Brightest T8 bulb

Danase · 03-10-09, 08:25

Anyone know what the brightest T8 bulb I can get is?

howareb · 03-10-09, 10:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danase

Anyone know what the brightest T8 bulb I can get is?

When I was going through this search for my shop, I was more worried about the CRI index and firgured that I could just add more lights to compensate. I never really found a good trade off between the lumens (Birghtness) and the CRI for T8 bulbs so I settled on the CRI.

When I was doing my research, these folks were very helpful in finding me what I needed. Warehouse Lights - High Bay Lights - Low Bay Lights - Warehouse Lighting.

I hope that this helps.

Danase · 03-10-09, 10:23

Thanks!
Another idea I had was to put a bunch of incodescent fixtures and use those coiled fluorescent compact bulbs. Not sure if that will be wise though.

Pats300zx · 03-10-09, 10:31

I ended up going with the 6500k T8 bulb. I am very happy with the amount of light they put out.

rjstaaf · 03-10-09, 10:33

There are a bunch of threads on garage/shop lighting over at the Garage Journal forums. VERY active site and they are most helpful, just like Autopia

The Garage Journal Home

As for bulbs, as strange as it may sound you may want to check out the forums at Reef Central. Aquarium lighting is not really the same as garage lighting but I think those guys can probably give you a good idea on bulbs that put out the most light....

Reef Central Online Community

Danase · 03-10-09, 10:57

Thanks guys. I'm actually reading the journal now.

blk45 · 03-10-09, 12:00

As mentioned, the color (6500k) and the CRI (as close to 100 as you can get) are more crucial than output.

Pats300zx · 03-10-09, 12:54

Trust me..I just installed 9 banks of 4 each T8 bulbs (6500k) in my 3 car garage. I also just added two sets of T12 6500k bulbs on the wall sides. With the new white paint on the walls you can do surgery in there

howareb · 03-10-09, 01:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by blk45

As mentioned, the color (6500k) and the CRI (as close to 100 as you can get) are more crucial than output.

Based on the above, this is the best T8 bulb (http://www.budgetlighting.com/store/...us&xm=on&ppinc) that I have found on the market. I use the Lumichrome 1XC in my shop, mainly becuse of the price difference. I have been very please with them, and based on how these performed, would easily consider upgrading to the Lumichrome 1XX.

They are awesome lights for color matching and also showing defects in the paint.

Inzane · 04-22-09, 01:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pats300zx

Trust me..I just installed 9 banks of 4 each T8 bulbs (6500k) in my 3 car garage.

Hi Pat!

Hmmm.... I'm just in the process of installing 8 banks of 2 each T8 bulbs in my 3 car garage. The bulbs are 32w, 4100K (cool white). I'm not sure what the CRI or Lumens numbers are.

Are they going to be adequate enough?

I was going to get T12 bulbs but the fixtures I have specified you needed T8s to meet the cold temperature specification (very necessary for where I live).

tom p. · 04-22-09, 03:35

Guys, I can't throw T8 bulbs in my traditional fixtures, right? The T8 bulb needs a specific fixture unique to the T8 bulb?

Inzane · 04-22-09, 03:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom p.

Guys, I can't throw T8 bulbs in my traditional fixtures, right? The T8 bulb needs a specific fixture unique to the T8 bulb?

The fixtures I bought accept both, T8 and T12. But in order to meet the cold weather rating I have to use T8 apparently.

I guess that only half answers your question.