Happy Trails

I compared the LED fixtures above to a basic tandem fluorescent fixture. Here's a link to one from Home Depot.

The LEDs above produce 14,700 lumens per fixture using 138.929 watts, which gives you 105.809 lumens per watt. Anything over 100 (at this point in time) is very good.

One 32 watt T8 fluorescent tube produce 2,875 lumens, which is 89.8 lumens per watt. Link to an example.

T5 fluorescent tubes are even more efficient than T8s. One 54 watt T5 produces 5,000 lumens, which is 92.59 lumens per watt, but the tubes are much more expensive. Link to an example.

LEDs are a little more efficient than fluorescent tubes, but the significantly higher price requires many years of electrical usage to pay off.

MDchanic

Ah. I've only ever had T-12s. I never realized that the T-8s and T-5s were so much more efficient.

This brings me back around to my initial advice:
Scrounge up some good used fluorescent fixtures to use for a few years, until the price of LEDs has come down more, and then buy LED fixtures, when the price won't break the bank.

- Eric

Koda

What is this construction type called? I want a non-wooden building for fire prevention and to be able to stop a falling tree; this might be a solution.

zeeke

May Have been an IAEI mag. I have a friend who reads both as well and he has a memory. I'll ask him and get back to you.

dream66

It's a Mueller Kit - bolt up. http://www.muellerinc.com/

There are other manufacturers but since it was my first do it yourself metal building and since the distributor is close by I chose their kit

With one other inexperienced helper we erected the 40 x 105 frame in 8 days using a rented extending boom forklift and a scissor lift.

Here's a link to the build progress: http://s819.photobucket.com/user/Sho...?sort=2&page=1

The middle section with the windows and walk door is my 1200 sqft living area

Koda

Interesting. Not sure if they'd come to lower Indiana, but maybe worth a call.

Nice barndominium.

Rustbucket2

Rick, thank you for working that out . A big thanks to all that gave me there input, lots of options! Here is what I went with, ordered 6 to start, they are on there way. hope I made a good choice. again thanks to everyone. will post a picture after I get them hung.

http://www.primelights.com/LED-4-Lam...-4SRHBLD72.htm

Cincinnati Rick

What's the part number?

Rustbucket2

I have item # PL-4SRHBLD72

Cincinnati Rick

Any updates on the lighting installation?

Rustbucket2

Went with 10 lights. might put a few more in, but will see how this works for me, for now.

RROLDSX

Nice shop!

Cincinnati Rick

Good call.

Are you planning on doing anything with the open ceiling?

Rustbucket2

The contractor wanted 7200 to close it in. so I'm just going to have the inside roof spray foamed, that's 1700. But I have all summer for that.

Cincinnati Rick

Ouch! I was just curious because a nice white ceiling would help the lighting levels a bit.