different kind of lighting question

[383 240z]

I'm ready to pull the trigger on new lighting for the shop. I've pretty much settled on a light kinda like these:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lithonia...diuyu9&cm_mmc=CJ-_-6147012-_-11210757&cj=true
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lithonia...gdnd49&cm_mmc=CJ-_-6147012-_-11210757&cj=true
http://www.lowes.com/pd_163697-337-...&cm_mmc=AFF_CJ-_-6147012-_-2470763-_-11450439
http://www.lowes.com/pd_336745-1353...&cm_mmc=AFF_CJ-_-6147012-_-2470763-_-11450439

The problem with them are no knockouts in the ends. My plan was to surface mount the wiring. These will be going onto a metal ceiling. Should I drill them for conduit clamps, or should I find a light with the knockouts? Or am I just overthinking this? A subconscious way of keeping the cash in my pocket. Keith

 

[pattenp]

With not having end knockouts the fixture is most likely not rated to be used as a raceway to run the fixtures end-to-end. In stead of trying to modify those you should get fixtures that can also be wired from the ends.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

I suggest going to an 96" T8 fixture. You'll get more output & not have to find a way to end connect them.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_163731-337-...URL=?Ntt=96%22+fluorescent+fixture&facetInfo=

If you want 48" T8 bulbs, there's this one, but you'll lose some output:

http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay...gId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1

I know they're not as nice looking as a fixture with a lense.

Tommy

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Stay away from the 8 ft bulbs. Lots of hassles to handle, transport, and generally expensive. 4 ft 32 watt T8 is the most common bulb in use right now, thus the cheapest to purchase. Stick with something simple.

Charles

 

[C96]

If your dead set on using these fixtures, then install the appropriate ceiling box (probably a 3/0 or 4/0 metal octagon box) surface mounted and then pipe between them. Then hang the fixture from the boxes as normal.

 

[383 240z]

If your dead set on using these fixtures, then install the appropriate ceiling box (probably a 3/0 or 4/0 metal octagon box) surface mounted and then pipe between them. Then hang the fixture from the boxes as normal.

Thats part of the problem, I can't hang them from boxes, I don't want to give up any ceiling clearance as I they are low enough as it is. I guess I'll either have to find the correct lights, or sink the boxes into the ceiling.

I'm kinda leaning towards the 4 bulb 4' fixture LS6 Tommy posted. Keith