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Shop light advice

Discussion in 'The DIY Room' started by Creekin, Jan 19, 2021.

  1. Creekin

    Creekin

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    The time has come that i want to start putting up some shop lights

    Shop is 50x80, steel building with ceiling height of 20 ft at the peak, 16' at the eave
    Plan is to install a bunch of fluorescent light fixtures i picked up for free and swap out for led bulbs
    I almost have enough to circle the perimeter almost continuously at the 8ft level
    Everything ran in metal conduit

    Right now there is 4 t5 fixtures on the ceiling that provide current lighting (less than adequate)

    I would like to get more up on tge ceiling, but have too many things in the way for a lift

    Has anyone swapped out the old bulbs for leds? Satisfied with the light?
     
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  2. Semipro

    Semipro

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    I have and I like the LEDs.
    There are two types though. Once direct replacement and one that requires you bypass the fixture's starting circuit.
    I lean towards the latter just because it seems like there's less to go wrong. I.e., replacing the bulb later should fix any problem rather than having to diagnose bulb versus starter, etc.
     
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  3. Creekin

    Creekin

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    Thanks for the feedback!
    I am looking at tge ballast bypass ones as I think some of these used ones are toast
     
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  4. buzz-saw

    buzz-saw

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    Go LED , fluorescent lights for me were a pain in the backside. I just removed my old fluorescent lights that hated the cold , were noisy and seemed to always have a bulb with a bad attitude.
    I put in LED and love them. Brighter , no noise or buzzing and the cold doesnt bother them. Well worth it !
     
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  5. Creekin

    Creekin

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    I picked up a few led replacement bulbs locally from a guy ho ordered the wrong ones, bought 6 to try out and if i like them buy another 20 or so
     
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  6. huskihl

    huskihl

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    I had the single spring pin ends on my 8’ fluorescents. I removed the ballasts and wired for hot and neutral at each end. Installed led’s and I’m more than happy with my ceiling being at 13’-6”.
     
  7. buzz-saw

    buzz-saw

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    I also got a deal I could not refuse on my LED's so it was a no brainer.
     
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  8. RIburn

    RIburn

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    Same for me - should have done it a year ago! Easy bypass.
     
  9. Creekin

    Creekin

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    Hopefully this weekend i can get some time to start!!
     
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  10. Cheepbeer

    Cheepbeer

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    My neighbor's got a shop about the same size, 20ft eaves. He got 2 hi bay led's and it's so bright in there we've been contemplating putting one on its own switch.
     
    Last edited: Jan 22, 2021
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  11. Creekin

    Creekin

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