Shop/barn light suggestions
Printed From: Unofficial Allis
Category: Other Topics
Forum Name: Shops, Barns, Varmints, and Trucks
Forum Description: anything you want to talk about except politics
URL: https://www.allischalmers.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=202731
Printed Date: 21 Dec 2024 at 8:32am
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Topic: Shop/barn light suggestions
Posted By: thendrix
Subject: Shop/barn light suggestions
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2024 at 11:05am
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About to run power to our pole barn and want some light suggestions. Pole barn is 40x60x13. Trusses set on 4ft centers with a 2/12 bottom pitch. At some point one side will be closed in but it's not at the moment. Any suggestions on lights? Brand, number, size, placement, etc? ------------- "Farming is a business that makes a Las Vegas craps table look like a regular paycheck" Ronald Reagan |
Replies:
Posted By: steve(ill)
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2024 at 11:41am
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do you just want to be able to SEE when walking in the dark, or are you working in that area ?.... I put 60 or 100 (equiv) WATT LED screw in bulbs with the old screw in base and mount them on 10 ft centers..Simple / cheap/ last for years... That gives plently of light to walk around and move things, etc.. If this is a SHOP and your working with hand tools, then you need MORE LIGHT closer to the Work..
------------- Like them all, but love the "B"s. |
Posted By: plummerscarin
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2024 at 12:18pm
| I put up a string of construction lights with 100w CFL’s for “temporary use” some 15 years ago. Plugged in to a switched outlet. Great for most things unless you need some really good lighting on a shop project. Your building size is same as mine. Will need two sets for best coverage but mine is cold storage on one end. There is enough light to get by if needed at that end |
Posted By: tadams(OH)
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2024 at 2:28pm
| I have put up led 4' lights that I bought on Amazon in my shed and like the way it's lit up |
Posted By: Clay
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2024 at 3:27pm
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4' LED lights are GREAT! |
Posted By: thendrix
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2024 at 4:29pm
Little of both. I don't have a dedicated shop so sometimes the barn doubles as a work area, sometimes it's the stackhouse that gets used. My biggest need is parking equipment at night. A couple of weeks ago I had to back a caking machine in about midnight. Had enough moonlight to get it in but could've torn up some expensive stuff. We're having another well drilled next week and when it comes time to wire the pump, the ditch will run right past the pole barn so it's time. ------------- "Farming is a business that makes a Las Vegas craps table look like a regular paycheck" Ronald Reagan |
steve(ill) wrote:Posted By: steve(ill)
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2024 at 4:55pm
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I like the old screw in sockets because its CHEAP and EASY.... and you can put the NEW LED bulbs in the sockets.. Started out with 60 watt equivilant ( about 8 watts) in each socket. Needed a little more light in the back corner so i got one of the screw in splitters and put two 100 watt ( 12 watts) bulbs into one socket... LEDs take very little power... and i get the DAYLIGHT bulbs... works better than the "cool" or "warm" bulbs. ------------- Like them all, but love the "B"s. |
Posted By: TramwayGuy
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2024 at 5:28pm
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Go LED! That’s what I have in mine. |
Posted By: WF owner
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2024 at 6:34pm
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I recommend putting in a few screw-in type motion detector LED "bulbs". I have them in a shed and absolutely love them. No more tripping over things getting to the light switch. As we get older, they could prevent an injury. It's hard to put a price on that. https://www.amazon.com/Minpory-Outdoor-Equivalent-Security-Daylight/dp/B09DCDN5KT/ref=asc_df_B09DCDN5KT/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=692875362841&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4818132040152358514&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9005331&hvtargid=pla-2281435178538&psc=1&mcid=f2415bbeeb2530fb8d72613c0da57e63&hvocijid=4818132040152358514-B09DCDN5KT-&hvexpln=73&gad_source=1" rel="nofollow - Motion Sensor Light Bulbs, 13W(100W Equivalent) Motion Detector Auto Activated Dusk to Dawn Security LED Bulb, A19 E26 5000K Daylight Outdoor/Indoor Lighting for Garage Porch Stairs Patio, 3 Pack - Amazon.com
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Posted By: thendrix
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2024 at 7:38pm
May go this route. The lights we use in our chicken houses are 10.5 watt LED A19 bulbs and with the porcelain socket I've got about $9 in it. Think 3 rows of 4 bulbs would be enough? In our chicken houses they're spread about 16 ft and they're plenty bright but the buildings are enclosed ------------- "Farming is a business that makes a Las Vegas craps table look like a regular paycheck" Ronald Reagan |
Posted By: steve(ill)
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2024 at 9:57pm
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rafters on 4 ft centers so bulb every 3 beam... 12 ft apart.... 3 per rafter sounds good also... should make a nice setup.. The Motion sensor is a good idea also... watch the BULB MOUNTED type. The sensors on some are 8-12 ft range.. The Individual sensor type can look 50 ft away ... and you need POWER ON all the time for the sensor bulbs to work. ------------- Like them all, but love the "B"s. |
Posted By: jaybmiller
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2024 at 7:16am
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I replaced the screw in bases with duplex receptacles. Allowed me to plug in TWO of those 4' LED strips AND their cords are long enough I could get the PERFECT placement over the work 'stations'. Original screw in bulb was dead center over the tractor, now LEDs are either side, washing LOTS of light to the sides of the tractor. Another bonus, though seldom used, is that I can unplug one LED strip and put an extension cord in for say a trouble light, drill or fan... Also have banks of light son several switches NOT a one switch does all. While you're wiring, instead of just one receptacle at a location, mount two. Cost is minimal but offers lots of options...like when you need a trouble light and drill and battery recharger in one location. It's best to spend time now, 'over wire' the project then mumble 4 letter words 6 months from now........ ------------- 3 D-14s,A-C forklift, B-112 Kubota BX23S lil' TOOT( The Other Orange Tractor) Never burn your bridges, unless you can walk on water |
Posted By: DMiller
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2024 at 7:30am
| Add Wall Mounted, ALL Sides as will also aid for those dreary days or late nights and drop that One Special, CANNOT BE BOUGHT, Screw. I am also looking to improve my Shop Lighting, have six 8' fluorescents currently, was a nightmare when painting as to shadows and dark areas. Wall Lighting will be added to shine toward all projects off three sides. Mine is 30x30 inside. |
Posted By: steve(ill)
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2024 at 8:33am
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YEP...it all depends if your in a STORAGE are or a WORK AREA.. ------------- Like them all, but love the "B"s. |
Posted By: thendrix
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2024 at 10:21am
It's mostly a storage area. It's where everything gets parked. But when it's time to work on stuff I don't have a better place that's not full of chicken litter ------------- "Farming is a business that makes a Las Vegas craps table look like a regular paycheck" Ronald Reagan |
Posted By: DaveKamp
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2024 at 12:42pm
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I'll agree with basically every suggestion above... as they're all excellent when used in context congruent to your needs. My suggestion is to add SEVERAL lighting CIRCUITS. A few basic fixed lamps to get you safely from one place in the building to another, and a few fixed lamps on the OUTSIDE to light up the areas near the entrances, corners, and passing sides of the buildings will help you navigate on foot, as well as get vehicles and machinery around, in the dark. I frequently set up 24/7 illumination, at very low power (a couple watts of LED go a long way, for essentially no power use) as it can get darned dark inside during the daytime, too. In fog, rain, and snow, those lamps serve as 'markers' too. When coming INTO the building, I like to have a light active near the switches and circuit breaker panel. Aside note- first thing I do when I set a panel, is install a quad receptacle box at the panel, and install a lamp on the wall or ceiling over the panel, so I have power to work and see while I'm working on other stuff in the panel... I put up a power circuit for secondary lighting, so that if I need to increase illumination for working, I hang more powerful lighting in that area. Frequently, I'll salvage old high-bay lights, or shoebox lot lights, old fuel canopy lights, or put together some other LED setups. If I need to move 'em to a different spot, I do... but I can turn them on for working as I need... and I do it totally on-the-cheap as-needed. Which reminds me... I salvaged some more LED canopy units that I need to hang in one of my buildings before Octoberish... But thread-in LEDs are extremely inexpensive, hard to break, and don't use any significant power. If you have the old coily-type CFLs, GET THEM OUT... they tend to ignite. ------------- Ten Amendments, Ten Commandments, and one Golden Rule solve most every problem. Citrus hand-cleaner with Pumice does the rest. |
Posted By: tadams(OH)
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2024 at 1:51pm
https://www.amazon.com/Barrina-Integrated-Fixture-Utility-Electric/dp/B01HBT3BVM/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2FPRSMAMLHOV9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kfuODl0BLb6o0A_3_NoGFSWjr4BcOsATri5jo6uzot8xUzl8-37JrNAGwxQ_L1XqNoYo29liRfQdag9M6IdWxmOkqTKOKdfiWsfX60O414e43lubEev_HxgFHHVHUYJ716md7mWM0XlDtCk9db3M5zuHa2W--64YeXGvAvgkIO9Z4DO8eJargrzVhsr5P-uot6SPVITOsfEgTYUBsy4b2qVU25PxwMdqvCQKSdO03nH3TLgCqsnKCi2aFDfIe3rpae5Ufv6QJCrf1NxbYzheFBKybeKAyzmZ3OPA6AV7gu4.g6Ez8tWqFBL_zNWw5_b242j-fs9cvN_tnydwcvLzFg4&dib_tag=se&keywords=4+led+lights&qid=1723920538&sprefix=4+Led+lights%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-5" rel="nofollow - Options: https://www.amazon.com/Barrina-Integrated-Fixture-Utility-Electric/dp/B01HBT3BVM/ref=vo_sr_l_dp?crid=2FPRSMAMLHOV9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kfuODl0BLb6o0A_3_NoGFSWjr4BcOsATri5jo6uzot8xUzl8-37JrNAGwxQ_L1XqNoYo29liRfQdag9M6IdWxmOkqTKOKdfiWsfX60O414e43lubEev_HxgFHHVHUYJ716md7mWM0XlDtCk9db3M5zuHa2W--64YeXGvAvgkIO9Z4DO8eJargrzVhsr5P-uot6SPVITOsfEgTYUBsy4b2qVU25PxwMdqvCQKSdO03nH3TLgCqsnKCi2aFDfIe3rpae5Ufv6QJCrf1NxbYzheFBKybeKAyzmZ3OPA6AV7gu4.g6Ez8tWqFBL_zNWw5_b242j-fs9cvN_tnydwcvLzFg4&dib_tag=se&keywords=4+led+lights&qid=1723920538&sprefix=4+Led+lights%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-5" rel="nofollow - These are what I bought they came with a cord that would connect each of them together and light things up nicely |
Posted By: Coke-in-MN
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2024 at 6:14pm
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I had florescent 8ft fixtures installed along with bulbs in porcelain socket every 8 foot in 3 rows across shop - found installing row over center of drive in area was bad idea - should have been near wall instead > Next replaced 8 ft fixtures with high output florescent low temp bulbs and ballasts mounted along outside wall of drive area and another row on center of building .Expense of bulbs was drawback now Just bought String lights from Harbor Freight , 12 bulb string and can link together , got ones for $18 on sale with standard bulbs , then bought 100 watt LED (15watt) equivalent bulbs on sale - have part of them up now and need to put up rest . Have a few other old 4ft fixtures I am using LED bulbs in - they work in cold shop as do other LED bulbs ------------- Faith isn't a jump in the dark. It is a walk in the light. Faith is not guessing; it is knowing something. "Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful." |
Posted By: Dakota Dave
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2024 at 6:26pm
| I have the same lights as TAdams put two row 10 feet apart the length of my shop. 12 4 ft lights mounted on a white steel ceiling it’s bright as daylight. Since installing 7 years ago I haven’t needed a trouble light unless working inside a vehicular under the dash. They don’t use and more power than a single 100 watt build all together. 1 switch 1 circuit two outlets 10 feet apart at one end all connected together with the 6” jumpers they came with. I have the same in my barn only a lot fewer just 1 plugged into where each light used to be. I do have one cfl int the barn that haven’t been turned off in 12 years. My barn doorway is 20 feet from the switch so 1 light stays on all the time. Outside I put a LED dusk to dawn on the shop and the barn. |
Posted By: steve(ill)
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2024 at 10:06pm
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Cokes post reminded me of a story.. 10 years ago i closed down a Factory and was only a couple of us left to "watch" the place. We shut down the 3 phase power / plugs / lights in the building and only had 120v power in a small office up front... I bought 5 light strings 100 ft long and connected them all together and ran down the walkway in the plant to the other end, around the corner and half way back to the office. Put 10 LED lights ( 10 watts) in each string for 50 lights total or 500 WATTS total... at 120v that is just over 4 amps !! Easy to run 16 gauge extension cord / lights 500 ft with that little load !!! ------------- Like them all, but love the "B"s. |
Posted By: Lars(wi)
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2024 at 10:54pm
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In our shed/shop, 30x40 with 10’w x 12’h doors, the previous owner installed 3 rows of florescent ‘shop lights’ suspended from the trusses. Had to remove the center row as they were too low when backing in the RV. On humid days, the lights won’t, or barely illuminate until I wiggle the tubes. Once on, I’ll leave them on all day. Have considered replacing them, but not sure if it’s worth it. Not really a fan of the type of lite ELD’s emit is some applications. ------------- I tried to follow the science, but it was not there. I then followed the money, and that’s where I found the science. |
Posted By: Coke-in-MN
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2024 at 12:21am
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I replaced the bulbs in the Harbor Freight strings with DAYLIGHT LED lights - for a while Goodwill was selling LED lights for $1.00 for 4 bulb pack , and Walmart had 4 pack for $1.89 - now Wally World found their mistake and they sell the same box for $1.8 a bulb In a couple of old porcelain sockets I put the LED (corn Light) multi bulb 200W equivalent row of LED's in areas I needed more light . ------------- Faith isn't a jump in the dark. It is a walk in the light. Faith is not guessing; it is knowing something. "Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful." |
Posted By: jaybmiller
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2024 at 7:08am
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before you install the light... paint the ceiling WHITE ! yeah, kinda obvious but..... ------------- 3 D-14s,A-C forklift, B-112 Kubota BX23S lil' TOOT( The Other Orange Tractor) Never burn your bridges, unless you can walk on water |
Posted By: WF owner
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2024 at 7:49am
| It's a pole barn. I assume there is no ceiling. |
Posted By: steve(ill)
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2024 at 8:16am
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son took thin aluminum foil pie plates and cut a 2 inch hole in the center and they hang on the bulb... directs light downward.... not a bad idea in a pole barn.. ------------- Like them all, but love the "B"s. |
Posted By: jaybmiller
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2024 at 9:41am
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I used $store white mixing bowls. Actually worked very well, even looked 'good' too ! ------------- 3 D-14s,A-C forklift, B-112 Kubota BX23S lil' TOOT( The Other Orange Tractor) Never burn your bridges, unless you can walk on water |
Posted By: thendrix
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2024 at 12:10pm
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There's no ceiling to paint but I'll definitely look into the pie plate/mixing bowl idea ------------- "Farming is a business that makes a Las Vegas craps table look like a regular paycheck" Ronald Reagan |
Posted By: Dakota Dave
Date Posted: 20 Aug 2024 at 7:24pm
| My hanger has disposable pie plates with a hole and led pedal lights it's pretty bright and cheep the lights just screw into a basic light socket. |
Posted By: KY D-17
Date Posted: 20 Aug 2024 at 7:41pm
| Google LED shop lights. Look at the 10 pack of 8' lights for $140. That is what I have in my shop. You can switch them all together or individually. A lot of light for not much money. KY D-17 |
Posted By: WF owner
Date Posted: 21 Aug 2024 at 5:52am
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You have to look at how many lumens the lights are to compare apples to apples. When I did the Google search KY D-17 suggested above (Actually I Googled 8' LED shop light) I came up with lights that varied from 9,500 lumens to 19,000 lumens (on Amazon). That is a huge difference! By the way, an electrician friend told me to consider mounting the lights crosswise in a building. He said everyone mounts them lengthwise. He claims less shadows when lights are mounted crosswise.
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Posted By: coggonobrien
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2024 at 9:31am
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have outlets installed on the trusses instead of hardwiring. install 3x of these/truss, 1 dead center and 1 5ft from the wall on each end. Space the lights every 5th truss with lights on each end of the building https://www.gordonelectricsupply.com/p/Keystone-Kt-Hbled105Ps-2Fb-8Csd-Vdim-P-Led-High-Bay-Light-Fixture/7027472?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjww5u2BhDeARIsALBuLnOtdMtKb4qVzOf-7NRtxUe2GG5Dsa7f8kDtEK5BmP0IcJwlqOGSGQEaAl8NEALw_wcB" rel="nofollow - https://www.gordonelectricsupply.com/p/Keystone-Kt-Hbled105Ps-2Fb-8Csd-Vdim-P-Led-High-Bay-Light-Fixture/7027472?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjww5u2BhDeARIsALBuLnOtdMtKb4qVzOf-7NRtxUe2GG5Dsa7f8kDtEK5BmP0IcJwlqOGSGQEaAl8NEALw_wcB
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Posted By: Kiniavelly
Date Posted: 10 Dec 2024 at 7:31am
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For your 40x60x13 pole barn, use LED high bay lights for bright, efficient lighting. Space them evenly every 10-12 feet. Choose outdoor-rated fixtures if one side stays open. Aim for 100-150 lumens per square foot for optimal brightness. Also, you can try http://https://www.sunmory.com/" rel="nofollow - Sunmory floor lamps . They work really well for me. |