Look, we all know that I am going to tell you that you should choose Sunco’s shop lights over any of our competitors. This is my blog after all and I’m nothing if not loyal to the brand. But aside from a (possible) bias, there are more factors involved in choosing the best shop light than just brand name.  

Proper lighting is not just a matter of convenience in your workspace—it's a critical factor for efficiency, safety, and comfort. It influences mood, precision in tasks, and even the aesthetics of your space. With so many LED shop lights available to you, let's go over how to choose the best options for your workspace. 

Types of Shop Lights 

When shopping for LED shop lights, you'll mostly encounter two main types—integrated LED fixtures and LED retrofits. 

Integrated LED shop lights have LED chips and electronics built directly into the fixture, eliminating the need for replaceable tubes. One benefit is that these are designed to last for the entire lifespan of the fixture—the downside being that when the fixture dies, you will need to replace the entire unit (bummer, but you can always get new ones here).  

On the other hand, LED retrofits allow you to keep your existing fixtures and just replace the tubes with LED equivalents. This can be a cost-effective option if you're not looking to replace your entire lighting system.  

Another popular type is the vapor-proof LED light, which is perfect for environments with high humidity or exposure to moisture. These fixtures are designed to protect the internal components from vapors, dust, and moisture, making them ideal for car washes, food processing facilities, or outdoor workshops.  

Assessing Your Workspace  

Selecting the right lighting starts with an evaluation of your workspace's size, layout, and the tasks you’ll be carrying out. Larger areas, like warehouses, need higher-lumen lights for safety and productivity, while smaller spaces benefit from more focused and adjustable lighting.  

Consider your own needs. Are you looking for full-fledged brightness? Sunco offers 4FT, 4100 Lumen shop lights that are perfect for warehouse or workshop spaces. If you have a smaller office or are looking to add lights to a tight garage you can still go with a 4FT shop light. You could also opt for something with less lumens like this wraparound shop light.  

What to Consider When Choosing Shop Lights 

Brightness 

Brightness is a critical factor in selecting LED shop lights because it directly influences the visibility and ambiance of your workspace. Measured in lumens, brightness determines how well you can see and perform tasks within your space. It's crucial to balance brightness to avoid creating an environment that's too harsh or glaring, which can lead to discomfort and reduced productivity over time. 

Color Temperature 

Color temperature plays a pivotal role in defining the appearance and feel of your workspace, significantly impacting mood and productivity. This characteristic of light, measured in Kelvin (K), ranges from warm, yellowish tones to cool, bluish hues.  

Lower Kelvin values, typically around 2700K to 3000K, emit a warm light that creates a comfortable, inviting atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for areas where relaxation or collaboration is encouraged. Conversely, higher color temperatures, starting from about 4000K to 6500K, are a lot cooler and more vibrant so that they mimic natural daylight. 

 Beam Angle 

The beam angle determines the spread of light, measured in degrees. If you would for a moment, jump back with me to third grade geometry, think of beam angle like a triangle—the degrees measure the angle of the light. Beam angles are typically categorized into three main ranges: narrow, medium, and wide.

Mounting Options 

LED shop lights come with various mounting options to suit different spaces. Most include chains for hanging from the ceiling, while others offer flush-mounting capabilities. Some fixtures even feature adjustable arms or magnetic bases for added versatility.  

When choosing the mounting method for LED shop lights, several important factors come into play. First, consider the physical structure of your workspace, including ceiling height and composition. For high ceilings, suspended mounts using chains or cables offer flexibility in adjusting the light's height, while ceiling mounts work well for lower ceilings or when you want a more streamlined look.  

You should opt for mounting methods that allow for easy repositioning if you anticipate needing to move or reconfigure your lighting in the future. 

Installation Considerations 

Installing LED shop lights is generally pretty straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure that you have the proper mounting hardware and that your ceiling or walls can support the weight of the fixtures. Most shop lights come with mounting chains, hooks and screws, but I doubt you’ll find more than an allen wrench in the box.   

Always turn off the power supply before beginning any installation work for your safety. If you're not comfortable working with electrical systems, it's best to hire a professional electrician to handle the installation. We did a whole blog about the best instances to call in a pro, and electrical work is on that list. 

Make the Best Choice 

Choosing the right LED shop lights for your workspace doesn't have to be complicated and you don’t need 10 different bloggers telling you what to do (none of them are as interesting to read as me anyway). By understanding the key features and considering your specific needs, you can choose the best lighting for your space that will enhance your productivity, improve safety, and create a more comfortable working environment. Remember that good lighting is an investment in your workspace and your work quality, so we did the research for you so that you can make the most informed decision.