What Height for Flourescent Lamps Over Workbench?

[D Force]

Also do I want them in the center or away from the wall, off-center, to project more light towards my projects? I can't seem to relocate this information on the internet or here on this forum in a search. Thank.

 

[wolflrv]

I have a 4ft-2 bulb over my workbench. It's about 1.5ft from wall and hanging about 2 ft down from an 8ft ceiling. It's great light at that level, directly on the bench, but doesn't add much illumination for the area around the bench. I've got other lights though, ceiling mounted that fill in. The workbench light gives good focused light where I need it.

I don't think there's a hard fast rule for location other than pay attention to safety(ie place it high enough that you don't hit with stuff). I hung mine on chains so I can adjust it if needed.

Here's a pic...excuse the mess atm.

 

[nehog]

Just high enough that I can (with a stretch) reach the on/off switch? About 3.5 to 4 ft, IIRC. No hot spots, but the light is designed for just this use (lighting work areas) so it has a prismatic lens to diffuse the light.

 

[Falcon67]

My old shop had an 8' light about 14" off the wall and a little less than 48" off the bench top. Bench was 36" tall x 24" deep. Over my lathe, I mounted a 4' about 3' off the lathe bench.

 

[gatchel]

I would go just high enough to focus all of the light on the bench for small parts work. Also keep them high enough so that you don't constantly bump them with stuff, your head, etc...

 

[Raze]

If you get something like this:

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

You can set it at whatever height you like since it's a hanger, also reflective, I have 4 in my garage (2 car) and after adjusting the height to where I want them I have excellent lighting focused on my vehicles for repair work and such...

 

[D Force]

If you get something like this:

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

You can set it at whatever height you like since it's a hanger, also reflective, I have 4 in my garage (2 car) and after adjusting the height to where I want them I have excellent lighting focused on my vehicles for repair work and such...

Thanks, those are pretty reasonable.

 

[Falcon67]

FYI - the hanging shop lights I buy at Lowes are half that price, work well and come with drop chains.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_245546-58659-NXU-6001-B_?PL=1&productId=3168049