E-Bodies.org Cuda Challenger Forum

Technical Shop => Tools and Equipment => Topic started by: Dakota on January 31, 2021, 11:55:16 AM

Title: Garage light upgrade
Post by: Dakota on January 31, 2021, 11:55:16 AM
I came across a YouTube video (see link below) as a way to make use of the new LED lights being sold at Home Depot and elsewhere that can be threaded into a standard lightbulb socket.  Basically, you buy a flexible "gooseneck" extension that's about 2 feet long (or longer) and thread it into the bulb socket on a garage door opener and feed it out through the opening that's typically above the bulb.   The LED bulb goes in the other end and the gooseneck is  zip-tied to one of support rails for the opener.  This quickly and inexpensively (less than $50) provides an adjustable, very bright light overhead without running any additional wiring or conduit. The pictures below are from the first of several of these that are going up in my garage.

I've seen some warnings that the transformer inside these lights can interfere with the garage door remote signal, but I haven't had that problem. 

The Amazon link posted for the gooseneck with the video leads to an item that was "unavailable" when I tried it, so you will probably have to look elsewhere for one.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RUF4lQ2n7H0

And yes, I have to get the cover back on my Challenger to hide it from drifting snowflakes. 

 
Title: Re: Garage light upgrade
Post by: Cuda Cody on January 31, 2021, 12:06:18 PM
Looks pretty easy and looks to add a lot of light.  :clapping:
Title: Re: Garage light upgrade
Post by: cudaragtop on January 31, 2021, 12:58:23 PM
Have a three of those in my garage screwed into the inexpensive ceiling porcelain light sockets.
Years ago I replaced one of the porcelain sockets with an 8' florescent fixture with 4x 4' florescent tubes.
Went back to the $1.58 porcelain fixture with these Deformable LED lamps. Less wattage and brighter.
Got mine on Amazon. They are Super Bright. I just looked for the most lumens for the lowest price.
I always look for items that offer free returns too!

Makes the garage look like daylight inside.
The Cuda tucked away waiting for a sunny day.



 
Title: Re: Garage light upgrade
Post by: Poolshark314 on January 31, 2021, 02:58:47 PM
Been looking to do that myself in the 2 porcelain sockets I have and leave the garage openers alone, but a lot of the lights I have seen on Amazon are not UL certified so i'm waiting on a deal on some UL certified lights.
Title: Re: Garage light upgrade
Post by: autoxcuda on January 31, 2021, 04:05:45 PM
Just saw a tv ad for this

Issue I can see is that it's a ton of light from one point.

You look up and it's blinding.

also.... SHADOWS. If you are doing something with your back to the light you've got shadows driving you nuts. And if you don't have your back to the light, it's blinding.

I like the $19.95 Costco lights daisy chained together to fill the garage with light
Title: Re: Garage light upgrade
Post by: Dodgem Doug on January 31, 2021, 07:09:38 PM
25 years ago when I built my shop, I put 8 300 watt condescend lights from the ceiling. Last year I bought LED Cob lights which screw in to a standard base and they're 15000 Lumen and use 65 watts. The only problem with these lights they create a strong RFI which interferes with  my overhead door remote and my stereo system. They really brighten the place up.
Title: Re: Garage light upgrade
Post by: screamindriver on January 31, 2021, 07:30:06 PM
Nice shop there Dodgem... I've been converting to LEDs as I find the perfect fit for each application...The whole spectrum of lighting has shifted to a much brighter environment with just about half of them done...
Title: Re: Garage light upgrade
Post by: 70vert on February 01, 2021, 08:33:37 AM
Been thinking of doing the same, with similar setup (3 car garage w/2 porcelain ceiling light sockets). I have thought about the shadow effect mentioned, but maybe the extra light and simple-ness will outweigh that.


Quote from: Poolshark314 on January 31, 2021, 02:58:47 PM
Been looking to do that myself in the 2 porcelain sockets I have and leave the garage openers alone, but a lot of the lights I have seen on Amazon are not UL certified so i'm waiting on a deal on some UL certified lights.
Title: Re: Garage light upgrade
Post by: Poolshark314 on February 01, 2021, 10:05:40 AM
Quote from: 70vert on February 01, 2021, 08:33:37 AM
Been thinking of doing the same, with similar setup (3 car garage w/2 porcelain ceiling light sockets). I have thought about the shadow effect mentioned, but maybe the extra light and simple-ness will outweigh that.


Quote from: Poolshark314 on January 31, 2021, 02:58:47 PM
Been looking to do that myself in the 2 porcelain sockets I have and leave the garage openers alone, but a lot of the lights I have seen on Amazon are not UL certified so i'm waiting on a deal on some UL certified lights.

If you find any UL certified ones, let me know. I don't want to burn my house down over some light bulbs
Title: Re: Garage light upgrade
Post by: cudaragtop on February 01, 2021, 02:28:45 PM
In my 3 car garage there are 3 porcelain fixtures.
Each one has one of these lights. Each one I have set a little different to make the best use of the available light.
By angling the panels somewhere around 30*- 45* there is a lot of light thrown down and to the sides. Point them where they work best.
The center points straight down the 3 adjustable panels point where I pointed them...

The brightness carries across the garage vey well with my 10'-6" ceiling height.
The light reflects well off of the white walls to give indirect lighting throughout and shadows where I am doing anything are minimal.


One of these gives more light with better coverage using less wattage than the (2) 4' florescent fixtures end to end with 4x 40watt bulbs that it replaced.

These are the ones I got from Amazon and they are UL Listed.
Free Prime One Day Delivery and Free Returns. If you don't like em, send em back...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XB7L2JY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XB7L2JY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)


Title: Re: Garage light upgrade
Post by: autoxcuda on February 01, 2021, 04:36:15 PM
White walls and ceiling make a big deal.

You can bounce light off walls somewhat so it's not piercing your eyes directly.
Title: Re: Garage light upgrade
Post by: Poolshark314 on February 01, 2021, 05:00:22 PM
Thanks @cudaragtop (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/cudaragtop_51) i'll give those a shot. Oooo it even "Arrives before Valentine's Day"  :bradsthumb:
Title: Re: Garage light upgrade
Post by: cudaragtop on February 01, 2021, 06:36:34 PM
I bought just one first to try.

Then I ordered 2 more...
Your mileage may vary.

And yes, don't look at them when they are on.
I know you are going to anyway but don't say I didn't warn you. 8)

- Randy
Title: Re: Garage light upgrade
Post by: Spikedog08 on February 02, 2021, 07:55:52 AM
Quote from: cudaragtop on February 01, 2021, 06:36:34 PM
I bought just one first to try.
Then I ordered 2 more...
Your mileage may vary.
And yes, don't look at them when they are on.
I know you are going to anyway but don't say I didn't warn you. 8)

- Randy

Any issues with your remote door openers?  I know some do interfere?  Thinking I may buy a couple . . .
Title: Re: Garage light upgrade
Post by: cudaragtop on February 02, 2021, 08:12:19 AM
No interference with my opener's remote controls...
Title: Re: Garage light upgrade
Post by: RSI700VIPER on February 08, 2021, 02:52:02 PM


Quote from: cudaragtop on February 01, 2021, 02:28:45 PM

These are the ones I got from Amazon and they are UL Listed.
Free Prime One Day Delivery and Free Returns. If you don't like em, send em back...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XB7L2JY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XB7L2JY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

Cuda -  I followed your link and bought 3 from Amazon.  They are very well made, bright and come with a 5 year warranty, however I couldn't find anything on the packaging or on the fixture that said they were UL listed. 
Title: Re: Garage light upgrade
Post by: cudaragtop on February 08, 2021, 02:58:36 PM
Quote from: RSI700VIPER on February 08, 2021, 02:52:02 PM


Quote from: cudaragtop on February 01, 2021, 02:28:45 PM

These are the ones I got from Amazon and they are UL Listed.
Free Prime One Day Delivery and Free Returns. If you don't like em, send em back...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XB7L2JY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XB7L2JY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

Cuda -  I followed your link and bought 3 from Amazon.  They are very well made, bright and come with a 5 year warranty, however I couldn't find anything on the packaging or on the fixture that said they were UL listed.

Sorry,
I was just going off of the description on Amazon.
Can't say I ever looked for it on the lights or packaging...

【UL Listed and Fast After-sale Service】

Free Returns.
Title: Re: Garage light upgrade
Post by: cudaragtop on February 08, 2021, 03:12:20 PM
Quote from: cudaragtop on February 08, 2021, 02:58:36 PM
Quote from: RSI700VIPER on February 08, 2021, 02:52:02 PM


Quote from: cudaragtop on February 01, 2021, 02:28:45 PM

These are the ones I got from Amazon and they are UL Listed.
Free Prime One Day Delivery and Free Returns. If you don't like em, send em back...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XB7L2JY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XB7L2JY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

Cuda -  I followed your link and bought 3 from Amazon.  They are very well made, bright and come with a 5 year warranty, however I couldn't find anything on the packaging or on the fixture that said they were UL listed.

Sorry,
I was just going off of the description on Amazon.
Can't say I ever looked for it on the lights or packaging...

【UL Listed and Fast After-sale Service】

Free Returns.

FYI
I just reported the False UL Bullet Point to Amazon.
Thanks for pointing it out.
Title: Re: Garage light upgrade
Post by: Brads70 on February 08, 2021, 03:27:20 PM
I bought one fixture to test it out before I replace my old fluorescent fixtures in my garage.
They are super bright, been installed for 3-4 years now with no issues. Nice they come on even when its cold.

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/6-Lamp-LED-Shop-Garage-Utility-Light-Fixture-130lm-Watt-4FT-BRIGHT-132Watt-5K/252990178537?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
Title: Re: Garage light upgrade
Post by: RSI700VIPER on February 08, 2021, 05:29:45 PM
Cuda - No worries.  I am very happy with them. 
Title: Re: Garage light upgrade
Post by: cudaragtop on February 08, 2021, 09:39:09 PM
Quote from: RSI700VIPER on February 08, 2021, 05:29:45 PM
Cuda - No worries.  I am very happy with them.

Put Fresh Batteries in your smoke detectors?   :bradsthumb:
Title: Re: Garage light upgrade
Post by: PLY474 on February 09, 2021, 07:48:55 AM
@Daveh (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/daveh_72)  I just finished my garage and went the hardwire route.  The garage is about 40 x 14.5' minus the stairwell.  I put in 12 4' T8 fixtures, so 24 LED bulbs.  I couldn't be happier.  No shadows.  They light up immediately even in this cold weather and don't interfere with the radio signal or garage door opener signal.  I wanted a replaceable tube bulb so that I can maintain the fixture and get the color (kelvin) that I want.  I was concerned that when an integrated LED shop light failed I wouldn't be able to get the same look or color (kelvin) 5+ years later.  They seem to be changing so fast.  Also, in my basement I have an integrated LED shop light that interferes with the FM radio signal.  When I turn the light off, the radio station comes in clear.  I don't have that problem in the garage with the new T8 lights. 

I purchased these bulbs.  Frosted, 4000K, 2200 Lumens.  They are "double ended" meaning I cut the ballast out and wired one end hot and one end neutral.  They came with warning stickers to put on the fixture stating the ballast was removed, LED only.  I didn't need to buy non-shunted tombstones with the "double-ended" type bulb. 
https://www.1000bulbs.com/product/208561/LEDT-10074.html

Fixtures. 
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Lithonia-Lighting-General-Purpose-Strip-Light-Actual-48-in-x-4-375-in-x-2-0625-in/1000410219

Since I'm rambling on, I also hardwired in a Kidde HD135F Heat Detector located above the hood of the car.  Since smoke detectors don't mix well with old cars, a heat alarm seemed like the solution.  Above 135F the alarm will sound.  Higher trip temperatures are available if I end up getting nuisance trips. 
https://www.amazon.com/Kidde-HD135F-Fyrnetics-Hardwire-Detector/dp/B000P4YY8K/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=kiddie+temperature+detector&qid=1612884851&sr=8-4

Here is a photo of the lights with my 74 in everyone's favorite color.  It was taken right after finishing the garage and the cleanest it will ever be. 
Title: Re: Garage light upgrade
Post by: Daveh on February 09, 2021, 07:54:33 AM
Thanks PLY474 that's the brightness I had and was looking for I appreciate the input. 
Title: Re: Garage light upgrade
Post by: PLY474 on February 09, 2021, 08:08:46 AM
@Daveh (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/daveh_72)  No problem.  I've been meaning to write that up.  For reference, that's 91 Lumens/SQFT and 408 watts.  Not bad.  I think my halogen shop light is 500 watts.