Shop Lighting

crzypete · Post by **crzypete** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 10:29 pm

I have been investigating lighting for the new studio. I am planning to use fluorescent lights and have been reading about the advantages of using T8 fixtures (1" diameter bulbs) over T12 (old fashioned 1 1/2" bulbs). The claims are better efficiency, very little buzz and more consistent light quality- less flicker.

I am curious if anyone knows any rules of thumb to place the lights and how to determine how many I will need. The ceilings in the woodshop side of the building are 12' and the room is approx 32x36. The trusses run across the 32' span. I definitely want plenty of light so I would like to err on the side of too much light.

Here is some reading on the T8 vs T12 debate:
http://www.practicalmachinist.com/cgi-b ... 15369.html?

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/ubb/u ... tml#000007

Any experience or thoughts?

Pete

dadude · Post by **dadude** » Sat Mar 24, 2007 7:38 am

pete,

t-8's are the bomb for sure, my space is 40 X 50 and i have three continuious rows (fixtures coupled end to end) running the 50' dimension with three zones for switching, regretfully i am using t-12's, i left at least 8' space of the wall at both ends.

also i spaced 3/4" off the cieling for cooling, the new ballasts i believe can be direct mounted to drywall cieling with no issues.

blackcreek · Post by **blackcreek** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 2:18 pm

Pete

T-8 for sure. bulbs come in different temps so you can simulate day light. if you are will to pay it. Make sure you get enregy star rated ballasted. they are cheaper to run and you will probably be able to get a rebate from you power company, at least cl&p offers this. ask you power co about what your project as a whole and may guide you as to the most effecient and cost effective approach and what rebates and grant are out they.
You going 3 ph or a convertr for the machinery?

Tom

crzypete · Post by **crzypete** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 6:14 pm

Hey Tom, welcome aboard.

I plan on continuing to use my rotary converter to run the machines. There is three phase about two hundred feet up the road, but nothing coming by my studio. With lonely old me running the shop I don't think it is worth it to beg them to bring it to me.

How about you is the new shop hard wired 3ø?

P

nektai · Post by **nektai** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 8:19 am

It turns out I have been running T-8 without knowing it. Years ago my electrician said he knew exactly what I needed to light my shop. He put in T-8 and I have had crisp even light since.

Thanks for the heads up on the different temperature bulbs blackcreek. I have a meeting with a new electrician today about the new shop and I will provide him with the exact information off my current set up and see if he can provide a comparable or better bulb.

mystry_tour · Post by **mystry_tour** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 11:29 am

Hey Pete I don't know about T-8's but I have T-12. I have six in the 20X30 room and it is bright. But I wanted that and no shadows no matter where I am. I have my machinest machines in there so I really wanted to see along with my drafting table. Don't know about a debate didn't reade it but I do know this if it is only saveing me a few pennies I will splurge for the more light
Reg