Greenhouse with supplemental lighting (help)

[0trelos]

Hey Guys, i was hoping you guys could help me with a predicament. I am in the process of building a greenhouse with supplemental lighting . When i had my electrician came to scope things out he mentioned i should get light that are "Damp rated" , or for "damp location" these lights are resistant to humidity ,water and really fucking expensive.( i live in Washington state , where it rains quite often .) Over the years i've seen many farmers use good old HID's for their greenhouse's , so i never even thought about it being an issue. Has anyone had experience with this before ? if so what do you recommend? Thanks!

 

[Seamaiden]

I've had plenty of experience with electricity and water, having worked the aquarium trade for many years. So really the answer depends on how much you like electricity coursing through your body. I got to liking it.

 

[Coir]

I have built over an acre of greenhouse space in SW WA in the last 20 years and while we ran the old style of lighting in all of them it was long before they required permits and inspections, etc. We never had a problem with any of the lights other than having them stolen until I modified the installations and put alarms in all the buildings. It was really the only way we could afford to light them at the time. Unfortunately, electricity has gone up 700% since I first started this business and I have had to remove all the lighting from the remaining greenhouse space as it is just not profitable to grow vegetables under lights anymore. That said, if I was to light another greenhouse, I would go with Gavita fixtures or something similar to them. They are designed to light commercial greenhouses and withstand the dynamic environment.

 

[0trelos]

I have built over an acre of greenhouse space in SW WA in the last 20 years and while we ran the old style of lighting in all of them it was long before they required permits and inspections, etc. We never had a problem with any of the lights other than having them stolen until I modified the installations and put alarms in all the buildings. It was really the only way we could afford to light them at the time. Unfortunately, electricity has gone up 700% since I first started this business and I have had to remove all the lighting from the remaining greenhouse space as it is just not profitable to grow vegetables under lights anymore. That said, if I was to light another greenhouse, I would go with Gavita fixtures or something similar to them. They are designed to light commercial greenhouses and withstand the dynamic environment.

Thats great to hear there were no electrical issues. ( not so much about the thieves haha) . i think i'm going to go with HID's , until i can afford to upgrade. I've had my eye on Gavita , but just don't have the funds to cover that right now maybe in the next year or so , or for my next Greenhous. thanks for replying!