[hurryinhoosier62]

I need some input on shop lights. I'm going to be installing 8' fluorescents on an 8' ceiling.
The standard tubes aren't bright enough for my liking. Would you install T8s or high intensity T5s even though there's only 2,000 lumens difference between them?

[GoatDr]

Try to find "daylight" bulbs. They have a nice bright white output. Much less pink/yellow tinge. They make things much brighter.

[The Champ]

I have T8's in my mine with "daylight" bulbs.

[2002Z4CSS]

I have 30 2 buld 4 foot shop lights that are polished diamond plate that really reflect the light of a standard 4 foot bulb. Got them at Home Depot.

[hurryinhoosier62]

Originally Posted by The Champ

I have T8's in my mine with "daylight" bulbs.

I was thinking the T8s are the way to go, especially since high intensity T5 tube are difficult to find.

[grrrrregg!!!]

8' fixtures w/4' bulbs, T8 daylight delux bulbs, pretty cheap at home depot when there on sale. 4' are easier to work with

[63gpman]

the t5 HO's are awesome!! I have 3 - 4' twin bulb sections in my garage that is about 850 sq ft and 11' celings. I absolutly love them.

[63gpman]

You can order the bulbs from homedepot.com or ebay. not hard to find at all. Here is a little snipit from one site about the bulbs.

A 28W T5 produces about the same light output as a 32W T8 and a 54W T5HO produces close to twice the light output of T8 and T12 lamps when these lamps are operated as part of a ballasted lighting system. The nominal light output of a four-foot 54W T5HO lamp is 5,000 lumens, compared to 2,900 lumens for a 28W T5 lamp and 2,850 lumens for a 32W T8.

For my purpose, I did not want to put 8' lights in and was tired of the 100w incandescent lights that I had. Just looking at the HO's in the store, you could see how bright they were. If you are concerned about not having a bright enough shop, I would seriously suggest the t5ho's and you will be happy you did. They do cost a little bit more though and bulbs are $10 each but are listed at 20,000 hours (same as most)

[hurryinhoosier62]

Originally Posted by 63gpman

the t5 HO's are awesome!! I have 3 - 4' twin bulb sections in my garage that is about 850 sq ft and 11' celings. I absolutly love them.

Where do you get tubes? Home Depot and Lowes BOTH list them as special order around here. OOOPS, didnt see your post.

[hurryinhoosier62]

Originally Posted by grrrrregg!!!

8' fixtures w/4' bulbs, T8 daylight delux bulbs, pretty cheap at home depot when there on sale. 4' are easier to work with

That's the ones I looking at, Greg.

[63gpman]

I was able to get them in store.