Do You Need To Use Fluorescent Light Tube Covers In Garage? (Step-By-Step Guide)

Last Updated on July 30, 2023 By Emma W. Thomas

Fluorescent light tube covers in garages are not essential but can provide benefits. They protect tubes from damage, reduce glare, and enhance safety by containing shattered glass if the tube breaks. Consider using them to extend tube life and improve lighting conditions in your garage.

Benefits Of Covering Fluorescent Light Tubes In A Garage

Fluorescent light tubes are commonly used in garages as they provide bright and efficient lighting. However, there are several benefits to covering these light tubes with specialized covers or sleeves. Let’s take a look at the advantages of covering fluorescent light tubes in a garage:

1. Enhanced Energy Efficiency: One of the main benefits of covering fluorescent light tubes is improved energy efficiency. The covers act as insulation, trapping the heat generated by the tubes and preventing it from escaping. This, in turn, helps to reduce the overall energy consumption of the lights, resulting in lower energy bills.
2. Longer Lifespan: When fluorescent light tubes are exposed directly to air, dust and debris tend to accumulate on the surface. Over time, this buildup can reduce the lifespan of the tubes, leading to frequent replacements. By covering the tubes, you can minimize the accumulation of dust and debris, ensuring that the tubes last longer.
3. Reduced Glare: Fluorescent light tubes can often produce intense glare, causing discomfort and eye strain, especially in larger spaces like garages. Covering the tubes helps to diffuse the light, reducing the intensity of the glare. This creates a more pleasant and comfortable lighting environment for working or carrying out tasks in the garage.
4. Improved Safety: Another important advantage of covering fluorescent light tubes is increased safety. The covers act as a protective barrier, preventing accidental damage to the tubes. This is particularly beneficial in a garage where tools, equipment, or other items could potentially come into contact with the tubes and cause breakage.
5. Better Light Distribution: Fluorescent light tubes emit light in a specific direction, which can result in uneven lighting in certain areas of the garage. By using covers with reflectors or diffusers, you can redirect and spread the light more evenly across the space. This ensures that the entire garage is well-lit, eliminating any dark or shadowy corners.
6. Noise Reduction: In some cases, fluorescent light tubes can produce a slight buzzing sound, which can be bothersome, especially if you spend extended periods of time in your garage. Covering the tubes can help to dampen the noise, making your garage a quieter and more enjoyable workspace.
7. Aesthetic Enhancement: Apart from the functional benefits, covering fluorescent light tubes can also enhance the visual appeal of your garage. There are various options available, including decorative sleeves or filters that can add a touch of style or color to the lighting. This allows you to personalize the look of your garage and create a more inviting atmosphere.

Is It A Must For You To Install Fluorescent Light Tube Covers In Your Garage?

You have to cover fluorescent tubes in your garage for safety. However, some tubes explode when covered. Hence it might not be a good option, especially in a garage. Furthermore, covering fluorescent tubes in a garage limits the amount of light within the room. 

Accidents are bound to occur whenever there’s a limited amount of light in your garage. For instance, you can easily hit an object by accident because of an insufficient amount of light. However, you may choose to use fluorescent light covers in a garage if your tubes are bright enough. The main point is that they are not compulsory, but how safe are these tubes for your garage?

Are Fluorescent Light Tube Covers Safe For Your Garage?

Fluorescent light tube covers may not guarantee the safety of your cars and expensive bikes in your garage but will protect you every time you access the garage. Some tubes are too bright and may damage your eyesight. Since you may not require chromatic photo glasses all the time, light tube covers will safely diffuse all the intense light rays away from your eyes. 

If they get damaged or feel like replacing them, here is how to do it.

How Do You Remove Fluorescent Light Tube Covers In A Garage Without Using Clips?

On each side of the lens is a small lip that you can use to remove any fluorescent light tube cover without any struggle. The most common fluorescent tubes are the wraparound type and also happen to be the easiest to remove light covers without using clips. 

Hold any of the longer sides and simultaneously shove it up and down. This way, you will remove the cover without clips. However, you can use clips if you have them to make the process less tiresome.

Removing Fluorescent Light Tubes Covers From The Garage

You should consider the type of tube cover present in your garage: flat, wraparound, or ceiling.  You may only need a ladder to access the tubes. To remove the covers, pull them until they are at 90 degrees to the roof, and you will unlock all the frames. Swing the covers horizontally to replace the lens when damaged, but remember to cover them.

Use a flathead screwdriver to hold the covers and fit the holdings to their initial places after removing the covers. Use a screwdriver to nail out the covers on the roof of your garage. Slowly remove the hinges and pull the covers to install or replace a fluorescent light tube cover.

How To Cover Fluorescent Light Tubes In A Garage

Covering fluorescent light tubes in a garage can be done using fluorescent light tube covers. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cover them:

1. Safety first: Before you begin, turn off the power to the garage lights at the circuit breaker to avoid any electrical accidents.
2. Measure the tubes: Measure the length and diameter of the fluorescent tubes to ensure you get the right size covers.
3. Choose the covers: Purchase fluorescent light tube covers that fit the measurements. These covers are available in various materials like plastic or acrylic.
4. Remove the tubes: Gently twist and remove the fluorescent tubes from their sockets.
5. Install the covers: Slide the fluorescent light tube covers over each tube, ensuring a snug fit.
6. Re-insert the tubes: Carefully place the covered tubes back into their sockets, making sure they are securely seated.
7. Turn on the power: Go back to the circuit breaker and turn the power back on.

Your garage fluorescent light tubes are now safely covered, providing protection against damage, glare reduction, and improved light distribution. Remember to regularly clean the covers to maintain optimal light output.

Do Fluorescent Lights Damage The Paint On Your Garage Wall?

Every form of light exposed to state-of-the-art will damage it over time. Likewise, exposing paint to light from fluorescent tubes damages the colors used in your garage. Since fluorescent light from fluorescent tubes damages dyes, it would be best to use covers on tubes. Alternatively, you can repaint colors from time to time, probably each year, to maintain the paints on your garage wall well-maintained.

How To Reduce Light From Fluorescent Tubes Within Your Garage?

Fluorescent light sensitivity has become a common problem, and here’s how to minimize it to create a habitable environment for your garage.

Use Natural Light

When designing your garage, leave some transparent ventilation areas using glass windows and doors. Although light from fluorescent tubes seems reliable and cheaper, it is dangerous to over-depend on it. Limiting the exposure to fluorescent light will also keep your eyes in good condition because you will not strain while using natural light.

Use Wide-Brimmed Hats

As simple as it may sound, working in a garage is good when having a hat. Unlike in offices where employees are not allowed to wear hats whenever they want, there are many reasons you would need it in garages. If your fluorescent light tube covers are unavailable, wide-brimmed caps will offer protection from the overhead fluorescent light, particularly in the evening and at night. 

Substitute Fluorescent Light Tubes With Incandescent Light Bulbs

This option will be the best when working in a garage with inadequate lighting. Arguably, it is true that incandescent bulbs provide a gentle glow with blue light wavelengths, necessary for your eyes. Therefore, you can consider changing the fluorescent bulbs for your home garage if possible.

Take A Break

If you have a garage that provides a source of income for your family, you work full-time. If you have an indoor garage, take a break during lunch hours and walk around the compound for at least 20 minutes. Taking some time to walk away from fluorescent light tubes will significantly help you work well within the garage.

How To Improve The Appearance Of Your Fluorescent Light Tubes For Your Garage?

Invest in fluorescent tube light covers to help harmful filter rays from the tubes. Besides changing the terrible aesthetics, they will also make your garage a comfortable workplace. You will transform your garage when using various fluorescent light tube themes like forest, cloud, or any other theme of your choice. 

Removing Different Fluorescent Tube Light Covers From A Garage

Removing a cover varies depending on the cover that you have, as discussed below:

Drop Ceiling Cover

A drop ceiling light cover is conspicuous in institutions, but here’s how to remove it if you have used it in your garage. 

Pull out the frames by moving them up and down, and the covers will get off. Once you remove the edges, the levers supporting the light tube covers will come off automatically. So be careful to hold them as they will quickly fall and break. 

Flat Covers

Usually, you will find this light tube cover in a kitchen, but believe me that you can find them in some garages. 

Removing it is a straightforward process, as you have to push the upper end to create enough space for the movement of the cover out of the frame. These fluorescent tubes’ light covers mimic a poster board and require proper handling. Remember that they can break when left to fall on the floor.

How To Install A Fluorescent Light Tube Cover For A Garage?

Your garage needs fluorescent light tube cover installation, but knowing how to do it will save a dollar even if you require a professional to have it done for you. 

For a single tube installation, slide the cover sideways, install the fluorescent tubes, and lock them using screws. The procedure is relatively easy, but you will require a screwdriver if you treat it as a DIY project. 

A hinged fluorescent light cover works like a door because of the hinges. Open the cover to create enough space for a few inches and push the entire surface towards the hinges. Close it and replace any diffuser if broken. Make it strong by using some ballast to harden it. Your garage also requires strong tube covers to make it stable for long periods.

Achieving Better Garage Lighting With Fluorescent Light Tubes

Be very selective when choosing the appropriate fluorescent light tube for your garage because not all of them will work in all weather conditions. Therefore, choose the best fluorescent light tube based on the lowest temperature in your garage. 

The size T8 would be the best as they work under a wide range of temperatures. They are pretty expensive but will save you money over time. Avoid T12 fluorescent light tubes as they only operate at higher temperatures above 60 degrees. 

Always inquire about the tube’s color rendering indexing regardless of the type of tube you buy. Tubes with a color rendering indexing of 85 or more are the best for a garage. 

Final Thought

Covering fluorescent light tubes is a better option for lighting your garage. However, it is always good to get assistance from a professional during selection and installation. A professional will not only help you find the most effective light for your room, but they will also help you go through price, color rendering, and weather conditions, among others.

References:

https://www.quora.com/Do-you-need-to-have-a-cover-over-fluorescent-light-tubes-e-g-those-in-your-garage-or-in-your-house-I-heard-the-UV-exposure-can-be-dangerous