Lighting for shop with 12' Ceilings

[HammerDown]

I am in the process of building a shop. The main area is 40X60 with 12' ceilings. I was planning to use a bunch of 8' fluorescent lights but have heard metal halide (sp?) may be better. Is 12' too low for the MH lights? Any suggestions are appreciated.

[demonranger]

12' is too low to adequately do MH lights.

spend the extra $$ to get T-8 bulbs in your flourescent lamps.

[johnrv4]

Also, if you decide to go with the florescent lights, get the one's with the electronic ballasts. I put 12 high-output 8' lights in my building, and in less than three years, 6 ballasts have failed, and the other one's sound like something out of Dr.Frankenstein's laboratory. The electronic lights are quiet, and are good to -20F at the same cost.

[fj40guy]

I used MH 175W lamps in my 30' x 50' shop. 14' MH with a low pitch roof, lights are 15' off the floor.

Fixtures are "low bays" which is critical in the 'short wall shop' as most fixtures are set up for 20' bays (i.e. "high bays"). In my case the Osram lights were meant for a parking garage, and have "side panels" to hit walls and reflect the light. Note the clear band around the light housings.

Lights were designed for placement every 15' and 7' from side walls. White insulation helps reflect the light.

I finally did add a 4' H8 fixture over the milling machine to add extra light (I'm getting older, so it helps).

Tom

[Pavemen]

I just replaced 1/3 of the flourescents with T8's. I have yet to do the other two 16' sections. I can tell you right now, that the one 16' section is brighter than the other two combined.

They are more $$, but so much brighter and 'cleaner' light. I put in 2850 lumen, 5000K, CRI 85, 30,000 hour Phillips bulbs. The two 8', 4-bulb 32w T8 fixtures, along with a 10pk of bulbs was $117 from Home Depot. Not the best price I am sure, but worth it.

This is with 10' ceilings in a 2car garage and recessed into the joists (attached to boards over the top of the joists, so the lights are in the 'bays). The light is very uniform and easy on the eyes.

[2003_ram]

I am in the process of building a shop. The main area is 40X60 with 12' ceilings. I was planning to use a bunch of 8' fluorescent lights but have heard metal halide (sp?) may be better. Is 12' too low for the MH lights? Any suggestions are appreciated.

I have a few Flourescents and its plenty. I have 12' ceilings and 18' ceilings. though....... If I had my way in the 18' section would be MH.

[mlogan24]

x2 on the full spectrum T8's with electronic ballasts. I was anticipating flickering when I put in my fluorescents. I am in love with the electronic ballast. Starts instant and no flickering.

[HammerDown]

I think I am sold on the fluor with T8 bulbs. What is the best way to determine quantity fo lights and spacing?