Workshop LED lighting

[Ldsteiner]

I finally get to put a workshop addition on my house and the debate is about lighting. The addition is 29' x 35', cement slab, 10' outer wall height, 14+' center ceiling height. Since the shop will be used for welding among other things, I need good lighting. Halogen track lighting (4 tracks with independent switches) is encouraged by the builder. Welding buddy/carpenter/handyman wants CFLs. I want LEDs. I don't want the Mercury of CFLs or the hassle of changing Halogen bulbs in the high ceiling. Does anyone have experience with flood light LEDs? I'm being told by these guys that the LED light won't be bright enough with the source being 14' up from the ground. There are LOTS of large window for natural light.

 

[admactanium]

I haven't personally had good experiences with LED Track lighting if it's the kind that replaces mini-halogen bulbs. I had a bunch in my last house and the LEDs were really dim. If you're talking about a regular recessed light, I've replaced all the incandescent and CFLs in our new house with LEDs and they're just as bright as their replacements.

 

[Stuart in MN]

You can get LED fixtures that will work just fine. The problems are 1) LED light fixtures are still fairly expensive, compared to fluorescents, and 2) the LED market is evolving quickly, so it's difficult to select a fixture that will do what you want. I'd recommend going to a local lighting supply house or distributor for expert help.

One brand I've used on a couple projects is RAB: http://www.rabweb.com/majorGroups.php?pg=CEILING However, there are any number of other manufacturers out there.

 

[Ldsteiner]

Thanks for the input. I make some calls.