Pole barn lighting

[cold1313]

I finally have my new building on the books to go up this fall. 48x72x16

I was curious what everyone recommends for lighting? I'll be doing the electrical myself but the inside of the building will not be finished.

There are so many LED options out there it will drive you nuts.

Curious to see what works and what lasts?

 

[Mat4644]

Just took down several fluorescent fixtures and installed common inexpensive light bulb fixtures. Using 100 watt equivalent light bulbs that are 14 watts each. Ceiling is white metal so reflectors weren't needed. Neighbor had troubles with Chinese led 4 foot lamps that were only 4 years old in his barn Figured this was a safer way to go as they can be replaced from the floor with a pole.

 

[KennyG]

The first generation of LED shop lights were kind of iffy (at least the cheaper imported ones). However, just like most things, they are getting much better. I have recently used the "v-shaped" lights and find them very good on light distribution, quality and cost. Search Amazon for them. I've got a few of the Harbor Freight shop lights and am not impressed with them.

 

[jwstewar]

I've been buying a few 4' LEDs from Menards. They are a bit pricey at $35 each, but they are 10,000. I've put 3 in our goat barn and 3 in our garage where my son and buddy are doing some body work on a truck bed. These things are bright. Don't know about longevity, but we've been using one of them now for about 6 months. Only issue is they make the rest of the lights in the garage and barn look like they are about dead. LOL

Also purchased 8 lights for another barn. 4' LEDs. Only 4000 lumen, but I bet they are actually brighter than that. Lit the 24x48 unfinished barn up really nice. Very cheap feeling lights, but they are working OK. When I bought they were $56 for all 8 of them. Great item for that price. Now they are wanting something like $175 for the 8 of them. I would pass on them for that price.

 

[cold1313]

How tall to the rafters?

 

[jwstewar]

How tall to the rafters?

If you are asking me, mine are all 10' walls.

 

[cjoffutt]

I finally have my new building on the books to go up this fall. 48x72x16

For a barn that tall, you'll need high bay lights. Anything else will not give you worthwhile light at the floor.

I used (4) 20k lumen high bay LED lights from Rural King in my 36*48*14. It lights it up plenty well enough to do anything but surgery. They've been in there for 9 months or so without any issues.

 

[cold1313]

For a barn that tall, you'll need high bay lights. Anything else will not give you worthwhile light at the floor.

I used (4) 20k lumen high bay LED lights from Rural King in my 36*48*14. It lights it up plenty well enough to do anything but surgery. They've been in there for 9 months or so without any issues.

Right. I didn't know what there are for high bay lights in LED that don't cost a fortune and last.

 

[aczlan]

Not sure if these count as not costing a fortune, but we have some of these at work on about 20ft centers 25ish feet in the air and they are BRIGHT: GENPAR 24W (2-PK) UFO LED High Bay Light 8W HPS/MH Equivalent 26LM lumens Daylight White 6-65K IP65 Waterproof Warehouse Lighting Fixture Commercial Shop Lighting Factory Industrial Garage - - Amazon.com

Aaron Z