Posted: 3/14/2009 3:34:08 PM EDT
| Anyone have any pointers for buying light fixtures online? good places?, places to avoid? Is there somewhere to go to find out about the various levels of quality of the fixtures? |
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I'd check Ebay stores. when i was redoing my bathroom, pluming fixtures (faucets, shower head, tub faucet) that home depot and lowes wanted $250+ each, found them on ebay, exact same thing, NIB for around $100 each or less. That's what I did for our cabin. Excellent quality and MUCH cheaper. Better selection too. 
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http://www.build.com
http://www.contractorlighting.com I use both frequently in my business. |
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Let me ask a few specific questions.
My garage has two regular screw in lightbulb fixtures. I am thinking (  ) to take that switched, ceiling power supply and use it for new lighting.
1) Is fluorescent my best option? Visible lighting & electric efficient? Anything else worth considering??? 2) Is there a certain type of fixture that is complete (versus incomplete, ballast etc.) and can be hard wired into those two light fixtures? Can additional fixtures be wired directly into those? 3) Any advantages on one length fixtures over others? 4) How many square feet per what?? I need to light 20 x 50. Once I have an idea what I need to use, I dont think getting it wil be an issue. I have no idea what I need to use though. TIA! |
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In my garage I have two fluorescent fixtures that put out about 500 watts total for 25 x 25.
For general illumination it's fine. In my reloading room i have over 1000 watts for half the space because I really need to see what I'm doing. Fluorescents for now will give you the best watt per buck but led's are catching up. The least expensive option if you have just a lightbulb holder (keyless) is to install 300 watt bulbs |
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Quoted:
Let me ask a few specific questions. My garage has two regular screw in lightbulb fixtures. I am thinking ( ) to take that switched, ceiling power supply and use it for new lighting.
1) Is fluorescent my best option? Visible lighting & electric efficient? Anything else worth considering??? 2) Is there a certain type of fixture that is complete (versus incomplete, ballast etc.) and can be hard wired into those two light fixtures? Can additional fixtures be wired directly into those? 3) Any advantages on one length fixtures over others? 4) How many square feet per what?? I need to light 20 x 50. Once I have an idea what I need to use, I dont think getting it wil be an issue. I have no idea what I need to use though. TIA! Is your garage heated? Fluorescent is very temperature sensitive. Even the low temp. rated ones can be a pain. If it's not heated, I would go with a mix of incandescent and Fluorescent. The newer electronic ballasts handle cold better, but you still should expect reduced output. |
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GREAT QUESTION!!!!!!!! My garage has two screwin light fixtures, I NEED LIGHT!!!!!! Im thinking fluorescent, but know ZERO about them... 3-4 rows of 8 footers FTW. Had them in my old garage. NICE. Soon to be installed in my new garage. ETA.... I have 3 new 8 footers(not the fancy cold start whatever) in the shed and they work great in the middle of winter. Got them at Menards, about $50 per unit. The ones in the old garage would flicker for a while when cold. In a 20*50, 1 row close to each wall and one in the middle would be nice. How are your overhead doors hung? This will decide how the lights are arranged. |
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First thing I learned. Putting up 8' fixtures by yourself without a balancing act is easy, if you know the trick.
Install mid section screw first, then mark end screws & set. I only cocked the first one a wee little, but my OCD would not let that go. Pulled it down & shot it right. Also I bought flex conduit. Its going back & I will by rigid. I think it will look better & will be easier to cut. Still learning, have to go back to Lowes again tomorrow. Last fixture is banged up pretty bad, hidden damage inside box I couldnt have seen. 
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