Garage Construction Project

Interior Lighting Plan

9 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:

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: 18 Fixtures

Breakdown by Zone:

Zone 1: Vehicle Bays - 9 Fixtures (Flush Mount)

Layout: 3 rows × 3 fixtures per row

  • Row 1 (Front): Between overhead doors and first lift position
  • Row 2 (Middle): Center of garage, between bay 2 and 3
  • Row 3 (Rear): Back wall coverage

Spacing:

  • Longitudinal (front-to-back): ~13 feet between rows
  • Lateral (side-to-side): ~13 feet between fixtures
  • Centered over each parking bay

Linkable Groups:

  • Row 1: 3 fixtures linked → single outlet
  • Row 2: 3 fixtures linked → single outlet
  • Row 3: 3 fixtures linked → single outlet

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)

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, the ceiling/door run circuit:

Ceiling/Door Run (1× 20A):

  • Feeds three cord reels or drops between bays along with door-opener and camera/sensor outlets
  • Can support interior lighting fixtures
  • Prevents extension cords across the floor

Circuit 1: Vehicle Bay Lighting (1× 20A)

  • 9 fixtures in 3 linkable groups (3 outlets)
  • Load: 9 × 40W = 360W = 3A @ 120V
  • Plenty of headroom on 20A circuit

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:

  • 18 fixtures × 40W = 720W = 6A @ 120V
  • Distributed across 3 circuits (2-3A each)
  • Excellent load balance

Smart Controls Integration

Your electrical plan mentions Home Assistant integration for exterior soffit lighting. Consider similar integration for interior:

Smart Switch Zones:

  1. Vehicle Bay Zone - Motion sensor + manual control
  2. Workbench Zone - Manual control (always-on during work)
  3. Lift Bay Zone - Tied to lift activation or manual

Implementation:

  • Shelly 1/Plus 1 relays in switch boxes
  • Motion sensors via HA (ceiling-mounted PIRs)
  • Scene control: “All On”, “Work Mode” (bench only), “Lift Mode”

Benefits:

  • Auto-off in vehicle bays (energy savings)
  • Always-on for work sessions
  • Remote control via Home Assistant

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:

  • 18 fixtures for primary installation
  • 2 spares for future use/replacements

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

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

Total Estimated Cost: $200-250 (fixtures + smart controls)

Next Steps

  • Review lighting layout with electrical contractor
  • Coordinate outlet placement for linkable groups
  • Order fixtures (recommend Barrina 20-pack)
  • Mark ceiling joist locations before installation
  • Plan installation sequence (flush mounts first, then suspension)
  • Test linking configuration before permanent mounting
  • Configure smart controls if implementing HA integration

References

Document created: 2025-11-17 Status: Planning phase - ready for procurement

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