Garage Construction Project

Interior Lighting Plan

22 min read

Overview

This document outlines the comprehensive interior lighting strategy for the 24’×40’×10’ three-car garage. The plan prioritizes task lighting for work areas while providing adequate ambient lighting throughout the space, using modern LED shop lights with linkable capability for clean installation.

Key Design Principles:

  • Suspension mounting over workbenches for shadow reduction
  • Flush/surface mounting in vehicle bays for headroom
  • 5000K color temperature for natural daylight appearance
  • 50-100 lumens per square foot target
  • Linkable fixtures to minimize electrical runs
  • Separate circuits for zone control

Space Requirements

Total Area: 960 square feet Ceiling Height: 10 feet Target Illumination: 50-100 lumens/sq ft = 48,000-96,000 total lumens

Lighting Zones

  1. Vehicle Bays (3 bays) - General ambient lighting, flush-mounted
  2. Workbench/Tool Area - High-intensity task lighting, suspension-mounted
  3. Lift Bay - Combined ambient and task lighting
  4. Mechanical Room - Separate lighting per HVAC plan

LED Shop Light Specifications

  • Brightness: 4,000-5,500 lumens per 4ft fixture
  • Color Temperature: 5000K (neutral daylight white)
  • Wattage: 40-42W per fixture (efficient LED)
  • CRI: 80+ (good color accuracy)
  • Linkable: Up to 4-6 fixtures per chain
  • Mounting: Dual-capability (surface + suspension)

Why These Specs?

5000K Color Temperature:

  • Neutral white mimics natural daylight
  • Reduces eye strain vs. 6500K cool white
  • Better for detail work and color matching
  • Not as harsh as “clinical” blue-white lights

4,000-5,500 Lumens:

  • Adequate brightness for shop/garage work
  • 12-18 fixtures provides 48,000-99,000 total lumens
  • Meets 50-100 lumens/sq ft target

Linkable Design:

  • Connect up to 4-6 fixtures per electrical run
  • Reduces circuit complexity
  • Cleaner installation with fewer plugs/outlets

Product Recommendations

Budget Option: Barrina LED Shop Lights

Best Value - Highest Lumens per Dollar

Specifications:

  • 4ft length, 40W, 5500 lumens, 5000K daylight
  • V-shape design with 270° beam angle
  • CRI 85, linkable up to 6 units
  • 138+ lumens per watt efficiency
  • Surface or suspension mount

Pricing (Barrina Direct):

Pack SizeTotal PricePer UnitBest For
6-pack$79.99$13.33Workbench zone
10-pack$119.99$12.00Vehicle bays
20-pack$199.99$10.00Whole garage

Purchase Links:

Pros: Best price per lumen, high efficiency, very bright Cons: V-shape clear cover (no diffusion), industrial appearance

Mid-Range Option: Sunco LED Shop Lights

Best Overall - Quality + Features

Specifications:

  • 4ft length, 40W, 4100 lumens, 5000K daylight
  • Frosted lens (better light diffusion)
  • Linkable up to 4 units
  • Pull chain on/off switch
  • Surface or suspension mount
  • 7-year warranty

Pricing (Sunco Direct):

Pack SizeTotal PricePer UnitBest For
1-pack$9.99$9.99Testing/single replacement
2-pack$18.99$9.50Small sections
16-pack$139.99$8.75Whole garage bundle

Purchase Links:

Pros: Frosted lens for softer light, excellent warranty, pull chain convenience Cons: Lower lumens than Barrina (4100 vs 5500)

Alternative Option: Hykolity LED Shop Lights

High-Output Available

Standard Model:

  • 4ft length, 42W, 4400 lumens, 5000K
  • Linkable up to 6 units
  • ETL certified, 50,000 hour lifespan

High-Output Model:

  • 4ft length, 120W, 13,000 lumens, 5000K
  • For areas requiring extra brightness
  • Linkable design

Pricing (Estimated from Amazon):

  • 4-pack (42W model): ~15-20/unit)
  • 10-pack: ~13-16/unit)

Purchase Links:

Pros: Good middle ground, high-output option available Cons: Mid-range pricing without standout features

Your Original Choice: BBOUNDER LED Shop Lights

Specifications:

  • 4ft length, 40W, 4400 lumens, 6500K
  • Linkable, black finish
  • Surface + suspension mount

Assessment:

  • Solid choice but 6500K is cooler than recommended 5000K
  • Similar pricing to Hykolity
  • Consider if aesthetics (black finish) are priority

Purchase Link:

✅ Ordered 2026-06-01 — 20 Barrina fixtures

Bought the recommended 20-fixture quantity as two Amazon 10-packs (the 20-pack wasn’t available at order time):

  • Order 114-1691141-6969815 — 10-pack, $114.47 — receipt
  • Order 114-6649472-6070625 — 10-pack, $114.47 — receipt

**20 fixtures total, 107.99/pack pretax after a 10.80/fixture). Arriving Friday. Covers the 15 vehicle-bay fixtures + 5 toward Zones 2/3; with the 2026-06-05 revision to longitudinal per-bay runs the full ~24-fixture layout needs ~4 more (see the note below). Plug into the vehicle-bay lighting ceiling outlets (see the 4” square ceiling boxes).

Why This Makes Sense:

  • Best value: 199.99 for 20 units)
  • Highest output: 5500 lumens each = 110,000 total lumens
  • Complete coverage: 18-20 fixtures covers entire garage
  • Future-proof: Spares for replacements/expansion

If Budget Constrained:

  • Sunco 16-pack ($139.99) for primary areas + individual units as needed
  • Barrina 10-pack ($119.99) for workbench + Sunco 2-packs for bays

Lighting Layout & Fixture Placement

Total Fixture Count: ~24 fixtures (15 bays + 6 workbench + 3 lift)

Revised 2026-06-05 — vehicle bays switched to longitudinal per-bay runs

Zone 1 changed from 3 rows × 3 fixtures running across the bays to 3 runs × 5 fixtures running front-to-back, one per bay (the “along the bay” layout). Rationale and geometry in 2026-06-05 — Vehicle Bay Lighting: Longitudinal Per-Bay Runs (3×5). This raises Zone 1 from 9 → 15 fixtures, so total garage fixtures rise to ~24. The 20-pack on hand covers all 15 bay fixtures + 5 toward Zones 2/3, with ~4 more to purchase to complete the workbench/lift zones.

Correction folded in at the same time: the garage doors are on the 40’ wall (so 40’ = width, 24’ = depth). Earlier drafts and the layout diagram had this flipped.

Breakdown by Zone:

Zone 1: Vehicle Bays — 15 fixtures (3 runs × 5, flush mount, front-to-back)

Layout: one continuous run down the centerline of each bay, running front-to-back along the 24’ depth — not across the bays. Five 4’ fixtures = a 20’ run, which drops into the ~23’ finished interior depth (24’ less wall framing + drywall) with ~1.5’ clearance at each end.

  • Bay 1 (west): 5-fixture run, centered on the ~13’-4” bay width
  • Bay 2 (center): 5-fixture run, centered on bay width
  • Bay 3 (east, lift): 5-fixture run, centered on bay width

Why front-to-back (along each bay):

  • Light follows the length of the car — even coverage hood-to-trunk and down both sides, instead of cross-bands with dark gaps
  • A 20’ line source running fore-and-aft fills shadows when you lean over the engine or a fender
  • Mounts straight under a single truss bottom chord (chords span front-to-back) — one dead-straight run, no crossing members
  • Matches the Barrina 6-link max (24’) to the bay depth; a cross-bay run can’t span the 40’ width (would need ~10 fixtures, past the 6 limit) and would leave a bay dark
  • Each bay is independently lit, and light spills sideways into the aisles between cars

Why 5 and not 6: six fixtures = 24’ of solid strip, which overruns the ~23’ finished interior depth. Five (20’) fits cleanly. See the figure.

Linkable Groups & feed — rear-wall single-chain end-feed (decided 2026-06-05):

  • One ceiling outlet per bay at the rear (north) wall, on the bay centerline. Each feeds a single chain of 5 fixtures running front-to-back toward the doors — one factory cord per bay.
  • 3 outlets total → one NM-B run along the rear wall on the dedicated 20A bay-lighting circuit.
  • Clean north/south separation: all lighting outlets live on the north wall, while the door openers and front-wall outlets stay on the south ceiling-door circuit — no overlap with the door tracks or opener hardware. This is the main reason for the rear feed.
  • Supersedes the 2026-05-24 depth-midpoint duplex position (chosen there to allow future-doubling); installing 5/bay from the start delivers that coverage in one simple chain.

Front margin

The chain leaves a ~1–2’ gap at the very front of each bay — which is the door-panel parking zone anyway, so nothing useful is lost. Cars park nose-in, so the engine end still falls under the forward fixtures.

N — rear wall (workbench) S — FRONT (40' door wall) W — panel/mech E — lift bay door 1door 2door 3 BAY 1 (W)BAY 2BAY 3 (E) workbench 2-post lift (future) one NM-B along rear (N) wall → 3 outlets (CKT __)
Zone 1 — three 5-fixture runs, one per bay, running front-to-back (20' in the ~23' interior depth). Rear-fed: one outlet per bay on the north wall feeds a single 5-fixture chain toward the doors (one cord per bay), keeping all lighting outlets clear of the south-wall door tracks. Schematic — confirm exact fixture positions on site. Source: printable/lighting-layout-options.html (Option B).

Zone 2: Workbench/Tool Area - 6 Fixtures (Suspension Mount)

Layout: 2 rows × 3 fixtures per row

  • Row A: Primary workbench run (48” above bench surface)
  • Row B: Toolbox/secondary work area (36-42” above surface)

Spacing:

  • 4-6 feet apart along bench length
  • Suspended 36-48” above work surface (adjust for task needs)
  • Position to minimize shadows

Linkable Groups:

  • Row A: 3 fixtures linked → single outlet (workbench circuit)
  • Row B: 3 fixtures linked → single outlet (workbench circuit)

Zone 3: Lift Bay Support - 3 Fixtures (Mixed Mount)

Layout:

  • 2 fixtures: Flush mount overhead for general illumination
  • 1 fixture: Suspension mount near lift columns for task lighting

Purpose:

  • Overhead lights: General bay visibility
  • Suspension light: Undercarriage work, detail inspection

Circuit:

  • Connect to lift-bay support 20A circuit (per Electrical Planning.md:107)

Zone 4: Lift Arm Underlighting (Future — Install After Lift)

Undercarriage Illumination

LED strips mounted on the lift arms provide direct lighting under raised vehicles, eliminating the need for headlamps or portable lights during routine maintenance.

Concept: Mount IP67-rated LED strip lights on the top inboard face of each of the four lift arms, angled toward the vehicle centerline. When a vehicle is raised, the four strips cross-illuminate the undercarriage from multiple angles, minimizing shadow zones.

Why This Works:

  • The arms sit 6–12” below the undercarriage — light rakes upward across surfaces at an angle that reveals detail (leaks, cracks, rust) better than flat overhead light
  • Four arms = four light sources converging inward, so left-side strips illuminate what right-side strips shadow and vice versa
  • Light source moves with the arms, so it always points at the vehicle regardless of arm position

What It Won’t Cover:

  • Directly above each arm is a shadow zone (the arm blocks its own light)
  • Components that face straight down (oil pans, diff covers) get less direct light
  • For detailed inspection work (tracing a leak, examining a weld), a headlamp or handheld inspection light is still needed

Realistic expectation: Gets you ~70% of the way there for routine maintenance — oil changes, brake jobs, suspension work, exhaust inspection. The difference is between “can’t see anything without a flashlight” and “can see most things clearly, only need a flashlight for close-up work.”

Specifications:

  • LED strip type: Silicone-potted IP67 strips or enclosed aluminum channel — must handle oil, brake dust, and dropped tools
  • Color temperature: 5000K daylight, high-CRI (90+) — color accuracy matters when identifying fluid colors, distinguishing rust from clean metal
  • Power: ~20–40W total across all four arms (trivial load)
  • Wiring: Route in flexible conduit or split loom along each arm to prevent snagging; run down the lift column to a nearby outlet or the lift-bay support circuit

Installation Notes:

  • Install after the lift is in place and operational
  • Mount strips on the top inboard face of each arm using adhesive-backed strip + mechanical fasteners (adhesive alone will fail with vibration and oil exposure)
  • Use quick-disconnect connectors at each arm pivot point so strips can be replaced without rewiring
  • Consider a dedicated switch near the lift controls — you don’t always want these on when overhead lights are running

Estimated Cost:

  • 4× runs of quality IP67 LED strip (~16ft total): $30–50
  • Aluminum channel/diffuser (optional): $15–25
  • Wiring, connectors, conduit: $15–20
  • Total: $60–95 (materials only)

Actions:

  • Select lift model before finalizing arm dimensions and strip lengths — stage:: 6
  • Test LED strip adhesion and mounting method on a sample section — stage:: 6
  • Wire to lift-bay support circuit or dedicated switch — stage:: 6

Mounting Heights

Flush/Surface Mount:

  • Mounted directly to ceiling joists
  • 10’ above floor (garage ceiling height)
  • Use included mounting hardware

Suspension Mount:

  • Workbench: 36-48” above bench surface = ~6-7’ above floor
  • Adjustable via chain/cable length
  • Maintain minimum 6’8” clearance for walkways

Electrical Integration

Circuit Assignment

Per Electrical Planning, vehicle bay overhead lighting is on its own dedicated 20A circuit — not shared with the ceiling/door run. See 2026-04-23 — Vehicle Bay Lighting Split to Dedicated Circuit for the rationale: a tripped opener, cord-reel tool fault, or GFCI event on the ceiling/door run must not kill the overhead lights while working under a raised vehicle on the 2-post lift.

Ceiling/Door Run (1× 20A, separate circuit):

  • Feeds cord reels/drops between bays, door-opener outlets, front-wall outlets, and camera/sensor outlets
  • Does not feed overhead shop lights
  • Prevents extension cords across the floor

Circuit 1: Vehicle Bay Lighting + Stairwell (1× 20A dedicated, garage main panel)

  • 15 fixtures in 3 linkable groups (3 ceiling outlets — one per bay, rear feed)
  • + stairwell light (<1A) shares this circuit — decided 2026-06-07 so the egress stair isn’t fed from the future loft subpanel; see Decisions Log 2026-06-07
  • Load: 15 × 40W = 600W = 5A + stairwell <1A ≈ 6A @ 120V (still far under 20A)
  • Dedicated breaker at garage panel — isolated from openers, cord reels, and front-wall outlets

Circuit 2: Workbench/Task Lighting (1× 20A)

  • 6 fixtures in 2 linkable groups (2 outlets)
  • Shares workbench circuit (per Electrical Planning.md:105-106)
  • Load: 6 × 40W = 240W = 2A @ 120V
  • Combined with bench tools/outlets

Circuit 3: Lift Bay Lighting

  • 3 fixtures (mixed mount)
  • Shares lift-bay support 20A circuit (Electrical Planning.md:107)
  • Load: 3 × 40W = 120W = 1A @ 120V

Total Lighting Load:

  • 24 fixtures × 40W = 960W = 8A @ 120V
  • Distributed across 3 circuits (bay 5A / workbench 2A / lift 1A)
  • Excellent load balance; the bay circuit is still well under 20A

Smart Controls Integration

Decided 2026-04-20 — topology locked in; see Electrical Planning: Switch Topology for full wiring detail.

Smart Switch Zones:

  1. Vehicle Bay Zone (walk-through) — 3-way: entry door + stairwell bottom — Shelly Plus 1PM at load
  2. Workbench Zone (task lighting) — Single-pole at workbench — Shelly Plus 1 behind switch
  3. Lift Bay Zone (task lighting) — Single-pole near lift — Shelly Plus 1 behind switch, optional lift-activation automation

Design principle: Physical 3-way is reserved for the walk-through path (entry → stairs); task zones use single-pole at the point of use. Whole-floor “all on/off” is handled via Home Assistant scenes, not ganged physical switches.

Implementation:

  • Shelly Plus 1 / Plus 1PM relays (Plus 1PM on the 3-way circuit for per-zone power monitoring)
  • Optional motion sensors via HA (ceiling-mounted PIRs, wireless)
  • Scene control: “All On”, “Work Mode” (bench + lift only), “Bay Mode” (vehicle bays only), “Away” (all off)

Benefits:

  • Walk-through 3-way keeps main lights usable even if HA is offline
  • Task zones avoid switch clutter at the entry
  • Remote control and scenes layered via Home Assistant
  • Per-zone power monitoring on the Plus 1PM surfaces lamp failures in HA

Physical Switch Locations

LocationGangSwitchesCircuit
Entry door (existing, installed by SLS)1-gangExterior soffit (single-pole, SLS-installed)Soffit
Entry door (new)1-gangVehicle bay lights (3-way A)Vehicle bay lighting
Stairwell bottom2-gangVehicle bay lights (3-way B) + stairwell light (3-way A)Vehicle bay lighting (stairwell shares this circuit — see 2026-06-07)
Stairwell top1-gangStairwell light (3-way B)Vehicle bay lighting (shared)
Top of stairs (loft side)1-gangLoft main lighting (single-pole)Loft subpanel (future)
At workbench1-gangWorkbench lights (single-pole)Workbench
Near lift controls1-gangLift bay lights (single-pole)Lift bay

Total new switch boxes: 6 (1 entry + 1 2-gang stairwell bottom + 1 stairwell top + 1 loft + 1 workbench + 1 lift)

Shopping List

Primary Purchase: Barrina 20-Pack

ItemQuantityUnit PriceTotalLink
Barrina LED Shop Light 4ft, 40W, 5500LM, 5000K (20-pack)1$199.99$199.99Barrina Direct

Includes:

  • 20× LED shop light fixtures
  • 20× Hanging chains/cables
  • 20× Mounting hardware sets
  • 20× Power cords with plugs
  • 20× 48” linking cables

Coverage (per the 2026-06-05 revision to 3×5 bay runs):

  • 15 vehicle-bay fixtures + 5 toward the workbench/lift zones
  • ~4 more needed to complete the ~24-fixture layout (Zones 2/3)

Alternative Purchase: Mixed Budget Approach

ItemQuantityUnit PriceTotalLink
Barrina 10-Pack (workbench + lift bay)1$119.99$119.99Barrina/Amazon
Sunco 2-Pack (vehicle bays - section 1)2$18.99$37.98Sunco Direct
Sunco 2-Pack (vehicle bays - section 2)2$18.99$37.98Sunco Direct
Total$195.95

Coverage:

  • 10 Barrina for high-priority areas (workbench/lift)
  • 8 Sunco for vehicle bay ambient lighting
  • Similar total cost, mix of features

Premium Purchase: Sunco 16-Pack + Extras

ItemQuantityUnit PriceTotalLink
Sunco 16-Pack (5000K, frosted)1$139.99$139.99Sunco Direct
Sunco 2-Pack (additional coverage)1$18.99$18.99Sunco Direct
Total$158.98

Benefits:

  • Frosted lens (softer, more diffused light)
  • 7-year warranty (better than Barrina)
  • Pull chain switches on every fixture
  • Professional appearance

Tradeoff:

  • Lower lumens (4100 vs 5500) = slightly dimmer
  • May want 20 fixtures instead of 18 for equivalent brightness

Portable Magnetic Work Lights (Lift Complement)

Layered Lighting Strategy

Fixed ceiling fixtures provide ambient light, arm-mounted strips wash the undercarriage, and portable magnetic lights fill in the remaining gaps with targeted spot illumination exactly where you need it.

Portable battery-powered lights with magnetic bases stick directly to frame rails, subframes, control arms, or the lift arms themselves. They handle the ~30% of undercarriage work where fixed lighting can’t reach — tight spots, components that face downward, or anywhere you need light from a specific angle.

Underhood / Bar Style (Wide Coverage)

ProductLumensPowerPriceNotes
Braun Underhood Light (Harbor Freight)~700Rechargeable built-in~$30–40Good “buy cheap” starting point
Milwaukee M12 Underhood (2125-20)700M12 battery (sold separately)~$80 bare toolGold standard; upgrade path if Braun wears out
  • ~18” wide pivoting bar with strong magnetic base + hooks
  • Stick to a frame rail or hang from a subframe crossmember for broad undercarriage wash
  • Best for: brake jobs, exhaust work, suspension inspection

Compact Magnetic Lights (Spot / Stick Style)

ProductLumensPowerPriceNotes
Braun Magnetic Hanging Work Light (Harbor Freight)~400Rechargeable built-in~$15–25Buy 2–3 to scatter around
Milwaukee M12 Rover (2364-20)700M12 battery (sold separately)~$50 bare toolCompact flood, very strong magnet
  • Small enough to stick directly on the component you’re working near
  • Best for: tracing leaks, inspecting welds, illuminating a specific bolt cluster

Recommended Starting Purchase: Per the buy cheap, upgrade when proven approach:

  • 1× Braun underhood bar (~$30)
  • 2× Braun magnetic stick lights (~$15 each)
  • Total: ~$60 to find out which form factor you reach for most, then upgrade that style to Milwaukee M12

Actions:

  • Purchase portable magnetic lights after lift is installed and arm-mounted strips are tested — stage:: 6

Construction-Phase Lighting Strategy

Added 2026-05-18. Updated 2026-06-07 — clip-mount reality folded in (the Barrina fixtures ship with clips, not chains; first run hung over Bay 3). With the 200A panel energized (Mar 31, 2026) and months of DIY rough-in / insulation / drywall ahead, the ceiling-outlet rough-in for these fixtures becomes the construction-lighting infrastructure for the rest of the build — not just a final-state plan.

Why install lighting infrastructure early

The ceiling outlets that feed these fixtures (3× vehicle-bay groups, 2× workbench groups, 1× lift bay) must be installed before insulation and drywall regardless. Doing them in the first DIY electrical block instead of the last costs nothing extra and unlocks proper construction lighting for every phase that follows: HVAC pre-rough, plumbing rough-in (loft bath), ERV chases, insulation, drywall, mud, prime, paint.

Working those phases under proper overhead LED light vs. portable work lights is a multi-month quality-of-life and quality-of-work win. The Barrina fixtures are $10 each — even writing off 2–3 to drywall dust and mud splatter is a rounding error.

  1. Now (in current DIY electrical block): Rough in the 3 vehicle-bay-lighting ceiling outlets (one per bay, at the rear/north end of each run, 5 fixtures each) and 2 workbench task-lighting outlets (groups of 3 fixtures each) as part of the dedicated 20A bay-lighting circuit and the 20A workbench circuit. These were going in pre-drywall anyway — just do them first.
    • Defer cord-reel outlets, lift-bay outlet, and opener outlets if desired — opener outlets are already live on the SLS GFCI; lift position isn’t fully locked; cord reels aren’t urgent.
  2. Order Barrina 20-pack ($199.99 — covers 18 fixtures + 2 spares; see primary purchase option).
  3. Hang fixtures from their clip mounts at the rough-in outlets. The Barrina fixtures do not ship with chains — they mount with two small clips, one screw each, screwed straight to the joist/truss bottom chord (this is the same mount they’ll use in their final flush position). That’s two screws per fixture to put up and the same two to take down — about as fast as a chain hook, and no extra hardware to buy.
    • First run went up over Bay 3 (lift bay) on 2026-06-07 (5 fixtures, tested on an extension cord). Add the Bay 1 and Bay 2 runs next for broader coverage; the workbench-task outlets follow once that circuit is roughed in.
  4. Drywall time: Back out the clip screws, drop the run, drywall the ceiling, then screw the same clips back up. Because clip-mount is the bay fixtures’ final mount, “reinstall” just means re-screwing the same clips into the same joists per the final layout — no conversion step, just one down-and-up cycle for the drywall.
  5. After paint: Hang the full 18-fixture set in final positions and switch over to the planned smart-control topology (Shelly Plus 1PM on 3-way bay circuit, Shelly Plus 1 on workbench).

What this does not apply to

  • 15 bay fixtures going to flush-mount final position (3 runs × 5) — these are clip-mounted from the start (clip-mount is the final mount). During construction they hang in their final position; they only come down for the one-time ceiling drywall and go right back up. Don’t treat the construction install as throwaway — it’s the real install, minus one drywall cycle.
  • Lift-bay support fixtures — wait for lift to be installed and located before committing outlet positions (per lift coordination note below). The lift is a Late-2026 milestone.
  • Lift arm underlighting (Zone 4) — strictly post-lift.
  • Soffit wafer lights — already installed by SLS and operational since Apr 8, 2026.

Risk callout

  • Drywall dust + joint compound is hard on lens optics. Wipe fixtures between phases; expect 1–2 to need replacement (~$10–20 total).
  • Take the runs down for ceiling drywall — don’t drywall around them. The 5/8” Type X garage ceiling has to land flat against the joists, so back out the clip screws and pull each bay run before the drywall goes up, then re-clip over the finished ceiling.
  • Linking the per-bay run during construction is fine — it matches the final layout (one factory cord + link cables per bay, one chain of 5), and a clip-mounted run comes down as a unit anyway. Just keep each bay on its own cord so one bay can come down without disturbing the others.

Installation Notes

General Installation

  1. Locate Ceiling Joists

    • Use stud finder to locate 2×6 or 2×8 ceiling joists
    • Mark joist locations along planned fixture rows
    • See: Ceiling joists located action item

  2. Flush Mount Installation

    • Mount fixtures directly to joists with provided screws
    • Use 1.5” wood screws into joist centers
    • Ensure fixtures are level and aligned

  3. Suspension Mount Installation

    • Install ceiling hooks/eye bolts into joists
    • Attach chains at desired length (36-48” below ceiling)
    • Adjust height for task requirements
    • Ensure fixtures are level

  4. Linking Fixtures

    • Use provided linking cables (48” typically)
    • Connect fixtures in series (up to 4-6 per manufacturer specs)
    • First fixture in chain has power cord to outlet
    • Plan linking order to minimize cable visibility

  5. Electrical Connections

    • Coordinate with electrician for outlet placement
    • Vehicle bays: Outlets near ceiling for flush-mount fixtures
    • Workbench: Outlets at bench height or above for suspension fixtures
    • Use ceiling/door run circuit and workbench circuits per plan

Coordination with Other Systems

Compressed Air System:

HVAC (Mini-Split Indoor Units):

  • Avoid mounting fixtures directly in front of air handlers
  • Maintain clearance for airflow and service access
  • See: HVAC Strategy

Lift Installation:

  • Ensure overhead lights don’t interfere with lift posts
  • Suspension lights near columns should clear lift arms
  • Plan lighting before lift installation if possible

Cost Summary

OptionTotal CostFixturesCost/FixtureLumens/$Notes
Barrina 20-Pack$199.9920$10.00550Best value, brightest
Mixed Budget$195.9518$10.89470Mix features, exact quantity
Sunco 16+2$158.9818$8.83464Premium features, warranty

Recommendation: Barrina 20-Pack for best overall value and performance.

Additional Costs to Consider:

  • Smart switches/relays: $20-40 per zone (optional)
  • Motion sensors: $15-30 each (optional)
  • Additional mounting hardware if needed: $10-20
  • Electrician labor for outlet installation: Included in electrical bid
  • Lift arm LED strips (Zone 4): $60–95
  • Portable magnetic work lights: ~$60

Total Estimated Cost: $320-405 (fixtures + smart controls + lift underlighting + portable lights)

Next Steps

Construction-phase (DIY, current block — see Construction-Phase Lighting Strategy):

  • Rough in 3 vehicle-bay-lighting ceiling outlets on dedicated 20A circuit — 🔄 3 boxes installed + cable run to stairwell switch box 2026-06-07; not yet energized (needs 12/3 to entry-door 3-way + 12/2 home run to panel) — stage:: 6
  • Rough in 2 workbench-task-lighting ceiling outlets on workbench 20A circuit — stage:: 6
  • Order Barrina 20-pack — ordered 2026-06-01 as 2× 10-packs, $228.94 (see callout above) — stage:: 5
  • Buy ~4 more Barrina fixtures to complete workbench/lift zones after the Zone 1 revision to 15 bay fixtures (3×5) — stage:: 5
  • Hang 6–9 fixtures for construction lighting — 🔄 first 5-fixture run hung over Bay 3 (lift bay) & tested 2026-06-07 (extension cord); clip-mounted (two single-screw clips/fixture, not chains), so it pulls down for ceiling drywall and reinstalls quickly; 2 more bay runs to hang — stage:: 6
  • Wipe fixtures between rough-in/insulation/drywall phases to protect lens optics — stage:: 6

Final-state (post-drywall, post-paint):

  • Drop chained fixtures before ceiling drywall; re-hang after paint — stage:: 7
  • Permanently flush-mount 15 vehicle-bay fixtures (3 runs × 5, front-to-back) per final layout — stage:: 7
  • Install linking cables for final linkable-group topology — stage:: 7
  • Configure Shelly relays per smart-control topology — stage:: 7
  • Install lift-bay fixtures after lift is in place — stage:: 7

References

Document created: 2025-11-17 Last updated: 2026-06-07 — construction-phase strategy revised to reflect clip-mount reality (Barrina ships with clips, not chains); first 5-fixture run hung & tested over Bay 3 (lift bay). Prior: 2026-06-05 — Zone 1 vehicle bays revised to longitudinal per-bay runs (3×5 front-to-back, 15 fixtures); corrected door-wall orientation (doors on 40’ wall); added canonical layout figure. See Decisions Log 2026-06-05. Status: Planning phase — ready for procurement; construction-phase install can begin alongside DIY electrical rough-in

Graph View

Backlinks