Choosing shop lights

[Super A]

I finally said "enough is enough," bit the bullet, and signed the papers for a "real" shop just after the first of the year. The contractors finished the structure last Saturday; we're waiting on the concrete crew and final inspection and then it's done. Once I get myself together I want to have it wired.
I'm trying to decide on lights. It's a 30x40 and it's 12' tall. I'm looking for cost effective, low maintenance, and bright. I also don't want anything that's going to hang down very far as I don't want to lose any height on the off chance I want to bring something tall inside. Are these 4' fixtures a reasonable choice or are there better options?


thanks,
Al

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Lithonia-Light ... 1000410219

[Don McCombs]

I would not use flourescent lights. I have 18 of the LED lights below in a 30 X 60 building with a similar ceiling height. Looks like daytime when they're on after dark. I have them wired for three banks of six lights, each bank switched seperately, so I can put the light where I need it.

https://www.samsclub.com/p/honeywell-50 ... _product_2.

EDIT: When you get your building wired, make sure to include the following...
At least one 240 outlet for welder and/or compressor
Outlets for ceiling fans
Outlets for garage door openers
As many 120 outlets as you can stand You can't have too many

Not electrical, but when you pour your floor slab, be sure to includes floor drains and a moisture barrier under the concrete

[MiCarl]

I agree LED is the only way to go.

[Dale Finch]

Agree with Don...LED lights are the way to go! Google them & there are many choices (I've bought from Sam's & Costco & Lowe's). I've put them in my tractor sheds, my garage & my sister's garage. Some have a motion sensor switch, which I activated on ONE of the garage lights so it comes on when I enter without needing to turn on the light switch. I'm very happy with them.

[SamsFarm]

There is such a thing as "high bay" lighting, and "low bay", so keep that in mind, and try to optimise for your height.

LED is the way to go!

Sorry, no recomendations!

Get something in the daylight color range (5000K)!

[Mht]

I’ve purchased a number of four foot led lights for my shop. I’ve found the ones from harbor freight are as good as the one from anywhere else and they can be had on sale for about 18 bucks. At least one version of them has a cord on one end and a plug on the other so they can be easily connected together. I’d definitely go with led. I’ve been just happy with the least expensive vs the most expensive ones I’ve purchased

[Gary Dotson]

There are about endless choices in LED lighting. Spend some time sorting through them to decide what type and style lighting you like the best. I have several types of them, myself, and most have been impressive. I’ve bought several 4 ft. 5500 - 6000 lumen lights from Rural King, they do a great job for under $20. The great thing about LED is that you get a lot of light output for a very reasonable price, and they are very thrifty to run.

[ricky racer]

Al, I have to agree with all above, only go with LED. I would also put duplex receptacles at each location you intend to have lights hung for powering the lights. Doing so will make it quick and easy to change out fixtures if the need arises or if you decide you need additional lighting in certain areas all you'll need to do is hang the light and plug it in.
Oh, congratulations on the new shop!

[Dale Finch]

Speaking of adding extra duplex receptacles, you might make sure you have at least enough to add a couple "drop cords" over the central areas...nicer than dragging extension cords around.

[Peter Person]

Don’t forget plumbing for air, with drain valves at each drop. Do not use PVC pipe!

[Eugene]

Can't add much to other sugggestions.

Wiried one LED shop light with switch at main walk in door. Only two lights on this circuit. One near door and other light near back of shop. Can see at night to walk around with out bumping into stuff.

We installed an outlet high in one corner of the shop. Outlet is for security camera.

Also have several outlets hot all the time for battery maintainers and security lights.

Ed: On Don Mc McComb's post. Electrical service to the building. Install the same amperage available to the property.