So I have acquired some florescent lights from auction and I guess I would just like to know any ones thoughts on how to lay them out or wattage.

I have a 20'x20' garage with white walls and ceiling, not the brightest white but whatever.

I picked up 2 double bulb high output setups holding 2 195watt bulbs each and 3 other ones with 2 60watt bulbs each.

I have a 4ft over my workbench, didn't pay much for all of it and contemplating buying more higher wattage ones.

 

Sell them on Craigslist and get 8 footers at Lowes for about $45 each fixture. I have 4 in my 30x25 double car garage. Bulbs and ballasts last for years and are instant start electronic ballasts. Replacement ballasts on eBay are $16.

 

I also have a 20x20 and went with four of the T5HO strips from home depot mounted in two rows. Makes my garage super bright! Has a high initial investment but well worth it in my eyes!

 

i did 8 footers hanging from the ceiliing. personally if i were to do it over i would mount them flush on the wall

 

I prefer the 4 ft bulbs fixtures,they are easier to install and get rid of.the bulbs last pretty long ,I have 14 fixtures.

 

i guess i didnt mention the 4 fixtures i got were 8ft ones. i put them up along the sides walls. illuminated everything a lot more than I would have thought. since they are not cold start its a little frustrating this week!

 

Just dont place them directly above the vehicle. Place them around the walls, or the perimeter of where any vehicles may be parked, so the light is directed towards areas you would be working.

Likewise with any workbenches. Over them as opposed to behind your head which would cause shadows over the work area

 

2 to 3' off the walls one row down the middle one across the front. Mount them right on the ceiling. Dont use ones with shields. You want to be able to get direct light from the fixture as well as indirect light reflecting off the walls. Obviously white wall work best. Your grid should look like this.


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l l l
l l l
l l l
l l l
l l l

You get the idea anyways.

 

Okay post reply moved my lines.


---------------- ----------------

l l l
l l l

 

still screwed it up. sorry was trying to give you an illustration. but its not working

 

Lights directly over the centreline of the vehicle are a waste of time for mechanical work. Polishing yes...work no.

 

36X28 three car garage, I used 25 lights, 4 foot T8 lamps.
Bright as hell in there. 3 switches control the 5 strings.
One switch does the far string, one switch is a three way with the man door to the driveway and into the house, and another switch to control the three center strings.
So when I'm sitting on the couch watching the hockey game I can turn the outside strings on and it's perfect.
Pics of my garage are on the last page of the "post your garage/shop" thread here..

 

FWIW,

This is how I set mine up. It's setup into three zones, front-middle-back. I do paint correction and it helps to be able to turn one or more of them off when trying to see my work.




I have since took everything off the walls and painted it white. It's pretty bright.

 

WHAT HE SAID cabech984
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I also have a 20x20 and went with four of the T5HO strips from home depot mounted in two rows. Makes my garage super bright! Has a high initial investment but well worth it in my eyes!

 

T5HO ARE KILLER LIGHTS. But as he stated, higher initial cost, but well worth it.

 

There is your answer

 

Get the highbay LEDs they Fit in your existing 120 lights in your ceiling and will light up hell! Every1 that sees mine goes ape **** that 1 100led is brighter than 5 fluorescent a lot of company's are getting out of blub bay lights and switching to led cheaper and more efficient I'll get a pic when I get home