Looking to replace my (12) 4 foot fluorescent lights with (12) 8 foot, 15,000 lumen LED’s in my 30’ X 40’ shop. Wondering if that is too much light. Should I go for (12) 4 foot 7,500 lumen lights instead? Both sets are 6,000K.
LED shop lights
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WestCoastDan
TJ Addict
None of that matters without the proper layout and distribution.
Unless you can get the light where you'll actually use it, it is wasted.
Don't fall into the trap of more = better when it comes to lighting.
If you can tolerate a learning curve, there are several lighting simulation/rendering programs that can help with lighting levels, layouts, footcandle readings, etc. and you can save a ton of trial and error.
In the commercial world, a common program is AGI32, but I'm sure there are many other options available
Unless you can get the light where you'll actually use it, it is wasted.
Don't fall into the trap of more = better when it comes to lighting.
If you can tolerate a learning curve, there are several lighting simulation/rendering programs that can help with lighting levels, layouts, footcandle readings, etc. and you can save a ton of trial and error.
In the commercial world, a common program is AGI32, but I'm sure there are many other options available
How tall is the ceiling? I have some high bay round LEDs that have impressed me and might be something to consider.
Are your existing fluorescents T-8s? I replaced all my T-8s with direct wire LED tubes and bypassed the ballasts. My shop is 1,000 sq ft with 12 foot ceiling. I also added reflectors. I have a total of eight 4 lamp fixtures and four 2 lamp fixtures and it's plenty bright. (The 2 lamp fixtures are just Costco shop lights that I added to light the area along the door and one over my welding table) I went with 4,000K. The LED retrofits are a good option if your T-8 fixtures are in good condition and the reflectors really concentrate the light downwards. If your ceiling is white you probably don't need reflectors.
I have a separate tool room that is 180 sq ft that I illuminated with four $29 2 lamp LED shop lights, bright as day.
I have a separate tool room that is 180 sq ft that I illuminated with four $29 2 lamp LED shop lights, bright as day.
I'm using 2 rows of six 4 footers each hanging at about 11' in my 30 x 48 shop and it's fine for general lighting but I still have a few low hanging (4' led) lights over specific work areas and task lights on machinery.
You will not miss the fluorescent lighting and cost.
Another vote for drop-in LED replacement tubes, preferably direct wire. I've retrofitted several fluorescents with them, they work well. I was an early adopter of fluorescent lighting, and a huge proponent of them for decades, but their time is past.
Mine is divided up on 3 switches in the shop and 1 switch for the tool room, so when I don't need a lot of light I can just turn on the ones I need at the moment. Everything on at once is about 500 watts which is about 1/2 what it was with the fluorescents.
WestCoastDan
TJ Addict
But many people have said, "I have poor lighting in my shop", "I have the wrong lighting in my shop", etc.
I'll say it again, more lights does not equal better lighting.
WestCoastDan
TJ Addict
And things like wire colors are easy to see and be sure of as well.
Romeo Tango
Member
Romeo Tango
Member
pre covid i just finished building the house w/ an additional two car garage. i opted to try these socket led lights. there about 5' o/c. excellent lighting. the ones in the link below have 5 blades that maybe even brighter.
don't forget to install lights in front of the overhead doors. when the doors are closed, i don't have any overhead lighting there, hence a slightly dark spot.
https://www.amazon.com/Luyata-16000LM-Adjustable-Workshop-Basement/dp/B083HY4KKG?tag=wranglerorg-20
don't forget to install lights in front of the overhead doors. when the doors are closed, i don't have any overhead lighting there, hence a slightly dark spot.
https://www.amazon.com/Luyata-16000LM-Adjustable-Workshop-Basement/dp/B083HY4KKG?tag=wranglerorg-20
Romeo Tango
Member
You will be surprised what painting the drywall white will do for that too. One of past garages was just drywall, tape and mud and a semigloss pure white paint job was noticeable.
I had that issue so I bought some Costco LED shop lights when they were on sale for for $29 each and now that area is bright as day.
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