How many LED light needed?
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How many LED light needed? I am about to move into a 2 car garage and I need to upgrade the lights to LED 4ft.. I don't know the actual size of the garage currently other than its a 2 car but with one wide garage door. I do know I want lights at the edge of the walls as I hate dark spots when working. I am pretty sure three rows of 2 or 3 will be enough. Any thoughts?
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What's the ceiling height?
I've got 6 4ft LED fixtures in my front portion which is 20x24 and 8ft high
good enough lighting to check for bubbles when I'm doing fiberglass work or rebuilding a carb
my rear portion is 18ft high and is 20x40 and I'm using 2 Phillips high bays
probably is enough lighting to film a tv show in there
definitely happy with the hydro bills too with LED
I've got 6 4ft LED fixtures in my front portion which is 20x24 and 8ft high
good enough lighting to check for bubbles when I'm doing fiberglass work or rebuilding a carb
my rear portion is 18ft high and is 20x40 and I'm using 2 Phillips high bays
probably is enough lighting to film a tv show in there
definitely happy with the hydro bills too with LED
Last edited by orange88ls1s-dime; Jul 2, 2018 at 02:40 PM. Reason: Left something out
As many as you can fit, there is never too much light in a shop. If you have the ability to have them on separate switches that's an added plus, have enough to tinker, then when you really need some vision you can have it.
2-car garage guy here too. I recently bought some 4ft led fixtures from costco for $20 each. Started with 2 and the lighting was adequate. Ended up with 4 sets and the lighting is great. Plus you can turn them on/off individually so there’s some versatility there too.
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I like to have a LOT of well distributed light. The setup I like is an 8 footer (with 4x 4ft bulbs) located about 2 feet from each side wall, an 8 footer down between the two car spots, and a 4 footer in front of each car roughly 30-36" from the wall (so it will light above the workbench assuming you have one up front as well as under the hood when you're pulled in). I have't figured out a good way to light the rear of the car due to the roll-up door blocking the light (I usually work with the door open for fresh air), but I have a few portable lights I can move around to where it's needed.
I'm really glad to hear you are moving into a garage because surely that means you will get back to work on the Camaro!
I'm really glad to hear you are moving into a garage because surely that means you will get back to work on the Camaro!
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Thanks Clint. Mee too. I've been looking for a house for a long time. Man the housing market sky rocketsedocally once the FEDs up'd the interest rate. Now the car has to wait for the checkbook to regain its strength. LOL.
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Since the recent time change I have discovered the strong need to update the lighting in my 2-car garage. Currently, I only have one small light bulb near the garage door opener. This is not sufficient for working on projects.
I am considering putting in 4 sets of LED lights but wanted to ask if anyone has recommendations or cheap alternatives. I am already stretched pretty thin from buying two project cars, so a cheap option may be the way to go. I have electrical experience and know how to do the wiring and installation.
The ceiling is too low for drop lighting, so ceiling flush mount would be preferred. Does anyone have recommendations?
I am considering putting in 4 sets of LED lights but wanted to ask if anyone has recommendations or cheap alternatives. I am already stretched pretty thin from buying two project cars, so a cheap option may be the way to go. I have electrical experience and know how to do the wiring and installation.
The ceiling is too low for drop lighting, so ceiling flush mount would be preferred. Does anyone have recommendations?
Last edited by mrgreystone; Mar 17, 2019 at 05:06 AM.
i havent had any luck with the drop-in t8/t12 led bulbs. the end melts off in like 20 mins.
now the complete fixtures seem to work fine so maybe it's just a matter of removing the ballast (even though the dang box says not to)
now the complete fixtures seem to work fine so maybe it's just a matter of removing the ballast (even though the dang box says not to)
I'm putting The instructions on them say to take the ballast out, wire direct, thru the tombstones.
Do the instructions on yours say either way, with the ballast? Where did you get them?
Are they 4, or 8'? I've seen some 8'r's, that sag when heated up. If that's the case, it could be, the bulbs are pulling out of the sockets, far enuf, to cause a lot of heat.
Most suppliers have clips to add in the middle of the bulbs to stop this.
I'd try to go direct w/ the line voltage, and delete the ballasts. 110 on 1 end, neutral on the other, daisy chained.
Clips:
https://www.bing.com/search?q=8%27+led+center+support+clips&form=EDGTCT &qs=PF&cvid=ba5ebb4a36194b2a98ab2033528195d4&refig =78ed2833d5094aaeb2aa0302c1345e5e&cc=US&setlang=en-US&elv=AQj93OAhDTi*HzTv1paQdngMqSx94Cxcxl9EvGCoPfr ZevXGXzHPNxdDHiLFxbJeNs4kR8P0h9%211HNLd71WNwA*zwCg dK93JiZtsKISz2Jn*&plvar=0&PC=ASTS
HTH,
Last edited by Old Geezer; Mar 24, 2019 at 07:50 AM. Reason: added info
Doug, just got mine installed. WOW!
The ability to "aim" them, is nice. I can turn the bulb and watch the walls get more light on them. Nice to be able to see the shelving contents.
The ability to "aim" them, is nice. I can turn the bulb and watch the walls get more light on them. Nice to be able to see the shelving contents.
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What does the ballast do? Got to learn somewherer. LOL
