garage lighting options

[Richard L.]

guys,
one section of my garage where I have a lift has a 15' ceiling and servicing the fluorescent set up (2 long tubes, ballast, stater) is a real PITA. What can I replace it with that a) will give me equal/more lumens, b) less maintenance? Initial cost is secondary, maintenance, reliability and brightness are uppermost.

[Patrick H.]

Re: garage lighting options

What fluorescent tubes are you running?
I commented recently that I've had my 8 foot lamps in my garage for many years (15+) and I don't recall ever replacing the bulbs. I may have once, but I sure don't remember it.
Dad replaced his one in the barn several years ago when 2 burned out, and did it again last month only because we had cleared out the barn to have a new epoxy floor installed.
So, 10+ years from fluorescents isn't too bad.

Recently in my basement workshop I installed T8 fixtures and bulbs, which are smaller and more efficient. I'm not sure how long they will last, but I'm typing this while sitting under them.

If you want long(est?) life I would look strongly at LED options. There are some that will fit in your current fixtures, but they are more expensive. Here is the first one I found:

http://www.eledlights.com/led-lamps-by-type/t8-t12-tube-replacements-83/t8-8foot-led-tube.html?gclid=CjwKEAjwj4ugBRD1x4ST9YHplzMSJACTDms8hn9OEs1HBoUx1_Yq5r9BOG7u2X7v68GhRN9qXMq8bhoCka3w_wcB#.U8meORhSLu0

Another route is probably to change to different LED fixtures and go from there.

[Don H.]

Re: garage lighting options

Although I was not thrilled purchasing the "new" energy efficient T8 fluorescent lights for my new garage, they have performed well. BUT it has only been a couple of years so I do not have any long term experience. Good luck, Don H.

[Edward B.]

Re: garage lighting options

My 8' fluorescent units were used when I got them in 1984 and installed them in my new garage. Still going strong with only one tube replacement made necessary by accidental contact with long metallic object.

[Gary C.]

Re: garage lighting options

Richard,

I've had good luck with 8 ft long fluorescents with regular bulbs. Only replaced a couple of bulbs in 12 years. Have 26 8 ft 2 bulb fixtures.

Attached is a lighting calculator spreadsheet I put together with information from GE.

Gary
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[Michael J.]

Re: garage lighting options

I bought a set of these lift lights after seeing them at Barrett Jackson this year. Won't solve your overhead issues, but much better for working under the car on the lift than anything I have used before:

http://www.dcidirectlift.com/LiftLyte-Under-Lighting-P59.aspx

[Richard L.]

Re: garage lighting options

thank you all. I think I'll give one fixture the LED treatment to see how I like it.

[Gary C.]

Re: garage lighting options

Richard,

FWIW - some LED's do not give off UV and will not attract bugs. Some LED's have cooler running temps that others.

Gary
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[Rich C.]

Re: garage lighting options

I've done a lot of lighting retro-fits in everything from clothing stores to warehouses. The fluorescent fixtures using T-5 lamps (not a mis-print of T-8), T-5 lamps, with a mirrored reflector is crazy bright. Economical to run and cheaper than L.E.D.. Often used to replace hi-bay H.I.D. fixtures.

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[Richard L.]

Re: garage lighting options

These are a bunch of great options I wasn't aware of. Thank you all. I'll wait a couple of more days and then go looking at the local Home Depot and Lowe's (but not using a credit card).