Workshop replacement strip lights

[Phil Pascoe]

I've just wired to ones over benches back to sockets, I have plenty of them, or in the case of the bandsaw I've wired it into the supply to the motor. I'll probably wire the ones to go on the pillar drills into their supplies.

 

[Yojevol]

Be great to see some pictures.

As well as the LED panels, I've got strip lights under the cabinets lighting the bench

 

[Vulcan]

Starting from scratch LED is the way to go.

Sadly I’ve not had much luck with many of the LED lamps I’ve bought in the past. They’ve all failed at a fraction of their quoted lifetime. When one of the 4’ fluorescent tubes went in my shed I did look at LED “replacements”. They were not only five times the price of an ordinary fluorescent tube, but I also read they used more electricity unless you modified the fitting. In spite of a ban on fluorescent tubes you can still buy them. A couple of months back I stocked up on some tubes while I could still get them. Still only a few quid a tube. I only mention this as if you already have tubes it could be a lot less hassle to buy one or two replacements while you can.

I worked at a place many years ago and I won’t go into details as to how I know, but one of the 8’ fluorescent tubes lasted 18 years before it eventually failed.

 

[--Tom--]

I've had three panels from different sources - all of them failed with a year.

Just to balance, I’ve had 12 for coming up to 5 years and no failures yet.

 

[AutoDoc Williams]

I use these 8' LED tubes and am very happy. The only trouble is that I'm in the US and I don't know if they are available with the appropriate input voltage in the UK.

 

[Inspector]

When our place was being built in 2016 I ordered lights through Alibaba for the 625 sq ft/58 m2 shop. I got 16 batons, 1200mm long, 4,000 lumen, 6,000K lights. They were roughly 1/3 the cost of locally sold LED lights (there weren't as many places selling them then) including shipping. They came with certification and the electricians installed them on two circuits. 4 batons in 4 rows across the ceiling. They are all still working including the 6 bought for the garage below the shop and I am very happy with them. Batons or panels doesn't really make a difference as long as there is enough height for the light to dissipate, my sloped ceilings average about 3 metres. Lighting levels are such that I have no need for task lights. The walls and ceiling are bare OSB so if I want it to be brighter I could paint them white.

A link to the amount of recommended light for different activities. It will help you figure out how much to get. I am at 1,000 lumens per square metre.
https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/light-level-rooms-d_708.html

Pete

 

[JSW]

When our place was being built in 2016 I ordered lights through Alibaba for the 625 sq ft/58 m2 shop. I got 16 batons, 1200mm long, 4,000 lumen, 6,000K lights.

Hey Pete, what area does that cover width by depth? Trying to figure out how to better illuminate my workshop, a paltry Width 5.2m (17' 3/4") Depth 5.0m (16' 5") Height to ceiling 2.450m (280 Sq Ft./26 Sq m) Ceiling is unboarded, and trusses above (light storage)

 

[Inspector]

The shop is 23' x 27' inside measurements. The roof used scissor trusses so it slopes inside in two directions, 9' along the wall and just over 11' at the peak.

Pete

 

[JSW]

Check. So roughly square similar to mine, cheers!

 

[Phil Pascoe]

The ones I linked to (excuse the clutter, taken in darkness) -

 

[Ross Buchanan]

I put led striplights in the old workshop, now just a store, but they failed in sections, rather sooner than I had expected.
In the new workshop I simply fixed up a few of THESE Four in the saws/bench area, and another two in the router table/morticer section. In the bench area, theres two on each side wall, about 9' up- no shadows and bright as day on 80 watts total consumption.

 

[Berkshire Wood]

Another option is to replace them with the led version of an appropriate lumens to suit your needs . You might find that you only need 2 if you position them where you most need the light .if you are competent to do this yourself great if not consult a professional electrician.

I’m perfectly fine replacing myself (I get a qualified electrician to check my work when completed). Was looking for any good product specifications forum members may have used and are happy with.

I put led striplights in the old workshop, now just a store, but they failed in sections, rather sooner than I had expected.
In the new workshop I simply fixed up a few of THESE Four in the saws/bench area, and another two in the router table/morticer section. In the bench area, theres two on each side wall, about 9' up- no shadows and bright as day on 80 watts total consumption.

I've just replaced fluorescent tubes with LED square light panels. £15 from Toolstation. Lovely even light with virtually no shadows.
Brian

As an interim, I have replaced the bulbs with LED for the two 5’ and 6’ for less than £20 from Screwfix. The improvement are impressive 3300/3600 lm.
I’m looking at squares to infill some task areas with similar 4000k.

Many thanks for the replies.

 

[Bingy man]

I’m perfectly fine replacing myself (I get a qualified electrician to check my work when completed). Was looking for any good product specifications forum members may have used and are happy with.



As an interim, I have replaced the bulbs with LED for the two 5’ and 6’ for less than £20 from Screwfix. The improvement are impressive 3300/3600 lm.
I’m looking at squares to infill some task areas with similar 4000k.

Many thanks for the replies.

I fitted 2 - 5’ led units , they have non replacement units so when they are gone you replace the complete unit , can’t recall the make or the output ( lumens ) sorry . However I now by any lighting , flood lights, garden lights from a company on line (BLT direct ) very good customer service and they deliver in a few days ..