Question on replacing traditional fixture w/T8

[kornjulio]

I want to replace the "builder's special" incandescent bulb fixtures in my garage w/ a few T8s. The garage is sheetrocked all around and I have three of those white cheapo fixtures to provide light.

So my question is can I simply remove the existing fixture and expect enough romex will be there to reach the ballast in the T8 fixture? Essentially just swapping fixtures w/no additional runs of wire required?

Thanks, Kevin

 

[elav]

If not you can convert it to an outlet and plug the fixture in I guess.

 

[bdamico]

Yes because you'll likely have pigtails on the ballast. But the bigger issue would be if the hole you have now is where the hole is on the fixture. I assume the hole you have is centered on your fixture but that is not necessarily centered on your new fixture. In any event, it wouldn't be hard to run some wire between the pigtail and what you got now.

 

[kornjulio]

Update: Started the project today. Got a fixture, 4' bulbs, block off plate with knockout, found some wire nuts and romex in the basement. Pulled down the fixture & sized up the plate. Too big. Back to Menards for the smaller one. Came home & got that installed. Good.

Unboxed the fixture and I almost hung it before I realized I bought a fixture for 8' bulbs; not the one for 4 footers.

Rats. Decided to quit for the day & start drinking.

 

[Steevo]

Wise choice.

 

[Steven Rothschild]

Hello Kevin. Chances are there isn't enough wire to reach the ballast. What you may want to do is change where the light socket is to an outlet, and then just plug your new T8 fixture into the outlet. That way any time you need to work on it, you can unplug it, work on it, and plug it back in. Many fixtures can be bought with cords and plugs already on them, it's frequently an option. Good luck!

 

[Oldbear]

Hello Kevin. Chances are there isn't enough wire to reach the ballast. What you may want to do is change where the light socket is to an outlet, and then just plug your new T8 fixture into the outlet. That way any time you need to work on it, you can unplug it, work on it, and plug it back in. Many fixtures can be bought with cords and plugs already on them, it's frequently an option. Good luck!

And a good way to add more lighting or more what you have as the needs change.

 

[kornjulio]

Thanks for the advice on the outlet, but I'm too far down the road of hardwired.

I got the correct fixture this am. The mounting bosses for the ballast are too far away from the point where the power will be entering, so I cut a 4' chunk of romex to add to the length coming out of the ceiling. It's almost up....

 

[Steevo]

Thanks for the advice on the outlet, but I'm too far down the road of hardwired.

I got the correct fixture this am. The mounting bosses for the ballast are too far away from the point where the power will be entering, so I cut a 4' chunk of romex to add to the length coming out of the ceiling. It's almost up....

Time for another beer in celebration!

 

[kornjulio]

So I had to drill my own screw holes because none of the pre-punched holes landed on a truss chord. Not a big deal, just a minor annoyance. Used an adjustable pole to prop one end of the fixture up - made a great third hand. Eyeballed a square alignment & lagged it down.

Put it all together, installed the tubes, & to my shock it worked!

All done & drinking beer now!

 

[awdblazer]

can you show a pic of what you did? thanks

 

[burleyfarm]

can you show a pic of what you did? thanks

And what brand of beer you drink