Need to upgrade kitchen lighting - need more light
 

The two existing f-light fixtures in my kitchen each use two of the 24-inch
bulbs - my 58-year-old baby boomer eyes need more light in the kitchen.

There are cool white, soft white and a bunch of other bulb types - what's
going to give me the most light with the least impact on power draw? Should
I just go with whatever bulb offers the most lumens?

I am considering replacing the two existing fixtures with two fixtures
that'd each use two of the 48-inch bulbs. How much more light should I
expect with the 48-inch tubes - will I see 2X the light I'm getting with the
24-inch tubes?

Is there a particular type of f-light (ballast, etc.) that will give me the
most light with the least power draw? How much more power draw with the
48-inch tubes - 2X?

Right now, if I'm running a few burners on the stove, and running the
dishwasher, and running the external exhaust fan on the stove-top, with the
kitchen lights on, sometimes the microwave kicking off will dim the ceiling
f-lights - so I'm trying to minimize any additional power draw.

Thanks.

Need to upgrade kitchen lighting - need more light
 

"Just a citizen . . ." wrote in message
...
The two existing f-light fixtures in my kitchen each use two of the
24-inch bulbs - my 58-year-old baby boomer eyes need more light in the
kitchen.

There are cool white, soft white and a bunch of other bulb types - what's
going to give me the most light with the least impact on power draw?
Should I just go with whatever bulb offers the most lumens?

I am considering replacing the two existing fixtures with two fixtures
that'd each use two of the 48-inch bulbs. How much more light should I
expect with the 48-inch tubes - will I see 2X the light I'm getting with
the 24-inch tubes?

Is there a particular type of f-light (ballast, etc.) that will give me
the most light with the least power draw? How much more power draw with
the 48-inch tubes - 2X?

Right now, if I'm running a few burners on the stove, and running the
dishwasher, and running the external exhaust fan on the stove-top, with
the kitchen lights on, sometimes the microwave kicking off will dim the
ceiling f-lights - so I'm trying to minimize any additional power draw.

Thanks.

I would recommend replacing both 24" fixtures with 48" fixtures. I would
also recommend new fixtures with electronic ballasts that use 32 watt T-8
lamps. These are the cheapest to operate and brightest standard fixtures
currently available. Also, try to find something with a lens or cover that
doesn't prevent the light from passing through.

Need to upgrade kitchen lighting - need more light
 

Just a citizen . . . wrote:
The two existing f-light fixtures in my kitchen each use two of the 24-inch
bulbs - my 58-year-old baby boomer eyes need more light in the kitchen.

There are cool white, soft white and a bunch of other bulb types - what's
going to give me the most light with the least impact on power draw? Should
I just go with whatever bulb offers the most lumens?

I am considering replacing the two existing fixtures with two fixtures
that'd each use two of the 48-inch bulbs. How much more light should I
expect with the 48-inch tubes - will I see 2X the light I'm getting with the
24-inch tubes?

Is there a particular type of f-light (ballast, etc.) that will give me the
most light with the least power draw? How much more power draw with the
48-inch tubes - 2X?

Right now, if I'm running a few burners on the stove, and running the
dishwasher, and running the external exhaust fan on the stove-top, with the
kitchen lights on, sometimes the microwave kicking off will dim the ceiling
f-lights - so I'm trying to minimize any additional power draw.

Thanks.




Power draw is determined by the ballast, the lamps just consume what
they are fed, so if you don't change that, any tubes you install will
have nearly exactly the same power consumption. You'll get the most
benefit using something with a reasonable CRI, the modern trichromatic
phosphors will get you up into the mid 80s and provide more lumens per
watt as well. If you want the most light, install electronic ballasts
with T8 trichromatic tubes, I upgraded my kitchen to that using
F32T8/850 tubes. 4', 32W, T8 (1") diameter, 80+ CRI, 5000K color
temperature, which is a nice cool but not icy daylight, the difference
in brightness was amazing. You can get 24" T8s as well, but a pair of
32W 4 footers with the efficient electronic ballast they require will
not use much more power than a pair of 24" tubes with a magnetic
ballast, and they are a lot better regulated, have a nearly unity power
factor (so less amp draw) and less effected by power fluctuations as
well. As for how much light to expect, look at the lumens, but given
that magnetic ballasts tend to under-run the tubes significantly, and
that the high frequency operation of electronic ballasts results in zero
flicker and more overall light, and taking into account the newer more
efficient phosphors, you'll be looking at 3X or more light from pairs of
4' T8s than what you have already.

Need to upgrade kitchen lighting - need more light
 

"Just a citizen . . ." wrote:

The two existing f-light fixtures in my kitchen each use two of the 24-inch
bulbs - my 58-year-old baby boomer eyes need more light in the kitchen.

There are cool white, soft white and a bunch of other bulb types - what's
going to give me the most light with the least impact on power draw? Should
I just go with whatever bulb offers the most lumens?

I am considering replacing the two existing fixtures with two fixtures
that'd each use two of the 48-inch bulbs. How much more light should I
expect with the 48-inch tubes - will I see 2X the light I'm getting with the
24-inch tubes?

Is there a particular type of f-light (ballast, etc.) that will give me the
most light with the least power draw? How much more power draw with the
48-inch tubes - 2X?

Right now, if I'm running a few burners on the stove, and running the
dishwasher, and running the external exhaust fan on the stove-top, with the
kitchen lights on, sometimes the microwave kicking off will dim the ceiling
f-lights - so I'm trying to minimize any additional power draw.

Thanks.

As the others said, fixtures with the 4' T8 tubes will give a lot more
light, however remember that if the fixture positioning is bad, brighter
lights will only make shadows and visibility worse.

Need to upgrade kitchen lighting - need more light
 

Pete C. wrote:
"Just a citizen . . ." wrote:
The two existing f-light fixtures in my kitchen each use two of the 24-inch
bulbs - my 58-year-old baby boomer eyes need more light in the kitchen.

There are cool white, soft white and a bunch of other bulb types - what's
going to give me the most light with the least impact on power draw? Should
I just go with whatever bulb offers the most lumens?

I am considering replacing the two existing fixtures with two fixtures
that'd each use two of the 48-inch bulbs. How much more light should I
expect with the 48-inch tubes - will I see 2X the light I'm getting with the
24-inch tubes?

Is there a particular type of f-light (ballast, etc.) that will give me the
most light with the least power draw? How much more power draw with the
48-inch tubes - 2X?

Right now, if I'm running a few burners on the stove, and running the
dishwasher, and running the external exhaust fan on the stove-top, with the
kitchen lights on, sometimes the microwave kicking off will dim the ceiling
f-lights - so I'm trying to minimize any additional power draw.

Thanks.

As the others said, fixtures with the 4' T8 tubes will give a lot more
light, however remember that if the fixture positioning is bad, brighter
lights will only make shadows and visibility worse.

That's a very good point. Under-cabinet lighting can work wonders, you
might look into that.

Need to upgrade kitchen lighting - need more light
 

RBM wrote:

I would recommend replacing both 24" fixtures with 48" fixtures. I
would also recommend new fixtures with electronic ballasts that use
32 watt T-8 lamps. These are the cheapest to operate and brightest
standard fixtures currently available. Also, try to find something
with a lens or cover that doesn't prevent the light from passing
through.

Second that last. Diffusers - covers - can cut the light by 50%. My kitchen
came equipped with a recessed opening containing 3 - 100watt bulbs. I
replaced that configuration with 4 - 40w florescent bulbs and changed the
semi-opaque cover with a grate. Big difference.

Need to upgrade kitchen lighting - need more light
 

On Dec 12, 9:51*pm, "Just a citizen . . ."
wrote:
The two existing f-light fixtures in my kitchen each use two of the 24-inch
bulbs - my 58-year-old baby boomer eyes need more light in the kitchen.

There are cool white, soft white and a bunch of other bulb types - what's
going to give me the most light with the least impact on power draw? *Should
I just go with whatever bulb offers the most lumens?

I am considering replacing the two existing fixtures with two fixtures
that'd each use two of the 48-inch bulbs. *How much more light should I
expect with the 48-inch tubes - will I see 2X the light I'm getting with the
24-inch tubes?

Is there a particular type of f-light (ballast, etc.) that will give me the
most light with the least power draw? *How much more power draw with the
48-inch tubes - 2X?

Right now, if I'm running a few burners on the stove, and running the
dishwasher, and running the external exhaust fan on the stove-top, with the
kitchen lights on, sometimes the microwave kicking off will dim the ceiling
f-lights - so I'm trying to minimize any additional power draw.

Thanks.

Light output is rated in Lumens and is stated on packaging, for
efficency you compare Lumen per watt. 32w T8 electronic ballast is the
way to go as others say. You can get much brighter bulbs than Warm-
Soft White but they dont work well in a kitchen, you food will look
bad !, grey meat wont make anyone hungry. A 4 foot dual lamp T8
electronic ballast will put out more than double of what you have and
maybe only consume 50% more electricity. Look at undercabinet 15w T8
flourescent lights they equal 60w incandesant output and help alot to
put light where you need it. HD has GE fixtures and bulb with plug in
cord for maybe 9$ that I use in alot of kitchens. The Philips T8, 48"
"Soft White" bulb in red packaging is a good bulb for color and
efficency. You can get brighter bulbs but for a kitchen but stick to
warm or soft white designations of about 3000k. For not much more
electricity you can increase light output dramaticly. Dont buy the
cheapest electronic ballast 4 ft fixture, they may not last.

Need to upgrade kitchen lighting - need more light
 

On Dec 12, 9:51 pm, "Just a citizen . . ."
wrote:
The two existing f-light fixtures in my kitchen each use two of the
24-inch
bulbs - my 58-year-old baby boomer eyes need more light in the kitchen.

There are cool white, soft white and a bunch of other bulb types - what's
going to give me the most light with the least impact on power draw?
Should
I just go with whatever bulb offers the most lumens?

I am considering replacing the two existing fixtures with two fixtures
that'd each use two of the 48-inch bulbs. How much more light should I
expect with the 48-inch tubes - will I see 2X the light I'm getting with
the
24-inch tubes?

Before changing the lights, stop and think about what you really need. It
may not be so much that you need more light, but you need the exiting light
in a different position. Or you may only need a little under cabinet light
to boost the workspace.

Need to upgrade kitchen lighting - need more light
 

ransley wrote:
On Dec 12, 9:51 pm, "Just a citizen . . ."
wrote:
The two existing f-light fixtures in my kitchen each use two of the 24-inch
bulbs - my 58-year-old baby boomer eyes need more light in the kitchen.

There are cool white, soft white and a bunch of other bulb types - what's
going to give me the most light with the least impact on power draw? Should
I just go with whatever bulb offers the most lumens?

I am considering replacing the two existing fixtures with two fixtures
that'd each use two of the 48-inch bulbs. How much more light should I
expect with the 48-inch tubes - will I see 2X the light I'm getting with the
24-inch tubes?

Is there a particular type of f-light (ballast, etc.) that will give me the
most light with the least power draw? How much more power draw with the
48-inch tubes - 2X?

Right now, if I'm running a few burners on the stove, and running the
dishwasher, and running the external exhaust fan on the stove-top, with the
kitchen lights on, sometimes the microwave kicking off will dim the ceiling
f-lights - so I'm trying to minimize any additional power draw.

Thanks.

Light output is rated in Lumens and is stated on packaging, for
efficency you compare Lumen per watt. 32w T8 electronic ballast is the
way to go as others say. You can get much brighter bulbs than Warm-
Soft White but they dont work well in a kitchen, you food will look
bad !, grey meat wont make anyone hungry. A 4 foot dual lamp T8
electronic ballast will put out more than double of what you have and
maybe only consume 50% more electricity. Look at undercabinet 15w T8
flourescent lights they equal 60w incandesant output and help alot to
put light where you need it. HD has GE fixtures and bulb with plug in
cord for maybe 9$ that I use in alot of kitchens. The Philips T8, 48"
"Soft White" bulb in red packaging is a good bulb for color and
efficency. You can get brighter bulbs but for a kitchen but stick to
warm or soft white designations of about 3000k. For not much more
electricity you can increase light output dramaticly. Dont buy the
cheapest electronic ballast 4 ft fixture, they may not last.


Low CRI is what makes food look unappetizing. The halophosphate tubes
(CW, WW, D) have CRIs in the 50-60 range, low end trichromatics are 70+,
better ones are 80+, you can even get mixed phosphor tubes with a 90+
CRI, but the efficiency is down significantly at that point. Spring for
80+ in the kitchen, regardless of the color temperature things should
look ok.

Need to upgrade kitchen lighting - need more light
 

Thanks again for all the great information - I picked up the two new
fixtures and 4 bulbs at HD this afternoon, per the specs provided by you
guys - very inexpensive - I killed the power, took down the two older
fixtures, put up the new fixtures, and now we need sunglasses in the
kitchen - VERY nice being able to see clearly. And no one was
electrocuted - a successful project.

"James Sweet" wrote in message
...
ransley wrote:
On Dec 12, 9:51 pm, "Just a citizen . . ."
wrote:
The two existing f-light fixtures in my kitchen each use two of the
24-inch
bulbs - my 58-year-old baby boomer eyes need more light in the kitchen.

There are cool white, soft white and a bunch of other bulb types -
what's
going to give me the most light with the least impact on power draw?
Should
I just go with whatever bulb offers the most lumens?

I am considering replacing the two existing fixtures with two fixtures
that'd each use two of the 48-inch bulbs. How much more light should I
expect with the 48-inch tubes - will I see 2X the light I'm getting with
the
24-inch tubes?

Is there a particular type of f-light (ballast, etc.) that will give me
the
most light with the least power draw? How much more power draw with the
48-inch tubes - 2X?

Right now, if I'm running a few burners on the stove, and running the
dishwasher, and running the external exhaust fan on the stove-top, with
the
kitchen lights on, sometimes the microwave kicking off will dim the
ceiling
f-lights - so I'm trying to minimize any additional power draw.

Thanks.

Light output is rated in Lumens and is stated on packaging, for
efficency you compare Lumen per watt. 32w T8 electronic ballast is the
way to go as others say. You can get much brighter bulbs than Warm-
Soft White but they dont work well in a kitchen, you food will look
bad !, grey meat wont make anyone hungry. A 4 foot dual lamp T8
electronic ballast will put out more than double of what you have and
maybe only consume 50% more electricity. Look at undercabinet 15w T8
flourescent lights they equal 60w incandesant output and help alot to
put light where you need it. HD has GE fixtures and bulb with plug in
cord for maybe 9$ that I use in alot of kitchens. The Philips T8, 48"
"Soft White" bulb in red packaging is a good bulb for color and
efficency. You can get brighter bulbs but for a kitchen but stick to
warm or soft white designations of about 3000k. For not much more
electricity you can increase light output dramaticly. Dont buy the
cheapest electronic ballast 4 ft fixture, they may not last.


Low CRI is what makes food look unappetizing. The halophosphate tubes (CW,
WW, D) have CRIs in the 50-60 range, low end trichromatics are 70+, better
ones are 80+, you can even get mixed phosphor tubes with a 90+ CRI, but
the efficiency is down significantly at that point. Spring for 80+ in the
kitchen, regardless of the color temperature things should look ok.