Garage Lighting

[hatda02GTS01]

I need some advice from those of you who have had the chance to 'properly' light your garage.

I just bought a new house with a two car garage in the basement. The ceiling is dry-walled but not finished and the square footage is decent for a two-car; about 750 sq. ft. Right now there are four regular flourescent bulbs, two on each side each about 1/3rd of the way centered (if that makes sense).

Since the roof is not finished I can rewire and install lighting as needed. What's the best type of lighting for a garage? I doubt it matters, but my 01 is yellow and the garage will be used for working on and detailing the car.

Opinions? Experiences?

Thx
Dave

 

[RAYSIR]

Dave, this may sound crazy but I have a 1300 sq fft garage and I took out all the light bulb fixtures and replaced with 4 outlet (plug ins) in each one, then bought the $12.00 4 ft fixtures True value and Lowes sells. I hang each on short chains and then they have an extension cord. That way if a ballast burns out I can toss the fixture and hang a new one. I have about 35 of them in my garage. And lots !!! of light. It looks like a paint booth.

 

[Fred(DrivingSchool)Kinder]

I use 18 8' florsecent bulbs(nine two bulb fixtures).

Look at the last several pictures from this link -http://norcal.viperclub.org/gallery/04262005LiftEvent/index.html

Over the work bench I also have high intensity lights.

 

[jk]

I use fluorescents also. Since you live up north, be aware that the electronic ballasts (as opposed to the magnetic ballasts) are recommended for temperatures below 50. The T-12s are harder to start in cold temps. Also, the T-8 bulbs are more energy efficient.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

I have flush mounted. They are cleaner and I need all the space I can get, even up there.

 

[ViperTony]

My garage is a 3 car, about 900 s.f., 12 foot ceilings. I have six 8' fixtures, 2 per bay with 120 watt bulbs. Plenty of light...its so bright you can see it from space at night.

 

[Wayne Finch]

Fluorescents will show virtually every imperfection - which makes it good for detailing. A portable fluorescent at ground level is also a good idea when detailing.