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type of fixture is when your ceiling is flat and light in color. In my shop, I have an open ceiling with exposed joists. So I chose to use a fixture that has reflectors, like the one you see in the top photo at right. These reflectors bounce the light down toward the work surface. You'll also want to use these fixtures if your ceiling surface is dark or the fixtures are suspended from the ceiling. LOCATING THE LIGHT If your workbench is against the wall, it's always a good idea to try to position the fixture directly over worksurface. That way the light is not behind you causing shadows. Distance From The Wall. There's a simple rule of thumb I like to use for locating a fixture over a workbench. And it requires taking only one measurement. I just measure the distance from my benchtop to the fixture (see illustration on opposite page). Then I simply divide that distance by three (V3 the distance). This tells me how far away from the wall to mount the fixture. The ceiling in my shop is eight feet high and the distance from my bench to the fixture is five feet. So I mounted the fixture on the ceiling a distance of 20" away from the wall. More Than One Fixture. In most shops, one fixture won't be enough to supply adequate light. You'll need to install a number of fixtures to evenly light the space. So the next thing you'll need to determine is the farthest distance you can space the fixtures apart. How Far Apart? Again, I return to my initial measurement of the workbench to the fixture. Then you can simply multiply that distance by IV2 to find the maximum distance to leave between fixtures. That means if the distance from the workbench to the fixture is five feet, the farthest apart my fixtures could be is 7 V2 feet (5 x 1V2 = 7V2). If possible, I like to place them a little closer together because this lights the room even better. I also try to line up the fixtures so they run the length of the entire room. Now that you know how far apart to space them, it's easy to figure out how many rows of fixtures you'll need to cover the room. Just determine the number of additional fixtures you'll need in each row. You'll find fluorescent fixtures come in 4' & 8' lengths and they're designed to be wired together in a series. So it's easy to put together a long string of light fixtures. There's one final thing you'll need to think about if you're going Choose the Right Ballast One thing you'll find about fluorescent lights that differs from other types of lighting is they require a ballast to operate. The ballast is located in the fixture (photo at right). It provides both a high voltage jolt to start the lamp and the low voltage stream needed for normal operation. You'll want to be sure you have the right ballast for the temperature in your shop. So, when you choose a fluorescent lighting system, make sure you check the starting temperature of the ballast. If the temperature in your work area is likely to drop below 50°, you'll want to use fixtures with ballasts that start at these lower temperatures. This is easy to determine. You'll find the minimum starting temperature and other information printed directly on the ballast. This information will also tell you whether the ballast is a magnetic or electronic type. Electronic ballasts are a little bit more expensive but they tend to flicker less, run somewhat quieter, and work at lower temperatures. You'll find the noise rating printed on the ballast as well. A rating system of A, B, or C is most commonly used with "A" offering the quietest operation. Reflectors. Winged reflectors help to direct the light downward toward the worksurface. to be using fluorescent lighting. And that's to make sure the fixture you're using is also right for the environment that exists in your workshop. This means making sure you get the right ballast. The box below has the information needed to help you with this. As you can see, properly lighting your shop requires the same kind of preparation and setup as installing a new power tool. You'll want the right fixture positioned in the just the right place. ^ ▲ Strip Fixture. A fixture without reflectors depends on the surface directly above it to reflect the light. 41 |
