Like any other commercial space, a garage requires proper lighting. In addition to ensuring the brightness of the space, garage workshop lighting also contributes to the safety and security of the workers.
What's more? Proper garage lighting also enhances the space's aesthetics and attracts customers to the workspace. Let's examine the different types of garage lighting and the key considerations when selecting the best lighting for the garage.
What are the different types of Garage Lighting?
LED Lighting
LED lights are the most commonly used lighting in all commercial spaces. LED work lights are energy-efficient and durable and can last for several years. They are also environmentally friendly and reduces carbon footprint. When compared to other types of lighting, LED lights can be switched on instantly.
However, the initial cost of installing LED lights in a garage can be high. If you are not tight on budget, then LED lights are the best choice for garage.
Fluorescent Lights
A fluorescent light is another type of garage lighting that is commonly used. Fluorescent lights for garage generates less heat and more light when compared to an incandescent light. When compared to LED lights, fluorescent light is cheap.
Apart from a garage, you can use fluorescent lights in retail spaces, industries and educational institutions.
Incandescent Lighting
If you are looking for a light with a softer glow, an incandescent light is the perfect choice. This light can be cheap but emits a lot of heat when glowing. Thus, they are not environmentally friendly. If you are looking for a cost-effective way of lighting your garage, incandescent lighting is a good option.
High bay garage light
If the height of the garage is more than 20 feet, you can consider going for high bay garage light. You can opt for round or linear light depending on your preference.
If you want to reduce the number of lighting fixtures to save cost, you can opt for linear high bay lights. Linear high bay lights cover a large area and hence the number of fixtures can be reduced.
What are the key considerations for Garage Lighting?
Brightness (Lumens)
The main purpose of lighting is to provide enough brightness to the space. Thus, you should consider the lumen of the lighting before installing one.
There are two types of lighting in a garage - task and ambient lighting. For task lighting, you can go for bright garage lights with 300 lumen per square foot. If you want to add to the ambience of the space, lights of 50-75 lumens for workshop would be the perfect choice.
Color Temperature
Color temperature lighting refers to how warm or cool the light is. In garage workshops were detailed lighting is required lights with a color temperature of more than 5000k is best suited. As these lights mimic natural day lights, even minute details of the work are clearly visible.
To ensure uniformity, it is best to use the same color temperature throughout the garage.
Energy Efficiency
The light installed should provide maximum output in the form of lumen. The heat generated by the light should be minimum.
Energy Efficient Lighting like LED lights are the best choice as they provide the maximum output from the energy used. Moreover, the heat generated by the light is also very low.
Number of lights
The number of lights to opt for depends on the area of the garage. If you are using linear LED lights, the number of fixtures required can be reduced as the light fixture can cover a wide area. In case of small light fixtures, the number of fixtures required will be more to cover the entire area.
Type of mounting
There are different mounting options for garage light. Recessed lights are flushed against the ceiling and even acts as an ambient light. Another option is the flush mount light that hangs from the ceiling.
If an asethetic look along with task lighting is what you have in mind, you can opt for rope lights. These lights are strung on a rope and can be hung above the work area as task light.
Budget
Your budget is another factor to consider while selecting garage light. The initial investment of LED garage light can be costly. But the savings you make in the long run can offset the initial investment.
Based on your budget you can decide on the type of light to go for and the number of lights.
Additional features
Additional features like dimmability and motion sensor can add to the functionality of the lighting. If such additional features can make your work easy and if it is within your budget, you can consider going for the same.
What are some proper lighting installation tips for Garage Lighting?
Proper Placement
The proper placement of light is very important to ensure that the entire garage gets uniform light. In case of large garages, measure the overall space and then decide on the number of lights to install. The lights should be spread out at equal distance so that the light spread is even.
Safety Precautions
You should turn off the power connection before you start installing the light. Also, ensure that the fixture is properly grounded to avoid any potential electric shock. In addition, you should also have someone help you out while installing the garage light.
Conclusion
Selecting the best lighting is crucial for a functional and efficient garage workshop. The light should be bright and energy efficient so that you can carry out the work without any difficulty. Besides, the right color temperature is also very important to ensure that the light mimics the natural day light.
Long-lasting LED lights are the best choice for garage workshop setup as it offers energy efficiency and brightness. Long lasting LED lights have a lifespan of upto 11 years and thus you need not replace the light quite often. All this makes LED lights the best option for garage lighting.
