Where to begin with the lighting in my pole barn?

[RonRock]

I am trying to wade through all of the lighting info on the forum. But wow, there is an overwhelming amount of info out there. So I will start by asking.

30 X 48 pole barn, need lighting for 30 X 40 with 12' white drywall ceiling. From what I have read there is a major range of suggested amount of lighting for a shop, from 50-150 lumans. I figure I'd probably be happy at 100, I want a nice bright shop.

So how do I get there? Is 4 foot 2 tube fixtures the cheapest, most typical way? Or is there a different approach that I should be considering? Maybe 4 tube? Or 8 footers?

There is so much to consider I don't know for sure where to begin. But I would guess the first thing is the type of fixture.

 

[brucer]

you might find this thread informative http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=38658&highlight=30X30

 

[paullie]

it's like alot of other things in life. How many $$$$$$$$$ do you want to spend?? I have a 30x40 with 10' ceilings and for lights i just have the porcelain single light bulb things with CFL's in them and other than the one I knocked out with a ladder they are all about 5 years old and still working fine

 

[Jbullfrog]

That is about what my shop will end up 38x48 13'8" ceiling. My walls and ceiling are going to be white this week. I'm looking at 8' fixtures with 4 4' bulbs for ease of maintenace. I was told that my ceiling was too low for t-5's

 

[RonRock]

Thanks guys. I took a look at the thread brucer pointed out and from what I read in it I may be changing direction. Actually I have a string of construction site lights strung out in the ceiling joists now with CFL's in them, not sure about the wattage they are comparable to 100 watt incandescent. They are actually pretty good, but only temporary. I will have to take a good look at the more powerful CFL's. One concern I have with them is the length of them, not sure if they would hang too low over the overhead doors. Will have to check that.

jbullfrog, I see you are from Avoca. Not far from me, Underwood. Just got home from Des Moines, wife needed a shopping trip. Small world.

Ron

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I was told that my ceiling was too low for t-5's

Do not believe that.

Charles