I too built with 14' high ceilings and tried to anticipate lighting needs. My theory which has worked pretty well so far is that I don't want all 1800 SF lighted to the same level that I need for my actual work area. I picked a light level (lumens/SF) that allows very good walking, searching for junk, and large project type work and then have thousands (alot) of outlets all over to allow my portable high intensity light for a detail job. I also have a switched fixture as a quick run in and get something light. The overall lighting burns over 1000 watts so doubling that is getting into my hamburger money.
On the cold thing. That is obsolete info. The current home depot t8 ballasts are electronic and rated for 0 degrees F startup. At temps that low I do not want to be out there anyway. When temps are below freezing there is a noticable warm up period before full brightness. No noise or radio problems at cold temps or warm temps. Instant on.
I too remember the days of flicking the light switch on and off trying to get the ballast to fire.
On the cold thing. That is obsolete info. The current home depot t8 ballasts are electronic and rated for 0 degrees F startup. At temps that low I do not want to be out there anyway. When temps are below freezing there is a noticable warm up period before full brightness. No noise or radio problems at cold temps or warm temps. Instant on.
I too remember the days of flicking the light switch on and off trying to get the ballast to fire.
