T8 Florescent Filxture Amp Draw

[JESSE1]

I've been replacing my old florescent fixtures in my shop with new T8 4 tube/8' fixtures. How many amps do these fixtures draw? Sure makes a difference when the light actually comes on when it's cold. These are supposed to light down to 0 deg F so I shouldn't have to worry about them coming on here.

 

[LD1]

What are the wattage of the bulbs??

I see them anywhere from 49 watts to 86 watts. With 4 bulbs in each fixture, that is anywhere from 196 watts to 344 watts total.

Amps = watts/volts

So @120v Anyhwere from 1.6 Amps to 2.9 Amps per fixture depending on the bulbs you used. And if you are asking as to how many per circuit, Assume the higher incase you ever put higher wattage bulbs in. And they do draw a tad more at start-up I think.

So I would go no more than 4 on a 15a circuit, and 6 on a 20a circuit.

 

[JESSE1]

I guess the wattage would help. I'm using 32 watt Sylvania cool white tubes.

 

[LD1]

I didnt know they made 96" bulbs in that low of wattage. Heck, thats the same wattage as my 4' bulbs.

Anyway, 4 32w bulbs would be 128w. Or just a tick over 1 amp per fixture. Why is it you are wanting to know?? Cause if it is for circuit design, as I mentioned earlier, plan for the future and the possibility of you (or someone else) using up to 86w bulbs. Changing the wiring and circuits later would be a PITA

 

[JESSE1]

These are the fixtures I'm using Shop Metalux 97-1/4" Utility Fluorescent Lighting at Lowes.com

They use four 4' T8 bulbs per fixture. I'm replacing old 2 4' bulb fixtures that date back to '76. My shop has needed lots more light and I'm trying to add as many as I safely can.

 

[LD1]

I see now. 4 48" bulbs and not 4 96" bulbs:confused2:

 

[grsthegreat]

I have installed many..many of those 8' t8 lights over the years. The ones i use (Simkar 4x32 watt ) use 1.3 - 1.4 amps per fixture. figure 32 watt x 4 plus ballast wattage.

Personally, i have a bunch of 8 foot HO style, high output lights in my shop, barn and carriage barn that will slowly be converted over to either the t8 or the T5 HO fixtures as time goes on.

I HAVE to have bright light in my shop, and i recently placed a 6 lamp T5 HO light fixture over my welding bench...and WHAM. its like the sun over my shoulder. Problem is it uses 6 x 54 watts of light, so isnt very energy efficient.

I also have noticed that the t8 lamps dont seem to last as long as the old t12's, especially the HO series. I have lamps that are 12 years old and still working. Ive had to replace alot of the t8 lamps that i have installed over the years ..... very odd.