The Best Light Fixture Ever!

[Platonic Solid]

Murrdog - I do it, but it takes way too much time testing different scenarios to be doing it for free. Sorry, can't make a fixture recommendation without testing in a model.

 

[JDFarmBoy]

Just getting into my build and I'm gather some information. Started reading up on my lighting options and my head is spinning. I'm planning to do a 36x48x16, this will be used for a woodshop, welding, and some storage. Is the maxlite still a good option for 16' ceilings? Any recommendations on how many fixtures to install?

 

[wfopete]

Just getting into my build and I'm gather some information. Started reading up on my lighting options and my head is spinning. I'm planning to do a 36x48x16, this will be used for a woodshop, welding, and some storage. Is the maxlite still a good option for 16' ceilings? Any recommendations on how many fixtures to install?

+1. I wonder if we are over engineering this lighting. How we ever survived with incandescent bulbs for so long I'll never know As I get ready to design my lighting; my plan is to be flexible and I am going to space my fixtures enough to accept additional fixtures if the lighting is not adequate to include making a extra loops or two of wire to accept the additional fixture, if required.

Kind of a dynamic situation, much like only having a 60 watt bulbs for years and then 80 watt bulbs come out and changes the entire lighting spectrum.

 

[Platonic Solid]

I wonder if we are over engineering this lighting. How we ever survived with incandescent bulbs for so long I'll never know

There has always been a right way and a wrong way to light a space regardless of the technology of the light source.

Imagine if Walmart had randomly placed inconsistent lighting that caused shadows in some areas, under lit in some places and bright spots in other areas. Imagine needing a flashlight to read the product labels in some areas of the store. Walking from one end of the store to the other would be a slow motion strobe effect causing your pupils to constantly readjust. How much time would you want to be in that space?

Now we go to your workshop/garage. The structure you paid real money for. What is visual clarity and comfort worth to you?

 

[Platonic Solid]

Just getting into my build and I'm gather some information. Started reading up on my lighting options and my head is spinning. I'm planning to do a 36x48x16, this will be used for a woodshop, welding, and some storage. Is the maxlite still a good option for 16' ceilings? Any recommendations on how many fixtures to install?

See this thread: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=446643

 

[JDFarmBoy]

Thanks!!

 

[rd65]

I am seeing these on Amazon Sunco Lighting 10 Pack 4FT T8 LED Tube, 18W=40W Fluorescent, Clear Cover, 5000K Daylight, Single Ended Power (SEP), Ballast Bypass, Commercial Grade - UL Listed https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0163D7CP8/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I searched this thread for Sunco and nothing comes up. What are the thoughts on these. I currently have 16 of the Maxlight with the LumeGen LG-4T8-20WBC-SM50K. I am going to add another row of lights and am wondering about these. Whatever bulbs I wind up with will go along the back row over the roll door so that all the front bulbs are the same.

 

[Platonic Solid]

rd65 - Clear Lens will look like cr@p

 

[rd65]

rd65 - Clear Lens will look like cr@p

Thank you for your feedback. As always, much appreciated!

 

[sbarton]

I have a mid rise lift. How do you guys handle lighting down low so that you can illuminate the underside of the car on a lift? Was thinking about LED strip lighting on the wall near the floor.

 

[Platonic Solid]

sbarton - This topic comes up on a regular basis. Here's a thread with OP considering in-floor lighting (link). I suppose the detailing bay (link) I did for member Olariu might work for under lift lighting.

 

[pbon]

I have a mid rise lift. How do you guys handle lighting down low so that you can illuminate the underside of the car on a lift? Was thinking about LED strip lighting on the wall near the floor.

I would use an area light. You would be blocking wall or floor lights with your body unless you had them all over the place. I use area lights under my lift.

 

[sbarton]

Thanks. Was not really considering in floor. Floor is already poured so not really an easy option, also concerned about shadows as mentioned. I like the 2nd one, but anything that stands off the wall really isn't an option. I have a 20x20 with 2 garage doors and the doors are in the corners so there really isn't much room between car and wall. Flush mount of those might work if available.

 

[Platonic Solid]

sbarton - I'm not suggesting that this is the best option, but edge lit flat panels are available with drivers in the frame so fixture is less than 1" thick. Have you considered loading doc lights?

 

[HotRodBoater]

Platonic Solid just to clarify, the fixtures and bulbs in the first post of this 100+ page thread are still your recommendations, correct?

 

[Platonic Solid]

Platonic Solid just to clarify, the fixtures and bulbs in the first post of this 100+ page thread are still your recommendations, correct?

Yes, plus these if buying cases of 30 works:

2520 Lm 18W 140L/W $202.50/case $6.75 ea.

2700 Lm 20W 135L/W $202.50/case $6.75 ea.

2-Lamp strip lights works up to ~10' ceiling height.
3-Lamp strip lights works from 10' to 12'
4-Lamp ... ~13'
6-Lamp ... ~15'

Also Prolighting.com has the 2, 3, 4, & 6 lamp strip light fixtures available with lamps included.

Once you hit the 3-lamp + strip light area I'd consider an integrated LED fixture. Check 1000bulbs.com PLT fixture selection.

 

[HotRodBoater]

HotRodBoater - Corncob bulbs are a very inefficient design to provide light at work plane. The light is primarily projecting out the sides. Then you have to rely on reflectors to push it down. If you're not using reflectors, you're doing a great job of illuminating the walls at 18' elevation.

How much light you want/need depends what you’re using the space for. 12 26000 Lumen or 15 22000 Lumen linear highbays will net in the area of 90-100 fc @ 30” work plane. I wouldn’t use less than 12 fixtures (3x4) at any output in a 40x60x19 space. 15 fixtures (3x5) yields more even illumination and fewer shadows.

Oh wow! So, I'm looking at 15) of the 6 bulb fixtures for a total of 90 bulbs just for the enclosed portion? Dadgum!

Ok and thank you for your time and expertise

 

[pioneer1]

Prolighting is recommending this TechBrite (link)Fixture as a replacement for the Maxilite. What are your thoughts on it? Is it a reputable unit?

pioneer1 - I haven't had the TechBrite (link to manufacturers website) in my hands, but I'm sure it's capable. The sheetmetal components pictured are noticeably thinner than the Maxlite.

Thanks Platonic...Went with the techbrite fixture and 5000k bulbs from prolighting.com. Replaced 3 single led bulb (screw in type). What a difference, wish I would have done it sooner. Will see if the electric bill goes up.

 

[Platonic Solid]

Oh wow! So, I'm looking at 15) of the 6 bulb fixtures for a total of 90 bulbs just for the enclosed portion? Dadgum!

Ok and thank you for your time and expertise

If I'd remembered that your space is 40x60x19 I wouldn't have gone into detail on 4ft retrofit bulbs as they are not appropriate for your space. You need 15 22,000 lumen integrated LED fixtures (unless this space is only for parking/storage).

 

[HotRodBoater]

Do you have a link?

 

[Platonic Solid]

Here are 2 low cost options for ~22,000 lumen fixtures:

https://www.1000bulbs.com/product/217492/PLT-90086.html

https://www.ledlightingwholesaleinc.com/H5-160W-XYZ-p/h5-160w-xyz.htm

 

[HotRodBoater]

Thank you

 

[Gary U]

I'm interested in the MaxLite housing referenced in Post #1. Looks like the prices referenced in that post (updated May 2019) are outdated as the prices are now about 25% higher. Just wondering if anyone has found another source with better shipped pricing or other discounts?

 

[pioneer1]

Gary.. Might check out prolighting.com. They use to be listed in the first post but dont offer the Maxilite anymore. But they have a 7% discount for GF members and a 10.00 off forst order for signing up and a flat rate shipping going on now.

Prolighting is recommending this TechBrite (link)Fixture as a replacement for the Maxilite. What are your thoughts on it? Is it a reputable unit?

pioneer1 - I haven't had the TechBrite (link to manufacturers website) in my hands, but I'm sure it's capable. The sheetmetal components pictured are noticeably thinner than the Maxlite

Thanks Platonic...Went with the techbrite fixture and 5000k bulbs from prolighting.com. Replaced 3 single led bulb (screw in type). What a difference, wish I would have done it sooner. Will see if the electric bill goes up.

 

[pioneer1]

From these pics you can see I have a recessed area where my lights are, I would like to get lights to the sides of my cars. I was thinking of using an adapter to screw into the opener light, run some metal raceway to the light, wire up a plug to the end of the Romex to plug into the adapter. I could probably tie right into the back of the wires coming off the control board of the opener, but the adapter seems easier and non permanent.

Using Techbrite fixtures (see above post)

Anyone see anything wrong with this? Have another idea?
Attaching a plug to the end of the Romex wire?
What size Romex should I use?

Kinda like the idea of having them come on with the opener and also being able to turn them on from the wall controller.
I will mount the lights down the side so they are not blocked when the door is up.

If I have posted this in the wrong thread please excuse me.. And a mod can move it

And then there is the other area.....





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[Platonic Solid]

pioneer1 - What you're asking is best addressed by the sparkies of the forum - who don't seem to frequent this thread much. You'll get better results starting your own thread with this question.

My opinion is what you're wanting to do won't work. The garage door light is timed and you want to be able to turn the light On/Off at the wall also.

 

[pioneer1]

Ok, Thanks..

 

[Iron-Butt]

I got the lights installed. I will try and post some pictures

 

[Iron-Butt]

It’s a 40 x 60 shop with 16ft walls. The lights was installed at 15 ft.

The light was purchased at Home Depot.

Model # HB218DMDPE. Envirolite 138-watt 2 ft white integrated led backlit high bay hanging light with 18000 lumens 5000k with 5 ft chord. $94.32 each.

I got them on sale when a member advised they were on sale. I paid $66.02 each. Free shipping to the shop.


I’m completely satisfied. When I installed the first one every said I did not need all 15 lights. I kept installing them. I was worried it was too much.
But Platonic Sound was correct. I needed them. The shop is perfect now. Light everywhere.

The cost was more than justified with the results that was achieved.

Thanks so much for your advice Platonic Sound.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[32ports]

Looking for recommendations for LED light install in shop for wrenching on vehicles.
Shop is 32' x 32'
Wall height is 14'
Ceiling is cathedral type with peak at 16'8", and covered with white metal.

Prefer to use surface mounted fixture as opposed to hanging on chains.
Thanks for any advice provided.

 

[HotRodBoater]

I'd like to start off by thanking Platonic Sound for sharing his expertise, knowledge and more importantly his time with me. That being said, I'd also like to offer him an apology for straying from his recommendations.
My shop is 40x60 with 18' sidewalls.
At first, I was TOTALLY against the idea of an integrated light fixture (if it goes out, you replace the whole unit) until I found these lights on Ebay for what I felt was a price that I could not pass up, only $13.00ea!!! I was on the hunt (thanks to Platonic) for fixtures that offered 140 lumens per watt. I was concerned that the description for these lights were just telling me what I wanted to hear, seeing as how there is very little manufacturer info. I contacted the seller stating this and they provided some test documents. Whether they are genuine or not, who knows? I have not yet put an amp clamp on the wiring to verify wattage and I have no way of measuring light output other than being very happy with it. Another thing that I like about these lights is that they are linkable, this saved me lots of time and money on the installation. Speaking of installation, the 2 clips per light are pretty cheesy but I easily supplemented them with zip ties. When I bought this place it had metal halide lights.
The first pic is with corn cob LEDs that put out a tremendous amount of light (you can't look at them)(5000k) but does not disperse it well at all.
The 2nd pic is with the Ebay lights (6000k)(9100lm)(65watt)
The 3rd pic shows how simple the wiring was. Just 1/2" conduit ran on the ceiling from one side to the other with a single gang outlet in a 1900 box. I separated the 24 lights into 2 zones. One switch powers the lights on the outer most purlins and the other switch powers the inside set. Very clean, simple and cheap. (Yes, I'm going to tidy the cords up). Anyway, I could not be happier with them so far.

The more you buy, the cheaper they are
https://www.ebay.com/i/174192686948...Pnm4KTImpeYoVE0Ru2pWw7fD5b9uMzlgaApBnEALw_wcB

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[HotRodBoater]

I don't feel like the pics really do justice, but let me state that I work in a large metal building, LOTS of my friends have metal buildings and I really feel like this new setup of mine is superior to all of them in light output, light dispersion, cost and ease of installation. Also, I forgot to mention that I was concerned that the 6000k was gonna be too white of a light or harsh, but I gotta say, it feels very comfortable to me

 

[Platonic Solid]

HotRodBoater - You're missing the most important pic of all = The ID Label on the lamp.

Ebay listing has no verifiable info. Diffuser/Lens is clear (that's not too bad at 18ft. = higher elevations or more forgiving with this respect). I won't recommend any fixture that a local AHJ could reject due to lack of UL, ETL or CSA Listing.

 

[HotRodBoater]

Yes, I know that you wouldn't recommend them for that reason, which is why I offered my apologies. These lights came with zero literature and I know that I am taking a gamble on the quality and lifespan of these, but I feel comfortable (so far) with the investment at only $13ea.

 

[Platonic Solid]

HotRodBoater - I can't argue the price appeal. I believe there are smartphone apps that can measure Fc or Lux. They may not be very accurate, but it would be an interesting test to take a measurement now at a specific location (like the middle of the room @ 30" off the floor) and follow up in the future with annual update measurements at the same location.

 

[HotRodBoater]

Pretty good idea

 

[Planenutz]

Yes, plus these if buying cases of 30 works:

2520 Lm 18W 140L/W $202.50/case $6.75 ea.

2700 Lm 20W 135L/W $202.50/case $6.75 ea.

My garage is sectioned into 2 areas; 23 x 29 with 8' ceiling and 18 x 29 with 9' ceiling. It's got a ton of T8 and T12 fixtures in it, so I was considering the two you listed in this post and bypass the ballasts.. 30 bulbs would just about replace all my T8 and T12's. What would the difference be between the 18w and 20w in the ones you listed? Would 5000k be good for that short of a ceiling?
Also, is there a GJ discount from LED Lighting Wholesale, or should I go with the LED Myplace bulbs?
Thanks!

 

[Platonic Solid]

Planenutz - The LED Myplace bulbs linked in post 1 are single end powered only thus will not work in F32T8 fixtures with shunted lamp holders. Either the GreenTek linked in post 1 or those linked above from LED Lighting Wholesale will work nicely in all your fixtures. From there I'd base the choice on total cost after shipping. No GJ discounts from LED Lighting Wholesale.

The only difference between the two from LED Lighting Wholesale is a slight lumen output and efficiency difference. 5000K or 4000K CCT really is personal preference. As long as they're all the same CCT.

 

[AMFJ]

My garage is being built currently. It is 24x24x12. The walls and ceiling will be drywall and white. Should I be looking at high bay lights? Or will the lights in the first post work?

Using the program that is linked in this thread it shows 16 fixtures, in 4 rows of 4 lights. Does that sound right?

Thank you!

 

[Planenutz]

Planenutz - The LED Myplace bulbs linked in post 1 are single end powered only thus will not work in F32T8 fixtures with shunted lamp holders. Either the GreenTek linked in post 1 or those linked above from LED Lighting Wholesale will work nicely in all your fixtures. From there I'd base the choice on total cost after shipping. No GJ discounts from LED Lighting Wholesale.

The only difference between the two from LED Lighting Wholesale is a slight lumen output and efficiency difference. 5000K or 4000K CCT really is personal preference. As long as they're all the same CCT.

Got it.
Thanks Platonic!

(Is there a discount code for LED Myplace? )