|
| This is a crosspost on the recommendation of folks in the kitchem forum.
My kitchen is a small, narrow galley and has an old fluorescent ceiling fixture that I would like to replace. Having never replaced such a fixture, I am having a hard time at what kind of replacement to look. The fixture must be ceiling hugging; ceiling is too low for chandelier type (even though that is what I would love to have). Your help in pointing me in the right direction will be very much appreciated. |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
| The first step is to figure out how much lighting is needed. Assuming ~ 35 lumens per sq ft, a space that is 8' x 12' would require 35 * 8 * 12 = 3360 lumens. If it is a rectangular shaped box using old T12 tubes, you could either upgrade the existing fixture to use T8 tubes with electronic ballasts. If you have a circular shaped fixture that you intend to replace, T8 fluorescents are the cheapest option. Or you could spring for a Cree CR series troffer which is dimmable but comes with a significantly higher upfront cost. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Cree troffer
|
- Posted by walnutcreek (My Page) on Mon, Jul 16, 12 at 16:24
| Thanks, davidtay. See kitchen, cabinets and lighting measurements below. Also, I didn't mention that the upper cabinets go all the way to the ceiling. No window; however, a doorway at each end of the galley. The current lighting fixturen is 48" long with 4 tubes. Kitchen Measurements So that evidently means I need 5250 lumens. Is that correct? I did find a place fairly near me that sells the Cree line. Will check regarding cost. I looked at the Home Depot and Lowes websites and the T8 tubes appear to be very expensive, as well as the electronic ballasts, but I may be looking at them incorrectly. This is all new to me. |
|
| About right. The total amount can be divided up between under cabinet and the main fixture if you want. T8 fluorescent lighting is pretty inexpensive especially when you get 2 - 4 tube fixtures. Is dimming important? If so, dimmable electronic ballasts are relatively rare (i.e. - not available in either HD or Lowes) and expensive. In which case, the CR24 becomes competitive. |
|
| walnutcreek, What are all of your reasons for replacing the existing fixture? Would a more attractive, instant-on no-hum fluorescent fixture do, or are you trying to improve the light distribution, or just get away from fluorescent? |
|
- Posted by walnutcreek (My Page) on Tue, Jul 17, 12 at 12:46
| My initial thought was to get rid of the fluourescent. |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Lighting Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.