Lighting

[OCD Detailing]

I have read a few threads on in but wanted opinions on two options. I am planning on doing 3 8 foot t12's. At Home Depot or Lowes I can get either a 8' t12 base that accepts 75 watt tubes. They sell the tubes in the 6500k and 4100k or I can get a base that takes t12 110 watt tubes but they only have them in 4100k. I would like the brighter light, I am just concerned that maybe the 4100k will cause the colors to be less accurate.

Preferably I would like 5k bulbs but they don't carry those. Any opinions on the better Kelvins?

Thank you

[ski2]

5000K is closest to natural daylight. 6500K has a blue tint to it which IMO can throw colors off. 4100K is not far off from the 5000K but not natural uncolored light. I know HD carries 5000K bulbs in 4' as I've converted all my garage lighting to 5000K

[brondondolon]

4100k is like a standard headlight on a car or a bulb in a lamp in color
6500k is going to be like a LED in color

Do the fixtures fit 2 bulbs side by side? If so why not get both?

[ski2]

6500k is going to be like a LED in color

Depends on the LED. My LED worklight floods for polishing are 5000K.

[builthatch]

i have 12 4' 5000K Philips T8s overhead and think they are perfect for detailing. perfectly white light.

[FUNX650]

T-12s are really inefficient and on their way to oblivion.

I've got the 4' dual T-8s fixtures...
with electronic ballists/@ 0-degree instant start.

Home Depot sells a variety of T-8 lamps:
I like the 32W; 4100 Color Temp.; 78 CRI.

Note:
Some people will even go for the T-5s<<<($$$$)


Bob

[OCD Detailing]

Thanks for the responses.

I was thinking T12 because of the 110 watts. I am not so worried about efficiency as I am total brightness and color. Since it's my garage they won't be on as much as if it was a shop. I was thinking 8 foot just out of ease of hanging them and having a solid light running the length of the car. But I can look a little more.

Between a 6500k and a 4100k which would be the best? I am thinking 4100. I can prob get 5000k 8 foot but I think I would have to order it online.

[KMdef9]

In my experience, the T12 don't last as long as the more efficient ones.

You could always butt 2 4' lamps together (they're designed to do this) and you'd only have a few inch gap of light, which I doubt would make a noticeable difference.

I'd get the electronic ballast that Bob mentioned, they'll be standard for transformers soon enough. The instant light from is great if your working in a colder garage, or if they get cold. Plus they don't humm like the old style.

I agree, 4100 would be better than 6500.

[OCD Detailing]

In my experience, the T12 don't last as long as the more efficient ones.

You could always butt 2 4' lamps together (they're designed to do this) and you'd only have a few inch gap of light, which I doubt would make a noticeable difference.

I'd get the electronic ballast that Bob mentioned, they'll be standard for transformers soon enough. The instant light from is great if your working in a colder garage, or if they get cold. Plus they don't humm like the old style.

I agree, 4100 would be better than 6500.

Ok, thanks. I started re researching. I am not too worried about cold. I am in southern cal, but no humming would be nice.

Thanks again

[KMdef9]

I am in southern cal.

lol


They still will hit full brightness quicker, which might be only a few seconds.