4' LED lights - plug-in vs wired...

[tff]

I've done a fair amount of research here and online regarding what kind of lighting to get for my garage/shop project. Most of the 4' double LED fixtures seem to plug into a normal wall outlet & can be connected together (to limit the number of plugs needed). Haven't seen too many that can actually be hard-wired in. So am I missing something? Hard-wired fixtures seem 'better' and a cleaner installation but seem harder to find.
Any advice? Thanks.

 

[cybrdyke]

I've done a fair amount of research here and online regarding what kind of lighting to get for my garage/shop project. Most of the 4' double LED fixtures seem to plug into a normal wall outlet & can be connected together (to limit the number of plugs needed). Haven't seen too many that can actually be hard-wired in. So am I missing something? Hard-wired fixtures seem 'better' and a cleaner installation but seem harder to find.
Any advice? Thanks.

I thought you had selected the Maxlite strip. It's hardwired.
I agree with you. I think that plug in strips look awful. Plus, then you have to look at the linking cables. There is GFI considerations as well. And plug in strips are usually of the very lowest quality in components and build.
I hear people say..."If you ever want to move them....". But I've never seen anyone actually move them.
CD

 

[mike93lx]

I think the plug in stuff is to appeal to people that just want another light or two. Plug into the GDO outlet or install a plug socket in the existing screw in fixture...quick and easy, no electrician needed. I don't think they are targeted at people lighting up an entireshop

 

[Jon_E]

The plug-in stuff is great when it's five bucks per fixture and you have a limited budget.

 

[Bert_]

The plug-in stuff is better than nothing when it's five bucks per fixture and you have a limited budget.

Fixed

I'd much rather do some scrounging and get some used commercial / industrial lighting if you are on that tight of a budget. Sometimes can be had for free if you know the right people.

 

[tff]

I thought you had selected the Maxlite strip. It's hardwired.
CD

Maxlite - yes if mounted flush. I didn't think that they could be hung from the ceiling???

 

[Bretny]

Why would hardwired be better? You have to work on the thing on the ceiling compaited to un plugging it and taking it down.

All mine in my garage are plugged into outlets on the ceiling.

 

[Platonic Solid]

Maxlite - yes if mounted flush. I didn't think that they could be hung from the ceiling???

Strip lights can be hung with V-Clips or Cable. HD sells these (link). Can likely do better on pricing in quantity through your local electrical distributor. Bottom of Maxlite Data Sheet (link) shows an optional Cable Kit.

 

[Norcal]

Why would hardwired be better? You have to work on the thing on the ceiling compaited to un plugging it and taking it down.

All mine in my garage are plugged into outlets on the ceiling.

Because then you have to provide GFCI protection for cord and plug connected lights, the LED strips are not usually serviceable.

 

[mike93lx]

Because then you have to provide GFCI protection for cord and plug connected lights, the LED strips are not usually serviceable.

Why is providing gfci protection a hurdle? Seems like something quite easy to address

 

[Grant F]

I just went through a ton of research and agonizing over this same issue. My main shop area is fairly small ~13x16 back part of 3 car tandem garage. I can use the other garage area if needed for larger projects but don't consider it "main" shop area. I think I will be throwing a couple extra lights on the one side of the garage too.

I have been trying to getting my shop set up as quickly as possible after moving it (1/2 set up) out of the basement and my third shop move in 7 or so years. I totally agree that hardwired is the best/cleanest look and I am pretty ****.

But I decided to go for the plug option at this point. I don't have good access above the ceiling (room over most of space) for wiring above so it will be conduit either way. I also want an outlet for a cord reel and air cleaner anyway. I doubt that I will "move" the shop lights but changing out one that goes bad should be easy.

I ordered:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078WJF8GZ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

My plan is to run conduit down the center of the ceiling with an outlet between each set of "shop lights." I am going to have the light outlets on two switches. I will take some efforts to make the installation/plugs look as clean as possible. Since I put a subpanel in the garage, it will be a separate circuit and I will do a GFCI breaker to deal with that issue.

At this point it will be cheaper (I have been bleeding money between trying to get my shop up and some other big house projects) and I think faster. I may live to regret the choice and I guess it may cost more to redo later - time will tell.

 

[PT Doc]

I just went through a ton of research and agonizing over this same issue. My main shop area is fairly small ~13x16 back part of 3 car tandem garage. I can use the other garage area if needed for larger projects but don't consider it "main" shop area. I think I will be throwing a couple extra lights on the one side of the garage too.

I have been trying to getting my shop set up as quickly as possible after moving it (1/2 set up) out of the basement and my third shop move in 7 or so years. I totally agree that hardwired is the best/cleanest look and I am pretty ****.

But I decided to go for the plug option at this point. I don't have good access above the ceiling (room over most of space) for wiring above so it will be conduit either way. I also want an outlet for a cord reel and air cleaner anyway. I doubt that I will "move" the shop lights but changing out one that goes bad should be easy.

I ordered:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078WJF8GZ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

My plan is to run conduit down the center of the ceiling with an outlet between each set of "shop lights." I am going to have the light outlets on two switches. I will take some efforts to make the installation/plugs look as clean as possible. Since I put a subpanel in the garage, it will be a separate circuit and I will do a GFCI breaker to deal with that issue.

At this point it will be cheaper (I have been bleeding money between trying to get my shop up and some other big house projects) and I think faster. I may live to regret the choice and I guess it may cost more to redo later - time will tell.

Let us know how it goes. Zero reviews maybe because it’s a six pack.