 L/W, 268 L/$

UFO's are fine for higher mounting since there's more output from a smaller luminous opening. I wouldn't mount them any lower than 15ft for a 21750 Lumen fixture unless using a dimmer.

PS et al, I just ordered four of these lights. As stated earlier, I plan to use these to replace my four 240 VAC 400 watt halogen lights. The lights .pdf install guide says the input voltage is 100-277 VAC. However, the wiring diagram also shown, shows L1-N-G only. Typical 240 VAC is L1-L2-N-G.

So I *assume* I use only L1 of the 240 VAC and tape off L2. Input voltage is 120 VAC and is still controlled by the existing 240 VAC light switch.

Please advise: the lights are on their way and I'd hate to electrocute myself.....

 

[Platonic Solid]

FTG-05 - Sounds correct, but I'm not an electrician and I'm not sure how many sparkies frequent this thread. Might want to post this to it's own thread.

 

[John T]

Question:

Does anyone make an LED conversation bulb for these flouresent tubes?
24”
And
18”
110 retrofit preferred

]


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[Platonic Solid]

John T - What the heck kind of fixture is that? I've seen a lot of fixtures, but nothing like that one. Anyway, to answer your question, Yes - Keystone does (for a price).

https://www.lightup.com/18in-t8.html
https://www.lightup.com/2ft-t8-1.html

I find all that tape a bit concerning. You'll have to cut out the transformers and starters.

 

[OneOfEm]

John T - What the heck kind of fixture is that? I've seen a lot of fixtures, but nothing like that one. Anyway, to answer your question, Yes - Keystone does (for a price).

https://www.lightup.com/18in-t8.html
https://www.lightup.com/2ft-t8-1.html

I find all that tape a bit concerning. You'll have to cut out the transformers and starters.

Looks like the inside of a lighted sign.

 

[John T]

John T - What the heck kind of fixture is that? I've seen a lot of fixtures, but nothing like that one. Anyway, to answer your question, Yes - Keystone does (for a price).


I find all that tape a bit concerning. You'll have to cut out the transformers and starters.

Thanks,
Amazon has the 2’ bulbs but its a 4 pack ....

I will check out keystone

Yes,
It a cool old lighted sign...
It works ok ... as is,
But gets a little warm in the back.

.





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[Platonic Solid]

3 years ago when my shop was being planned, we were going to use 105 w pigtail CFL's in a porcelain lampholder in LARGE polished SS mixing bowls reflectors, now considering LED instead for 40 x 35 x 10' woodwork / general shop new yet unlit Pole Building.

Can anyone direct me to anything (Panels or tube / lamp combos) specific for a 10- 11 ft above floor mounting height ?

I want ALOT of light... MORE than average.

Can you post a pic of the interior?

 

[Marctrees]

Well, photos are scarce around here as we live in a Rural dead cell area so I don't carry a phone.

But it is typical new Pole barn - 40 gable end width, 35 ridge length, and approx 9'7" or so to bottom of 4/12 Trusses 10' OC.

All walls and under roof getting spray foam soon, regular whitish stuff.

Walls will be covered w plywood to 8' height, painted white.

We were thinking to hang the fixtures at approx ? 10'6" - 11' ? or so., so hoping 10' oc spacing centered between 10' OC Trusses.

Approx 2/3 of the building - 35 ridge length x about 28' of the gable end width will be general work area - want to light area evenly, no special hot spots.

Thought to split up in 4 areas, 4 switches.

We want that area BRIGHT.

Other 1/3 or so will be like storage, so less light there, on a separate single switch.


So when this building was being planned, I came across a steal deal on the CFL link below, bought 20 @ $5 each.

Lamps - https://limostudio.com/collections/continuous-output-lighting/products/hlms121

Planned on round nailer box (using Nm-b), keyless porcelain lampholders, and SS Mixing bowl in link below.. hole saw for lampholder protrusion, step bit some vent holes, and attach to box w the standard 8/32's sandwiching the porcelain base.

still writing.. hang tight

 

[Marctrees]

OK - lightweight thin wall -

https://www.kitchenrestock.com/Winco-MXB-3000Q-Mixing-Bowl_p_2567.html

So that is my current Redneck light fixture plan.

I can sell the lamps on Ebay if something different makes better sense.

Marc

 

[Marctrees]

I thought lately to - Make up one of "my" proposed fixtures, and buy one of YOUR proposed led ones, temp hang at 11' far apart, and compare.

Would not mind buying light meter for $20, but something questionable about they wont "read" led apple to apple w other light sources ?

Course, if the difference is obvious, I won't need a meter... If it is not obvious to my eyes, it don't matter I guess.

Marc

 

[Platonic Solid]

Never mind Marctrees - I think you need your own thread.

 

[Marctrees]

Well, OK...

Will you comment there if I do so ?

Marc