Workshop

0.55 hexagons per m² for the base, like a garage. But it goes up to 0.80 per m² in the inspection and detailing areas: that's where finishes are judged.

Because we're not looking for the same thing. In mechanics, you want to see a part. In detailing, you want to see a flaw of a few microns in the clear coat: the light grid needs to reflect densely enough on the bodywork to reveal holograms.

The correct benchmark is not the lumen of the panel but the illuminance at the work surface, in lux: 300 to 500 lux for general work, 750 lux and more for quality control. Watts, on the other hand, mean nothing since LED technology.

No, these are three different problems. The workbench requires light on the work surface without a shadow from the hand; the bridge requires light under the vehicle; the pit requires its own, permanent lighting that does not depend on a portable lamp.

CRI greater than 90. Below this, reds and coppers appear false, and a touch-up might look fine in the garage, but visibly off outdoors.

Yes, but for something else. The weft is the work light; the inspection lamp is the control light, which is brought in at a grazing angle to read a defect. One does not replace the other.

No, but you'll need 50% more panels. Also, consider access for cleaning: at that height, simple maintenance requires a cherry picker or scaffolding.

Dust accumulates on the diffusers, causing a very gradual drop in performance — one doesn't notice it. Plan for annual cleaning with a dry cloth, with the power off. In washdown areas, an appropriate ingress protection rating is required.