Lighting placement in high-ceiling boiler room

[audifanatic]

I'm working on a boiler room refresh. The owner abandoned some pendant-mounted fixtures years ago (before LED) because they were too difficult to service. They replaced them with wall-mounted fixtures as shown. They expressed interest in returning to ceiling-mounted fixtures.

I personally think the wall-mounted fixtures illuminate the space very well. Of course if I went with the ceiling-mounted fixtures per the owner's request I could drop them lower for ease of servicing. But then I may want to provide some uplighting and I'm not too sure that it would work too well in a boiler room. I envision them getting filthy after a few years. Thoughts?

Based on the ladder height (and angle) I'm going to guestimate that the ceiling height is 20-25 feet high.


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[Dennis Alwon]

What is your question? Are you wanting opinions? I would only add that uplighting is not the way to go in a room such as this. Why do they want to move the lights back to the ceiling?

 

[audifanatic]

What is your question? Are you wanting opinions? I would only add that uplighting is not the way to go in a room such as this. Why do they want to move the lights back to the ceiling?

Just looking for opinions, correct. And honestly my only guess would be aesthetics (it's a boiler room...), they didn't give a reason.

 

[infinity]

Electricians like to wall mount because it's faster, cheaper, and easier but it does not give the best light. Ceiling mounting on a 25' ceiling is a poor choice also because you end up with less light at the floor level. The best option is mounting the fixture facing down on strut or a strut raceway 10'-12' above the floor.

 

[retirede]

Electricians like to wall mount because it's faster, cheaper, and easier but it does not give the best light. Ceiling mounting on a 25' ceiling is a poor choice also because you end up with less light at the floor level. The best option is mounting the fixture facing down on strut or a strut raceway 10'-12' above the floor.

There are high-bay lights designed to provide adequate illumination when mounted at 25’ or even higher. Of course, you have to pay up!

 

[infinity]

There are high-bay lights designed to provide adequate illumination when mounted at 25’ or even higher. Of course, you have to pay up!

Sure but in machine or service rooms there is typically an issue with pipe, ducts, etc. below blocking the light. Also at 25' you're wasting a ton of light (and energy) lighting up the ceiling where you don't need any light. Maintenance up that high can be an issue too.

 

[retirede]

Sure but in machine or service rooms there is typically an issue with pipe, ducts, etc. below blocking the light. Also at 25' you're wasting a ton of light (and energy) lighting up the ceiling where you don't need any light. Maintenance up that high can be an issue too.

I’m coming from a factory with overhead cranes. We had no other option.
Quality high bay fixtures do not light up the ceiling. All light is directed downward.

 

[audifanatic]

If it helps any, these are the lighting reps I typically use (in order of preference) so y'all can see the lines they carry.

Electrical Construction, Lighting, and Architectural Solutions - THEA

Solutions for the Lighting, Controls and Supplies for the Electrical Industry

theaenterprises.com

New York Line Card | Enterprise Lighting Sales

Enterprise Lighting Sales lighting manufacturer line card for the New York and Long Island areas. Lighting products quick search, lighting project starter templates.

www.enterels.com

Line Card | New York | Electric Lighting Agencies

Our Interactive Line Card, powered by Your Lighting Brand, showcases the Lighting & Controls Manufacturers that we represent within New York City & Long Island.

www.electriclighting.com

 

[audifanatic]

I should also mention that the boiler room has no windows

 

[James L]

It looks to me like that ceiling is 20 ft
The ladder has 14 rungs, and it looks like about half that much more to get to the ceiling.

I agree with using high bays.
I like UFOs because you don't have to worry about getting them lined up straight.