4' T8 Fixtures for hard wiring with a pull chain

[66HertzClone]

I have four T8 fixtures above my L shaped workbench that are hardwired in and switch by the wall switch. I would like to add 2 more fixtures to the existing circuit, they won't need to be on all the time, so having a pull chain switch would be convenient. I have searched and found many fixtures with the switches, but all seem to be the plug in type. I guess I could cut the cord and wire them, but since they have no knockouts, it could be messy.

Has anybody come across fixtures (4' T8) that have the switch and can be hardwired?

 

[raley]

I know its not "standard" but you could cut the end of the plug and wire that in... Im not familiar with codes, so it might not work BUT I can't see how it would be against anything...

 

[Charles (in GA)]

A pull chain switch is a couple of bucks. You need a 3/8 hole in the end of the fixture. Some fixtures have small knockouts for pull chain or rotary switches, if not, drill one (after you open up the fixture so you know where you are drilling). I did this with the 8ft T5 strips over my workbenches, and had done this previously with the 8 ft T12 fixtures.

Charles

 

[jtshusker]

There shouldn't be any harm in cutting the end of a cord off a T-8 fixture and wire it to hard wiring as longs as you do it in an electrical box it will be fine.

 

[jtshusker]

always need a junction box to be safe!

 

[jtshusker]

I always forget to mention things, the flourescent fixtures always need to be grounded, and dependening on your cord, the green is always the ground, and if you don't have a black and white wire and you have a cord where one side has little ribs on it and the other is smooth, the smooth is always hot, or black and the ribbed side is nuetral, or white. It just really depends on the fixture.

 

[Falcon67]

I had 12 of those, strung 3 across in 4 rows. I used the $18 shop lights from Lowes. Opened up the middle, cut out the cord, drilled the other end with a 1/2" hole. Mounted the fixture and ran the cable through then wired in the pull switch. Re-assemble the center cover, done. 12 equals PITA, new shop layout would have 21. As I thought about it, I called BS on that and will use 8'ers and add pull chains. Lots of those in the ceiling fan section of the store.

 

[mx500]

The ones that i bought from lowes had the pull chains. i really like the option.
They were the $30 lights with the extra wide reflector. I only have 3 in my 32x50 and i dont need more.. but may add anyway..ha

 

[Hoover Dam]

I have not come across the type of fixture you are looking for. I hardwired some of the 8' T8 lamp fixtures from Lowes, which takes four 4' bulbs. I want a pull chain for some of them like you are looking for, so I am buying these switches http://www.ebay.com/itm/Leviton-Can...s=63&clkid=4478823874152533177#ht_3099wt_1245

Make sure you do not get the type for 2 or 3 speed fans.