Which T8 from Home Depot

[FakeName]

On previous threads, this light fixture comes up as popular for garages/shops.

Sounds good to me.

This particular model runs $39.86. In my area, HD has a different version in the stores with what I assume is a commercial/industrial ballast, as it's dual-voltage 120/277. It sells for about $20 more.

I understand the ballast might be better- but has anyone had experience with both of these fixtures? Should I spend the extra $20 x 5 for them?

Thank you.

And please resist any impulse to scold for anything ignortant and offensive in this post.

 

[pattenp]

You don't want the commercial ballast they can cause RF interference. Also you are paying extra for the 120/277 volt ballast when you don't need the 277V capability.

 

[FakeName]

You don't want the commercial ballast they can cause RF interference. Also you are paying extra for the 120/277 volt ballast when you don't need the 277V capability.

Ah.

Thank you, and I'm flattered to be your 2001th post.

Cue music: "Also sprach Zarathustra"

 

[pattenp]

2001th post! I didn't even realize it. Damn, I do need to get a life.

Ah.

Thank you, and I'm flattered to be your 2001th post.

Cue music: "Also sprach Zarathustra"

 

[theoldwizard1]

Unless you want a lot of light, stick with 2 bulb 4'. Plenty of light and on;y $20. Test to work down to 0F !

 

[vpogv]

Unless you want a lot of light, stick with 2 bulb 4'. Plenty of light and on;y $20. Test to work down to 0F !

Those seem to be dropped and not surface mounted, or did I just miss that?

 

[pipsters]

Unless you want a lot of light, stick with 2 bulb 4'. Plenty of light and on;y $20. Test to work down to 0F !

I have these.

They put off a ton of light and as they are 2 light units, you buy more but place them in more locations. This limits the shadowing you'd get of a unit that is run just overhead in one area.

 

[Falcon67]

I used 13 of the HD 4 bulb units and have plenty of light where I need it. I also use the 4' shop lights from Lowes for task lighing - I like those better than the HD 4' units. They are a little cheaper and have the pull chain in a better place IMHO.

 

[cyamaha2007]

I used the flush mount 8ft 4 bulb t8 from HD. I have 35 of them and love them for $39.99 its a nice fixture

 

[The Frisco Kid]

You don't want the commercial ballast they can cause RF interference. Also you are paying extra for the 120/277 volt ballast when you don't need the 277V capability.

I thought that the 120/277 ballast was preferred in residential applications due to longer life and better operating temp range? Did I pull that out of my ****?

 

[pattenp]

Haven't heard that before, not the **** part. When I bought some replacement ballast for my garage lights the people at the electrical supply suggested to use residential rated ballast and don't waste money on the dual voltage ballast if it was being wired with 120V. Also when I looked at Lowes the electrical guy who I know is a retired master electrician said not to waste my money on the 120/277v ballast and to just get the 120V ballast.

I thought that the 120/277 ballast was preferred in residential applications due to longer life and better operating temp range? Did I pull that out of my ****?