How to Choose the Perfect LED Workshop Lights for Your Unique Needs

Are you tired of squinting at your workbench or working in a poorly lit workshop? Choosing the right LED workshop lights can transform your workspace, enhancing safety and productivity. But with so many options available, how do you know which lights best illuminate your unique projects?

From determining the ideal colour temperature to calculating the optimal lumen output, we'll cover all the essential factors contributing to the best workshop lighting. Whether you're a weekend DIY enthusiast or a professional craftsman, understanding these key aspects will help you create a well-lit environment that supports your work and protects your eyesight.

What is the best lighting for a workshop?

Your workshop is where your brilliant DIY ideas come to life, and you need the best workshop light to achieve these visions. With that said, there are several factors you need to know to determine whether you have the best workshop lighting.

Colour temperature

Research conducted on the effects of warm and cool lights on visual and mood perception discovered that the colour of light impacts a person’s mood, especially workshop lighting. Researchers concluded that working in a blue or cool environment reduces anger, anxiety, and fatigue in workers. In addition, cool white lighting produced a calm and peaceful work environment compared to other coloured environments.

 

Installing cool white LED lights with a colour temperature of 6000 to 6500K would not only brighten your workshop, but the even lighting will keep you alert and more productive. Adding blue light to this environment increases visual comfort and improves mood.

Light intensity

Is your workshop light bright enough to illuminate your entire workspace without you straining your eyes? If not, then you need to invest in LED workshop lights. In addition to batten lights, consider the Morris LED Under Cabinet Lights, which provide focused illumination for workbenches and surfaces. Their energy-efficient design ensures you have ample brightness while keeping energy costs low, making them an excellent choice for both detailed tasks and general lighting needs.

 

 

Colour rendering index (CRI)

The light you use in your workshop should replicate the accurate colour of objects as they would appear in natural light. It is especially true if you work on colour-sensitive projects like staining wood or installing a fresh car coating. An artist would also benefit from workshop lighting that presents the accurate colours of the project they are working on.

 

Every workshop light you purchase comes with a colour rendering index or CRI. It is the measure of how accurate the bulb is in replicating the true colours of objects. A CRI score of 80 and above is best if you are looking for workshop lighting that maintains the authentic colours of objects and surfaces.

Energy efficiency of the workshop light

Another thing to check is the lumen per watt rating of the LED light fixture. LEDs are the only workshop lights that produce a bright light and use less electricity.

Light installation method

The best workshop lights sit flush to the ceiling or walls. Since most workshops have limited spacing, installing LED batten lights or panel lights would be ideal for a small workshop. For those requiring robust lighting solutions, consider the Morris Batten Lights LED for Outdoor IP65 Weatherproof, available in both 4ft and 5ft options. These heavy-duty lights are perfect for workshops exposed to moisture and dust, ensuring durability and reliable performance. LED batten lights, in particular, are easier to install because you only need to mount them close to a power source with the provided brackets.

Durability of light

If you spend hours in your workshop, you need durable light that will last for hours before your next replacement. Fortunately, LED workshop lights have a longer shelf-life, with a single LED light lasting for up to 30,000 hours.

 

Another thing to check is the IP rating of the light fixture. This rating determines if a light fixture is durable enough to withstand moisture, dust, and other elements that speed up wear and tear. For example, a light fixture with an IP20 rating is ideal for indoor usage like in shops, rooms, or workshops. On the other hand, LED lights with an IP40 rating are waterproof and insect-repellent, making them ideal for outdoor use.

 

Decorative Lighting Options

In addition to functional lighting, consider incorporating colourful lighting to enhance the atmosphere of your workshop. Morris T8 LED Colour Lights offer vibrant options in red, green, and blue. These tubes are not only stylish but also energy-efficient and easy to install, allowing you to mix and match colours to create unique lighting designs. Whether you're setting a festive mood or highlighting specific areas, these colourful tube lights can transform your workspace into a lively and inspiring environment.

What temperature light is best for a workshop?

The best light temperature for a workshop will depend on what you are working on and your preference. However, there are some general guidelines:

Daylight Temperature (5000K-6500K)

This cool white light is ideal for workshops as it stimulates your mind to stay alert and focused. Other benefits of day-lighting and temperature lighting include:

 

●Improved visibility and accuracy for detailed work.

●Better colour rendering - crucial for colour-sensitive tasks.

●Reduced eye strain during long work sessions

Natural White (3500K-4500K)

This colour temperature is perfect for recreating natural lighting in your workshop. It has the following benefits:

 

● They provide good visibility without being as stark as daylight temperatures.

● Offers a balance between the crispness of cool light and the warmth of softer light

● Can be more comfortable for extended periods of work

● Has great colour rendering

 

Warm White (2700K-3000K)

Although warm whites are less common in workshops, some people prefer them to other light colours. Warm white LED bulbs have their advantages;

 

● Creates a more relaxed atmosphere ideal for hobby workshops

● Some people find warm white lights less fatiguing on the eyes

● Great for woodworking shops that require warm ambient lighting.

 

Explanation of Light Colour Terms

When selecting LED lights, you may come across terms like Daylight, Natural White, and Warm White. It’s important to note that these names are not standardised across brands, which can lead to confusion. To make the best choice for your lighting needs, it's advisable to familiarise yourself with the specific numbers associated with colour temperatures rather than relying solely on these terms.

 

Adjustable Temperature

For added flexibility, consider workshop lighting with adjustable colour temperature. It makes it easy to change the light temperature for different tasks. In addition, adjustable temperature lighting is adaptable to different times of the day and allows for personal preference and comfort.

 

How much lux is needed for workshop?

Lux is a unit of measurement for illuminance, which refers to the amount of light that falls on a surface. One lux is equal to one lumen per square metre. You can use Lux to determine how well-lit a workspace is for various tasks.

Recommended Lux Levels for Workshops

The amount of lux needed in a workshop depends on the type of work. Here are some general guidelines:

1.General workshop areas: 300-500 lux is ideal for basic tasks and facilitating mobility around the workshop.

2.Workbenches for medium detail work: 500-750 lux suits most woodworking, metalworking, and assembly tasks.

3.Precision work areas: 1000-1500 lux is perfect for detailed tasks such as fine woodworking, intricate parts assembly, or detailed painting.

4.Specialised, high-precision work: 1500-2000 lux would suffice for high-precision tasks like watch repair or micro-electronics.

5.Inspection jobs: a light source of 2000+ lux or more suits workshops where quality control and inspection of fine details are important.

Always remember that even lighting across your workspace helps prevent eye strain and reduces the risk of accidents. You need to combine ambient lighting with task-specific lighting to achieve the best results in different areas of your workshop.

How to convert lux to lumens?

As mentioned, lux is a measure of illuminance or the amount of light falling on a surface, measured in lumens per square metre. On the other hand, lumens measure the total amount of light emitted by a source, regardless of direction.

To convert lux to lumens, you need to know the size of the illuminated area. The basic formula is:

Lumens = Lux × Area (in square metres)

Step-by-Step Process

1.Measure the area: Determine the size of the space in square metres.

2.Measure the lux: Use a light metre to measure the lux level in the space.

3.Multiply: Multiply the lux reading by the area in square metres.

Example Calculation

Say you have a workshop that measures 5 metres by 4 metres, and your light metre reads 500 lux:

1. Area = 5m × 4m = 20 square metres

2. Lux reading = 500 lux

3. Lumens = 500 lux × 20 sq. m = 10,000 lumens

Important Considerations

Remember that this calculation gives you the total lumens reaching the surface, not necessarily the output of your light fixtures. Factors such as fixture efficiency, room shape, and surface reflectivity can affect how much light reaches the work area.

Also, when designing the lighting in your workshop, it is recommended to work backwards. Start by determining the lumens needed based on the desired lux level for your tasks.

How many lumens do I need for workshop lighting?

The number of lumens needed for your workshop lighting depends on several key factors. The size of your workshop, the type of work you typically do, the amount of natural light available, and even the colour of your walls and surfaces. All these elements play a role in determining the ideal lighting setup for your space.

 

General Lighting Guidelines

For a busy workshop filled with detailed tasks, you'll generally want brighter lighting than in a typical room. As a rule of thumb, aim for 100-150 lumens per square foot for general workshop lighting. However, areas where you perform detailed tasks or have workbenches may require 200-300 lumens per square foot to ensure proper visibility.

Calculating Your Lighting Needs

To determine the total lumens needed for your workshop, measure your workshop's square footage. Multiply this number by the appropriate lumens per square foot based on your needs. Also, account for task-specific areas that may require additional lighting.

 

For instance, if you have a 200-square-foot workshop, you might need around 30,000 lumens for general lighting (200 sq. ft × 150 lumens/sq. ft). You would then add extra lumens for specific work areas that require more intense lighting.

Lighting Distribution

When planning your workshop lighting, multiple light sources are better than one. This helps reduce shadows and provides more even illumination throughout your space, creating a better working environment.

 

Consider the lighting fixtures that would work best in your space and how to distribute them effectively. Combine overhead lighting with task-specific lighting for the best results.

 

 

Conclusion

Choosing the right LED workshop lights can significantly impact your work quality, safety, and overall experience. By considering factors such as colour temperature, colour rendering index (CRI), light intensity, energy efficiency, and installation methods, you can create an optimal lighting environment tailored to your specific needs. Whether you opt for cool daylight temperatures for increased alertness or warmer tones for a more relaxed atmosphere, find a balance that supports your tasks while ensuring visual comfort.

 

In addition to enhancing your workshop, effective lighting is essential in various spaces. Whether you're focused on installation methods for fitting lights in your garage, ceiling, kitchen, loft, or shed, or exploring the LED benefits competing with fluorescent lights, our blog offers a wealth of information to help you make informed decisions. Be sure to check out our detailed posts on each topic to discover tips and techniques tailored to your specific lighting needs.

 

By understanding concepts like Lux and Lumens, and how they relate to your workspace, you can make informed decisions about the type and placement of your lights. With the right approach, you can transform your workshop and other areas into well-lit havens that illuminate your projects and inspire your creativity and craftsmanship.

References

Shahidi R, Golmohammadi R, Babamiri M, Faradmal J, Aliabadi M. Effect of warm/cool white lights on visual perception and mood in warm/cool colour environments. EXCLI J. 2021 Aug 31;20:1379-1393. doi: 10.17179/excli2021-3974. PMID: 34602931; PMCID: PMC8481791.