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How many fluorescent light fixtures?
On Sun, 17 Feb 2008 11:36:25 -0500, "MiamiCuse"
wrote: Any idea how to determine how many fluorescent light fixtures I need to lit a garage 22'x22'x8'H? I am thinking of getting this: http://www.lightmart.com/index.asp?P...D&ProdID=19062 Parabolic Surface Troffer 18 CELL 3x32 T8 I wonder if I need 2 or 4 or more of these...any thoughts? Thanks, MC As you might guess, it depends on what you intend to do in this garage. If it's fine detailed work such as engine restoration or body repair, you're going to need *a lot* more light than if you're just parking the car. Note that a typical office space illuminated to about 50 foot candles might require a three tube T8 fixture about every sixty-four square feet which, based on the size of your garage, suggests eight fixtures (in the case of a drafting office, you could double or even triple that). Note too that parabolic troffers, while well suited for office environments where glare control is critical, are a poor choice for this type of application and especially at your ceiling height. Without knowing anything about your particular requirements, I might recommend a good quality two tube surface mount fixture with a wrap around prismatic lens; they're an inexpensive option that would likely better serve your needs (much higher fixture efficiency, better light distribution and acceptable surface glare). I would likely go with a total of eight, with two rows of four positioned a few feet in from the exterior wall, running parallel with the length of the car(s). If you have a work bench, add two or more fixtures (ideally, fitted with industrial style reflectors) parralel with the bench. Paint all surfaces white for maximum light reflection and go with a good quality fluorescent tube that is 5,000 K or 6,500 K in colour temperature (closer to daylight). If there are two vehicles and you will be performing visually critical work, I might add a third centre row or at least make provisions for such. Multiple switching is important so that you can adjust light levels based on your changing requirements or the specific task at hand. And if you think this sounds like an excessive amount of light, take a look at various commercial garages/service bays and count the number of fixtures in place; it will probably come in much higher than you expect. Cheers, Paul |
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