Today's the day for lighting

[snorvet]

I'm finally on my way to Lowes (and most likely other stores) to get my new flourescent lighting. I'll most likely get T8, 4' 2 bulb, probably 6 fixtures for my 22'x24' shop. i used to have 4 - 4' 2bulb T12 (2 of which quit working probably due to the cold even tho my shop is heated to 50 degrees).

I've been looking at Lithonia fact sheets. I plan on getting electronic ballasts. I know i need cold start, but what is the difference between instant and rapid start?

I also plan to connect and temporarily suspend these lights a few inches from the ceiling before finishing the final coats of drywall mud and paint. This will provide good lighting to finish the project. Then I'll mount them to the ceiling. Has anyone else done this?

Thanks to all for the great advice on the lighting threads.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Get done with the painting first, you will be taking those fixtures apart twice if you hang them and later flush mount them. Not worth the effort while standing on a step ladder.

Charles

 

[snorvet]

Get done with the painting first, you will be taking those fixtures apart twice if you hang them and later flush mount them. Not worth the effort while standing on a step ladder.

Charles

your right - I'm going to finish the ceiling, paint and then install the lights before finishing the walls

 

[rockwithjason]

T8 is a good choice. Information on rapid start and instant start below.
http://www.pge.com/003_save_energy/003c_edu_train/pec/info_resource/pdf/ballasts.pdf

 

[snorvet]

T8 is a good choice. Information on rapid start and instant start below.
http://www.pge.com/003_save_energy/003c_edu_train/pec/info_resource/pdf/ballasts.pdf

thanks.

I went to 2 menards, 1 home depot, 1 lowes, and 1 lighting store and didnt get anything because of the ballast issue. Maybe I'm paranoid about the ballast cuz its below zero outside.

 

[TOMWELDS]

96" T12 HO fixtures are great at low temp's. Tons of light too...

 

[bimmer95]

I'm running eight 2 x 4' T8 fixtures that I picked up from HD. They were ~$25 each and have a nice reflector built in... I've never been a fan of the looks of the reflectorless fixtures.

 

[BubBud2]

How many light fixtures are you going to use? I have a 24' x24' garage similar to yours and wondering how many fixtures, to pick up for my garage. I think you said in early posts that you use this garage as storage? Would you use more light fixtures if the garage was also a workshop?

 

[snorvet]

 

[snorvet]

I've decided on 4 - 8 footers, but I can't decide what type. i havent found any 8' T8 4-4' bulb fixtures yet.

The 2 bulb 8' T12 High Outputs put out a lot more light than the new T8 when next to each other in the store. If I get the 4 T8's and there isnt enough light, I'll squeeze two more in like shown below.

 

[BubBud2]

I asked about the lights that you are looking to use and was told that Lowes may have them. I didn't do any research into it though. Have you checked with Englewood in Rockdale?

 

[snorvet]

I called Englewood last saturday but they were closed. I'll get back on it next week

 

[Ryan Wilke]

I called Englewood last saturday but they were closed. I'll get back on it next week

Snorvet,
So what did you end up doing for lighting in your garage?

Ryan

 

[rodrelic]

96" T12 HO fixtures are great at low temp's. Tons of light too...

Ditto, I have 6 in my 28x28' (inside measure), and it's like an operating room if I want. Careful consideration of the layout, 2 circuts 3 each, and they have pull switches added for conservation when needed.

I got the plastic protector covers, bad move, had a lot of short bulb life I claim did that, all off now. Take down and clean occasionally, makes a big difference in brightness when dirty.
white paint does too

http://www.directimagehost.com/is.php?i=83683&img=DSC01986.JPG

 

[snorvet]

Snorvet,
So what did you end up doing for lighting in your garage?

Ryan

I went with four 96" T12HO. I bought them at Menards for about $38 a fixture, and about $95 for a box of 10 bulbs.
http://www.americanfluorescent.com/display/products/products.cgi?id_num=40203&category_id=20003&catalog_id=10001&group_id=30009


I finished half the ceiling drywall and painted primer, and installed 2 of the fixtures.My detached garage is 22x24 and the 2 fixtures seem like enough lighting already.

I plan on finishing the drywall and painting this weeked, and installing the other two fixtures next week - I'll post pics then.

As for new lighting in my attached garage - I'll probably go with T8's with bulb covers. I'm looking for 4 foot 4 bulb fixtures. It will be awhile before I get to this project.