Light Fixture Layout Collections

spazzyfry123 · Oct 19, 2023

I'm finalizing the layout in my attached garage and just noticed that the draftsman more or less centered the light rows within the free ceiling space (assuming the garage doors are open), not centering the rows across the entire depth of the garage.

This represents (8) 4' LED lights. I had initially asked for the lights to be equally spaced across the entire garage (not including the bump out at the south end). Now that this draft has come back, I'm starting to question my initial plan. Disregard the red arrow; I'm just making note of the incorrectly placed GFI at a window.

Should the rows be equally spaced across the depth of the garage? Or should they match as shown here below?

Space is roughly 25' x 35' (plus 4' bump out) with 8' tall garage doors.

Thanks!

spazzyfry123 · Oct 23, 2023

spazzyfry123 said:
I'm finalizing the layout in my attached garage and just noticed that the draftsman more or less centered the light rows within the free ceiling space (assuming the garage doors are open), not centering the rows across the entire depth of the garage.

This represents (8) 4' LED lights. I had initially asked for the lights to be equally spaced across the entire garage (not including the bump out at the south end). Now that this draft has come back, I'm starting to question my initial plan. Disregard the red arrow; I'm just making note of the incorrectly placed GFI at a window.

Should the rows be equally spaced across the depth of the garage? Or should they match as shown here below?

Space is roughly 25' x 35' (plus 4' bump out) with 8' tall garage doors.

Thanks!

Following up on this, I am now told that there would be interference running as I had originally planned with the tracks and opener (specifically the single bay).

What would be your recommendation for 4' LED light placement in this garage? I've allotted (8) of the lights for the space.

Thanks!

vforge · Nov 30, 2023

Working on lighting for 40'x80' pole barn with 14' ceilings. The walls and ceiling will be white metal. Not sure how much light is too much or not. I was thinking of 2 rows, 8 lights per row (16 total) of these. Lithonia IBE 15LM MVOLT 50K LED Linear High Bay, 107W, 14394 Lumens, 5000K, 0-10V Dim, DLC Premium

cccoltsicehockey · Dec 13, 2023

Looking for a little help here. I had been working a bit on my own lighting layout before I met with my electrician yesterday. He suggested I was not using powerful enough high bays for the situation.

I have been planning on the Hyperlite HERO lights. https://hi-hyperlite.com/collection...hero-black-4000k-5000k?variant=31821953531967

The high bays are the blue dot lights. These lights are roughly about 7ft off all the walls. With the electrician making these suggestions I decided to request a lighting diagram from Hyperlite. I was hoping for one of the 150w and the 200w but they only gave me the 150w one so far. I will have to go back and request the 200w one as well.

This is what they came back with.

Based on these though I believe I likely need the 200w to get closer to the 90-100 range. Also with the hottest spot being in the middle and the walls being 20 lower, I am thinking maybe I should move the lights out further. Maybe put them only 5.5ft from the walls so that I can get more light reflection off the walls.

logical · Dec 31, 2023

spazzyfry123 said:
I'm finalizing the layout in my attached garage and just noticed that the draftsman more or less centered the light rows within the free ceiling space (assuming the garage doors are open), not centering the rows across the entire depth of the garage.

This represents (8) 4' LED lights. I had initially asked for the lights to be equally spaced across the entire garage (not including the bump out at the south end). Now that this draft has come back, I'm starting to question my initial plan. Disregard the red arrow; I'm just making note of the incorrectly placed GFI at a window.

Should the rows be equally spaced across the depth of the garage? Or should they match as shown here below?

Space is roughly 25' x 35' (plus 4' bump out) with 8' tall garage doors.

Thanks!

Even though the doors would block them (when open), I would have fixtures distributed/located for the times when the doors are closed. Fixtures are cheap. Go with the layout you have but add 3 more ...one over each vehicle entryway. You could have them on a separate circuit /switch if it would bother you to burn them with the doors (both at once ?) open.

SouthernIllinois · Jan 14, 2024

Retired and moving to rural Illinois on 15 acres.
I am having a 42' X 64' pole barn put up.
Interior will be finished with white metal.

I cannot stand inadequate lighting in garages and shops.

This is the lighting layout I came up with - all lights 8' LED.
I have not decided on a make and model of lights.

I welcome all and any advice and constructive criticism.

The yellow arrows indicate 8' LED hardwired fixtures.

Drawing is the best I could come up with - not to scale.

Wiz02 · Jan 14, 2024

I am far from a lighting professional, but if you are planning on having a bench on the left side of the drawing, you may want to move the lights inboard a bit and not so close to the wall. Depending on your plans for the back wall, the same advice may apply.

SouthernIllinois · Jan 14, 2024

Wiz02 said:
I am far from a lighting professional, but if you are planning on having a bench on the left side of the drawing, you may want to move the lights inboard a bit and not so close to the wall. Depending on your plans for the back wall, the same advice may apply.

Actually, I planned to put the perimeter lights on the walls, about a foot or two down from the ceiling.
A long time ago, I worked in a bodyshop and it had lights on the walls instead of on the ceiling and I really liked it.

Wiz02 · Jan 14, 2024

I like having the lights centered over the bench and hung mine a bit lower for task lighting. You plan on mounting the led strips on the wall? Do they have a diffuser? If not, I don't understand how you will get the illumination thay you want on the bench. There are lighting calculators on line if you are interested, but I used one of the designs that I found in a thread here and I am quite happy with the results. I have 2 bays with lights oriented like your plan and a work area, all on separate switches.

SouthernIllinois · Jan 14, 2024

Wiz02 said:
I like having the lights centered over the bench and hung mine a bit lower for task lighting. You plan on mounting the led strips on the wall? Do they have a diffuser? If not, I don't understand how you will get the illumination thay you want on the bench. There are lighting calculators on line if you are interested, but I used one of the designs that I found in a thread here and I am quite happy with the results. I have 2 bays with lights oriented like your plan and a work area, all on separate switches.

Probably be doing more bodywork than bench work. Aesthetically, I like the lights high on the walls. Not sure why but I always liked the looks of it.

cccoltsicehockey · Feb 6, 2024

After finishing the car bay layout, I moved on to working on the corner shop lighting. The area is 23x19 with 10ft ceilings and with a bump out on the side that is 8x10. I am primarily working in the 23x19 area. This is the layout I have come up with so far. To the right of the middle row there is an LVL that hangs down to 9ft in the room.

This is the fixture I am looking at right now. https://storefront.fsg.com/buy/product/Cree-Lighting-LS4-40L-940-R-UL-10V-LED-Luminaire/77100903 I want something that has a somewhat finished look to it but the main thing I am looking at is for CRI or 90+. If anyone has other fixtures of the same size that put out around 4000 lumen and CRI of 90+ I am interested to hear about them.

I wish I could generate the heat maps but I am struggling to figure out the DIALux application. I have at least been able to get https://www.visual-3d.com/tools/interior/ to work for me and it says I should have FC of 89 at 3ft which would be work bench height. I would likely then add either 2 or 3 of these fixtures to the 8x10 area of the shop.

vforge · Feb 7, 2024

40x80x14 pole barn
White metal panel walls and ceiling
3 x 5 layout of Lithonia IBE 15k lumen 5000k LED high bay lights

billhanson · Feb 17, 2024

Looking for some input. We have a 28'x28'x10' detailing shop. Entrance wall has 3 garage doors, w/about 1' between each. All 3 other walls are solid walls. All walls and ceiling slightly off-white. We currently have 4' diffused 5000lm 5000k 80+ CRI lights, 16 of them. We are planning to change them out. Have been looking at 2x2' led panels 3200lm 90+CRI 5000k for more diffuse lighting. By the numbers, it looks like 16 on ceiling and 4 on each of the 3 side walls should put it around 750lx max. Looking for input as to qty, placement, panels thoughts, and any other input. Thank you, All!

td234 · Apr 25, 2024

Looking for some expert advice. I am adding on to my garage and working on the lighting of the bays. Ceiling height 9'.

Based on input from GJ, I had my architect draw in 16' fixtures on either side of the vehicles and a 4' at each end (see attached). My goal is to have a show garage for sports cars. I like the CREE fixtures because they look sharp and are dimmable, but they are pricy. I like the dimmable aspect because I don't want this to feel like a tanning booth and I use Lutron lighting controls.

Any thoughts on my design?

Any other fixtures a good solution?

vforge · Jul 19, 2024

Lights have been installed. 3 x 5 grid of Lithonia IBE 15k lumen high bays. It sure is bright enough. I'm happy I had the electrician put each row on its own switch. The electrician did orient the lights perpendicular to the length of the building but it seems to be fine. I might rerun the design software to see if it matters.

kneppb · Oct 4, 2024

vforge said:
Lights have been installed. 3 x 5 grid of Lithonia IBE 15k lumen high bays. It sure is bright enough. I'm happy I had the electrician put each row on its own switch. The electrician did orient the lights perpendicular to the length of the building but it seems to be fine. I might rerun the design software to see if it matters.

Can you send me a closer picture of how the steel was mounted through the wood pieces coming off the wall and the ceiling steel? I am trying to get an idea on how to cut out my ceiling steel.

vforge · Oct 8, 2024

kneppb said:
Can you send me a closer picture of how the steel was mounted through the wood pieces coming off the wall and the ceiling steel? I am trying to get an idea on how to cut out my ceiling steel.

yes, message me.

kneppb · Oct 9, 2024

vforge said:
yes, message me.

PM Sent

MaryD · Oct 29, 2024

Not worth starting a new thread, but wanted to share a photo of my garage lighting (some light covers haven't been installed yet, so those lights looks thinner). Can't be seen in the picture, but the pattern is geometrically even on the ceiling. Lights are flush with the the ceiling.

Unfortunately we didn't get professional lighting help, so their placement is just aesthetically pleasing, not idea yet as to practicality for occasional car detailing, etc.

SouthernIllinois · Feb 9, 2025

Came up with an interesting way to hang my Hyperlites.

cybrdyke · Feb 11, 2025

SouthernIllinois said:
Came up with an interesting way to hang my Hyperlites.

Inventive, but...why?
I'd have to be convinced that it's a good idea for those little cover plate screws to hold up 6 pounds. Also, I'm pretty sure that an inspector would faint if they saw that.
Why cant you just mount them normally?
CD

SouthernIllinois · Feb 11, 2025

I want them close to the ceiling.

No extra holes in the metal liner on my ceiling.

The lights don’t weigh anywhere close to 6lbs.

No fainting inspector concerns - no permits or inspections out here in the country

SouthernIllinois · Feb 18, 2025

I didn’t like all the extra cord on my Hyperlites. They laid on top the light and made some hang cockeyed.

Cut all but about 7” off and put commercial plugs from Menards on them.

SouthernIllinois · Feb 23, 2025

Twelve 150W high bays with diffusers on 12’ ceiling.
56x36 floor space.
I couldn’t be happier.
Plenty of light for bodywork.

ericm · Feb 25, 2025

I have been working on a lighting plan for my shop and would appreciate any input. The shop has two rooms. The main room is 40x56 with 14' high ceilings. It's finished inside with white liner R panel. The storage room is unfinished pole barn. The trusses are on 8' centers and that's the logical place to mount lights so both plans use them. I'm not worried about the garage doors blocking the lights as I expect to leave them down most of the time, especially if it's dark out. Both sides will be on dimmers. The main room will be car parking and (mostly) a working shop. The storage room will hold tractors and farm equipment, which may need to be worked on at times.

The lights I'm thinking of using in the main room would be Lithonia CPHB 12LM MVOLT 50K and in the storage room Lithonia CPRB 13" 50k.

Main room:

Storage room:

ericm · Mar 4, 2025

I guess this was the wrong thread to post looking for advice. Or maybe my plan is so awesome that no one could find anything to criticize. Or I didn't post enough info. In any case I needed to proceed so I ordered the lights.

The 2x4s in the main room will be on THUN J2 hangers which place them pretty close to the ceiling. I didn't want to hang them on chains and put them another 6" closer to the ground. Hopefully the clearance is enough for decent cooling air flow.

mm08822 · Mar 4, 2025

We'll be more than happy to tell you after all is installed what you should have done. :lol_hitti

(There is a line forming now.)

Your lighting levels are fine if you are using dimmers. Light output falls off slightly over time and as surfaces pickup dust. I'm all for dimmers as lighting needs differ based on the activity. Last thought is to consider what switching pattern would be helpful so you're not running all at the same time, every time.

Shelving in the storage area could impact lighting but I expect it will be of minimal concern.

ericm · Mar 4, 2025

mm08822 said:
We'll be more than happy to tell you after all is installed what you should have done. (There is a line forming now.)

Your lighting levels are fine if you are using dimmers. Light output falls off slightly over time and as surfaces pickup dust. I'm all for dimmers as lighting needs differ based on the activity. Last thought is to consider what switching pattern would be helpful so you're not running all at the same time, every time.

I didn't put that in my post but the main room will be split into two banks, left and right. That's not ideal as the workshop area will be kind of L shaped around the vehicles. But I wanted to make it relatively simple.

mm08822 said:
Shelving in the storage area could impact lighting but I expect it will be of minimal concern.

There will be some shelves but it's mostly tractor and implement storage.

cybrdyke · Mar 4, 2025

ericm said:
I guess this was the wrong thread to post looking for advice. Or maybe my plan is so awesome that no one could find anything to criticize. Or I didn't post enough info. In any case I needed to proceed so I ordered the lights.

The 2x4s in the main room will be on THUN J2 hangers which place them pretty close to the ceiling. I didn't want to hang them on chains and put them another 6" closer to the ground. Hopefully the clearance is enough for decent cooling air flow.

Funny thing, I had responded not long after you posted, but I guess I never clicked the "Post" button...
CD

kcisland · Apr 15, 2025

Hi all!

Just got my Pole Barn shell done and moving in to start my wiring and lights. I would like to get some opinons on the lighting package I am working on with Primelights.

36' x 48' Pole barn, 14' at the eave, 17' at the center bottom of truss. It will have white walls eventually.

One whole 12' x 48' bay (on the left where the windows are at) will be a loft/mezzanine with a 9' ceiling, leaving 24' x 48' open.

Here are the lights I am thinking:

(6) 4ft. LED 8 Lamp T8 STINGRAY® 8XL GEN 2.0 - 160W Frosted LEDs 28,800 Lumens

- One at the center of each truss and 6' over from that to the wall. Estimated 72 foot candles in the open area.

(4) 4ft. LED 4 Lamp T8 STINGRAY 4XL GEN 2.0 - 80W Frosted LED's 14,400 lumens

- Spaced evenly under the mezzanine where my work bench will be. Estimated 82 foot candles at the workbench.

Will there be too much shadow in the open area? I am kind of limited on mounting locations unless I add framing/struts for more fixtures. Thoughts?

floatinghat · May 12, 2025

Looking or some guidance, having a 36x25' shop and 2 story office constructed. Framing will be completed late this week. The shop is 25'x25' with ceiling height from 11' to just under 17'. in review I am concerned with the architects lighting plan. I tried to use the linked visual photometric "planner" but the tutorial is not active. I thinking 3 rows of 4 of these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B52BT46L/?tag=atomicindus08-20

and then perimeter lighting if needed with these in a 5K , https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DPKQXGW4/?tag=atomicindus08-20 at about 8ft which would allow me to put a mezzanine for storage and free up floor space.

The center row and the outer rows of the drop light would be switched separately as would each wall of the perimeter lights.

Any thoughts or su

nygarage · Jun 17, 2025

Hi all,

I found some lights that seem to be pretty decent and best of all utilize triac dimming so I don't have to deal with the 0-10v conversion that most other lights have for commercial / garage use. These would work with the Lutron Caseta dimmers.

Here are the options:
1) Wraparound light w/ Adjustable lumen options of 4000, 5000, and 6000 lumens and 3-switchable CCT options of 3000K, 4000K, and 5000K

2) Integrated 1x4 Panel Light 4000 lumens and Switchable Color Temperature

I was thinking 3 of these in a row to replace the ones you can see in my garage below. That would be 12000 lumens per row or 24000 for the garage. I think this is sufficient for my garage size. What do you think?

Also, since I have one light currently at the center what would be the best way to extend power to the other two lights? Unfortunately the beams are perpendicular to the light so fishing it above the drywall isn't really an option.

Thanks

Criss · Jun 23, 2025

td234 said:
Looking for some expert advice. I am adding on to my garage and working on the lighting of the bays. Ceiling height 9'.

Based on input from GJ, I had my architect draw in 16' fixtures on either side of the vehicles and a 4' at each end (see attached). My goal is to have a show garage for sports cars. I like the CREE fixtures because they look sharp and are dimmable, but they are pricy. I like the dimmable aspect because I don't want this to feel like a tanning booth and I use Lutron lighting controls.

Any thoughts on my design?

Any other fixtures a good solution?

I opened your file because my garage is also somewhat like a showroom. Personally 16' fixtures don't look very "showroom". Unless your going for an industrial look. CREE is a brand so without a specific model its impossible for anyone to comment. If you decide to post again, post images and be precise. There is a ton of knowledge and experience on this site. Most are eager to help. Good luck on your build.

TheGreek · Jul 2, 2025

I’m looking for some led lights for my garage renovation. I want a surface mount light that is fairly compact and looks good as well.
My garage will be 36x45x13 with a cove ceiling meaning 5 feet on each side will be at an angle following the slope of the roof. I have two 2 post lifts and work benches along the walls. Based on some existing designs I’ve seen for 3 car garages I’m thinking 5 banks of 5 lights evenly spaced.
I’ve been considering the Cree LS8 in 8ft. 5000k and 12000 Lumen 90cri with Lutron dimming controls. I’ve dealt with poor lightning for the last 15 yesrs so now that I’m doing the reno I’d rather have more and dim them.
Cree lights aren’t cheap but everyone that has used them say it’s worth it. Not sure if anyone in
here has used them before or something comparable. Thanks

codeadidas · Jul 24, 2025

TheGreek said:
I’m looking for some led lights for my garage renovation. I want a surface mount light that is fairly compact and looks good as well.
My garage will be 36x45x13 with a cove ceiling meaning 5 feet on each side will be at an angle following the slope of the roof. I have two 2 post lifts and work benches along the walls. Based on some existing designs I’ve seen for 3 car garages I’m thinking 5 banks of 5 lights evenly spaced.
I’ve been considering the Cree LS8 in 8ft. 5000k and 12000 Lumen 90cri with Lutron dimming controls. I’ve dealt with poor lightning for the last 15 yesrs so now that I’m doing the reno I’d rather have more and dim them.
Cree lights aren’t cheap but everyone that has used them say it’s worth it. Not sure if anyone in
here has used them before or something comparable. Thanks

I was also considering these LEDs (the LS4) for my future build. However, after additional consideration, I decided to utilize traditional 4' T8 LED fixtures with high CRI bulbs (Specifically, High TM-30).

This decision was based on the fact that I can get better quality lighting that is more easily replaceable (bulb swap if malfunctioning). My biggest concern was that the Cree or any integrated style lighting is difficult to replace. I currently have 14 Lithonia integrated 48" strips in my current garage and end up replacing about 1 per year, it gets annoying lol. Also, I could not locate the photometric report for the Cree LEDs, so I truly don't know if it justifies the premium price.

The downside is that this setup is not dimmable, but I will just carefully consider the amount of fixtures I install. I estimate I will save a minimum of $1,000 going this route.

Attached are the bulbs I am considering. I plan to go with the Sylvania bulbs and may spring for Centric if I am feeling extra.

Carchie · Apr 25, 2026

Platonic Solid said:
Since I’ve spent a fair amount of time doing Light Fixture Layouts for GJ members, I figured I'd put them all in one thread as a general reference guide. I’ll start with the latest and add more as time permits.

All Isoplots in footcandles and done at 30" workplane height (30" from the floor).

This is an awesome resource. Having all those isoplots in one thread makes it much easier to plan out a garage layout without digging through dozens of different topics.

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