imported_kgb
New member
I am thinking of trading some of my 4 footers for some 8 foot fixtures. Good idea or bad?
Also, do any of you guys have lights mounted on the walls?
Also, do any of you guys have lights mounted on the walls?
Who here is using 8' fluorescent light fixtures?
- Thread starter imported_kgb
- Start date
Accumulator
Well-known member
2001civicex- I have a bunch of the 8-footers, both ceiling and wall mounted. They put out a lot of light, good for general-purpose stuff like washing. The wall mounted ones are, IMO, a VERY good idea. These lights are NOT so good for swirl spotting, however. I can never see much marring-wise under fluorescents.
imported_kgb
New member
Accumulator, I am glad you said that! I have argued with people time and time again about how I can spot swirls MUCH easier in with my halogens than with the fluorescents. I thought it was just me! Do your wall mounted ones get in the way or get bumped a lot?
imported_elortt
New member
which bulbs are you using? In my experience if you use either cool or ultra cool - it provides a much whiter light and is almost frusturating as it shows every imperfection. They use the ultra cool bulbs in clean rooms and inspection areas for just that reason.
Eric
Eric
tom p.
Active member
Who here is using 8' fluorescent light fixtures?
That's what we had installed. I had one strip installed over each area for a total of three. Using the "hi output" bulbs which do much better in cold weather. I also have a total of six 150W incandescent bulbs...still not enough light but pretty good.
It's my feeling you can't have too much light in the typical garage.
That's what we had installed. I had one strip installed over each area for a total of three. Using the "hi output" bulbs which do much better in cold weather. I also have a total of six 150W incandescent bulbs...still not enough light but pretty good.
It's my feeling you can't have too much light in the typical garage.
imported_garyo
New member
I see reference in this thread to HO type fixtures which from my aquarium days I understand. I understand the light output is higher in HO bulbs than normal bulbs. However, I have seen other threads with reference to T8 and T12 type bulbs. Is an HO bulb available in with the newer technology? Is it necessary? Can someone give the info on differences of the bulbs and/or ballast (actually I know the new ballast are electronic vs. tar and that they work better at colder temps and are suppose to much more energy efficient). thanks
wifehatescar
My L5-S1 is killing me!
From my own studies, T8 are what you want, T12 suck more power and do not light any better (they are an older style that is "on the way out"). JMO.
I've equipped my garage with three four foot double bulb flourescent fixtures. To get power to them, I replaced the two single bulb light fixtures with outlets. The flourescent fixtures are now plugged into these outlets (two fixtures in one outlet, one in the remaining outlet). My question, one of the fixtures doesn't light up immediately or seemingly at all when really cold, whereas the other two do. Thing that gets me, the one that doesn't is the one that has a dedicated outlet. I purchased all fixtures at the same time and I believe them to be the same model. Anyone have any explanations? How about instructions when comparing ballast, wouldn't think one to be different from the others, but I can check the ballasts. By the way, all bulbs are from the same box.
tom p.
Active member
some of them won't work at all when the weather gets cold. The "high output" units appear to overcome this.
Accumulator
Well-known member
2001civicex- Nah, they don't get bumped. I put 'em up about shoulder high.
elortt- I've tried the Ultra Cool bulbs in my previous garage, and I now have (Sylvania) cool whites. *I* just don't see marring as well as under harsh incandescents. I have some 300W incand. bulbs hung over where I polish the car, and *I* like them a LOT better. When I turn off all the other lights and inspect (often with magnification) under those, I see stuff I don't even find with halogens.
elortt- I've tried the Ultra Cool bulbs in my previous garage, and I now have (Sylvania) cool whites. *I* just don't see marring as well as under harsh incandescents. I have some 300W incand. bulbs hung over where I polish the car, and *I* like them a LOT better. When I turn off all the other lights and inspect (often with magnification) under those, I see stuff I don't even find with halogens.
Yeah. It is a good idea. My electrician had a day or two to fix up my garage for me. When I got back on day 2 he had installed 6 8' flourescents, a few quad recepticle outlets, 2 hose reels, and a security pad for my door. It was well worth it. The light output is wonderfull. You could never have enough light because shadows are everywhere.
Next up a set of cameras for the driveway and front door.
Next up a set of cameras for the driveway and front door.
Accumulator
Well-known member
Ryan said:
And consider a driveway sensor to alert you so you know when to look at your monitor. I wanna know what's up before somebody's at the door. You know, see who/how many exit the vehicle, where they go, etc.
GP Infinity
New member
I am having 8 footers installed in my new garage. Can someone explain the difference betweent he T-8's and T-12's to an idiot like me? He hasnt bought the fixtures yet, so I can be specific. He did say they were going to be high output though..
Dana
Dana
wifehatescar
My L5-S1 is killing me!
BlackRegal said:
jimmybuffit
That'll buff right out!
My shop has 16 8' fluorescent t12s overhead at 12'. I have one 8' fluorescent t12 wall-mounted in the wash bay at about 6'. also, in the washbay, I have two 500 watt wall mounted halogens, to illuminate the rear and side of the vehicle.
I have two wall mounted 4' T8s (4100K) and two wall mounted 500 watt halogens.
In addition, I have two mobile carts, each with a 4' T8 (5100K - they rule!) and a 500 watt halogen.
A tripod mounted 500 watt halogen rounds out the lighting - not counting the 4 handhelds, for interior work.
The lighting is flexible and adequate.
Next time, I'll use Metal Halide lamps as the primary source, with as much T8 (5100K) as I can justify for 'daylight' color perception.
The halogens are imperative for swirl detection. They need to be portable/as flexible as possible. Angle of view is eveything!
The front wall of my shop is 90% glass.
Daylight is good. So good, that I'll consider skylights next time.
Hope this brightens up your day!
Jim
I have two wall mounted 4' T8s (4100K) and two wall mounted 500 watt halogens.
In addition, I have two mobile carts, each with a 4' T8 (5100K - they rule!) and a 500 watt halogen.
A tripod mounted 500 watt halogen rounds out the lighting - not counting the 4 handhelds, for interior work.
The lighting is flexible and adequate.
Next time, I'll use Metal Halide lamps as the primary source, with as much T8 (5100K) as I can justify for 'daylight' color perception.
The halogens are imperative for swirl detection. They need to be portable/as flexible as possible. Angle of view is eveything!
The front wall of my shop is 90% glass.
Daylight is good. So good, that I'll consider skylights next time.
Hope this brightens up your day!
Jim
GP Infinity
New member
jimamary said:
Do you have to wear sunglasses or a welding mask in there? :scared Holy cow is that a lot of light..
Dana