I have a 32x48x12 shop that I want to install lights in. I am finishing the ceiling and walls in white panels and I am lost as far as lighting. I see all of these calculators and layout builds and it just makes me more confused. I work on cars in there and have a lift to be under so proper lighting is important as I like it bright. From what I am being told, it is way easy to have too much light or have the wrong angle beams and screw it up.
Any recommendations on lights and how many?
-2016 Phoenix 721 250 Pro XS
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I put diamond plate 48" fixtures in mine with LED bulbs to replace the florescent... IMO LED sucks,,, yeh looks super bright at first, but the claim they last longer than fluorescent is BS,,
Well they do make light longer,,, but in actual use,, they are never as bright as day 1, they continually get dimmer and dimmer over time. Mine are in about 5 years , and just like ones at work in the engine rooms, after about 5-6 years the place looks like a dungeon. It is so gradual you dont notice it, till you go buy some new bulbs.
I'm having the same issue right now. They just finished my 26x32x12 shop. I have been driving myself crazy researching which lighting to go with.
check out Garage Journal. They have a whole section dedicated to electrical and lighting of shops such as yours
If you have Winter where you're at go LED. I personally have not found LED's getting darker but it may be the case. They light at any temperature and give off a ton of light for the electricity they use.
More light is never a problem.
yep,, they are efficient on light per watt when new. just dont think they will last as claimed. Its gradual. If yours are over 5 years old and been running daily go buy aa new bulb and compare.Originally Posted by billnorman1
There are different LED bulbs ie: daylight, natural etc. The LEDS light I have are great. Way better than flourescent
Lick all the sockets and outlets to be sure ya got power if the new lights don't work. It's just the quickest way
I think the new secret color is "A-Rig"..........
Make sure to use 50k or 65k for brightness..
I got a buch of Feit lights at Costco - all LED, VERY low power pull and super bright..
It's these : (note it's a 2 pack)
https://www.costco.com/feit-electric...100462723.html
Scooter: Nov 1998-Jul 2011
Otis: Oct 2010-Feb 2017
https://www.primelights.com/
Just completed a 48 x 64 barn and these lights are great! Plus these guys are out of Texas and easy to talk to(Unfortunately almost all of the parts come from overseas with any LED) . They had me set up with type of light, number of lights and spacing in about 15 minutes.
After being in quite a few shops, this my opinion. The best lighting I have seen is in a paint booth. Besides the ceiling, the walls have built in flush mounted 4’ tube lighting . The booth I have painted in used to have fluorescent tubes but a few years ago there was a program where they would replace all fluorescent lighting with LED for a minimum cost ( $650 compared to over $6000). The LED lights in the booth are bright, but not as bright as the daylight tubes in the main shop.
Wish I would have installed some wall lighting in my shop at home
Make sure you put the lights to the side of the normal parking areas. So the shadows get cast under the vehicles not to the side of them. I ran 3 rows side rows 30" off the side wall so the will be out further than any cabinets you or future owners may add. and a 3rd row right up the middle between the parking spots. If you can a pair at the far interior wall 30" out perpendicular to the others (parallel with back wall). That will give you good even lighting with the smallest shadows it may be bit to bright but you sound like me and prefer it bright. other than putting lights half or 3/4's of the way down the side walls there is not a lot you can do about shadows in car interiors and while working under them. For that you need movable work lights, preferably cordless.
2020 Ranger 521L, Merc 250 Pro XS
I built a 40x76 with 14' walls and clear span trusses. I went with high bay LEDs and love them. I did go with a very light grey epoxy floor to reflect the light though, I have a lift also and the light reflects so well you really don't need a work light. One thing I did was wired my lights to separate switches, I installed mine in rows and there are 4 rows of lights. Every other row is on the same switch in case you want to tone it down.
that's a damned good idea
Scooter: Nov 1998-Jul 2011
Otis: Oct 2010-Feb 2017
I kept it simple in my shop in the backyard, 16 x 24, I just hung standard 48" fluorescent shop lights (2 bulbs per) and rather than wiring them directly I installed outlets in the ceiling joists and used the cheaper plug in types. Those outlets are wired directly to a light switch. If I want to keep some of the lights off...I simply unplug that fixture.
2016 Nitro Z21
"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." Benjamin Franklin
https://www.amazon.com/Hyperikon-Rep...%2C175&sr=8-26
These are great and you can get bigger
Same size shop, but mine is 16 high. I have 6 T8 6 bulb fixtures. 5 on one switch, 1 in a 3 way switch at the doors.
Stay away from the Garage Journal, that place can cost you $$$, but it is a really cool site with some unbelievable shops.
More light is better.
Dave
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