Fluorescent Lighting Questions

[Ferrino]

I'm about to install a set of 4-6 T8 fluorescent light fixtures (the 4-bulb, 8-footers) in my double garage, but am unsure what the best way to wire them is. Presently there is a single 15A circuit which supplies everything in the garage - the receptacles in the wall, the door opener, and 3 traditional bulb lights. I would therefore like to add a new 15A/20A circuit dedicated to the new fluorescent lighting (both to lighten the load on the existing 15A circuit, but also to give me lights if I trip the 15A garage circuit with tools/appliances). A couple of questions:

1. I would like to have surface/flush mounted fixtures, but I don't want to have to tear up the (finished and painted) ceiling drywall (and drill through the rafters/joists) to pass the Romex between fixtures. What type of cable and conduit would I need to buy for a 15A/20A circuit if I wanted to surface-mount the power cables between fixtures? Alternatively, could I just **** the fixtures up against each other and link them that way?

2. Switching the lights. It will be a lot of work to wire up switches to the new lighting circuit at the entrance to the garage. I would therefore like to know if there is some sort of radio-based switch I can buy, which I can place by the door and which operates a switch I place by the light circuit?

 

[pattenp]

If the circuit is just going to be for the lights do a 15A. Use EMT 1/2" conduit and boxes with #14 THHN single wires (black, white and green). I'm sure you've never installed EMT so be prepared for a learning curve.

 

[Steevo]

And, when using EMT between fixtures, try to design a layout that has as much as possible, straight runs between fixtures and between boxes and fixtures. You'll have a lot less headaches if you don't have to learn too much about bending conduit.

 

[nwav8tor]

Couldn't he use PVC conduit instead of EMT? Preformed ells and connetor boxes preclude the need to bend EMT...

If you **** the fixtures up to eachother there should be a KO on each end so you can connect the fixtures together using a ****** and lock nuts. That will allow you to pass the wires from one fixtue to another right through the ******.

I got remotes for my ceiling fans at Lowes that control the fans themselves and the lights mounted on the fans (sort of like a fancy multi-function garage door remote.) The receiver circuit board is small enough to place in the fan's base. I'd imagine you could find something similar for your lights since it just a simple on/off function (just make sure it's compatible for flouresent lighting.)

Paul

 

[NUTTSGT]

Do you have access to the attic area above the garage ceiling ?

If you do, it'd be easy to run the wire up there and drilling through the ceiling joists isn't going to hurt them.

Cutting a hole to put a box in the wall isn't that bad either. They make boxes specifically for doing this.

 

[eljefino]

If it get seriously hot in there plastic conduit can melt and sag. You can sort of fix this by clamping it every foot.

They do make that surface mount C-channel stuff for romex on top of cinderblock walls but it reminds me of schools, dorms, and other institutions. +2 on finding a way into the attic.

 

[nwav8tor]

Why would you need to drill through the rafters/joists?

Just run the romex along/over the joists!!!

Locate the lights so the KO for wire entry in to the fixtures are not directly under a joist and simply drill holes for the romex to go through the sheetrock directly into each fixture.

Paul

 

[Nowater]

No EMT in a garage in this part of Florida. I suggest PVC for an easier learning curve, just remember a ground wire.

 

[dave67fd]

If it get seriously hot in there plastic conduit can melt and sag. You can sort of fix this by clamping it every foot.

They do make that surface mount C-channel stuff for romex on top of cinderblock walls but it reminds me of schools, dorms, and other institutions. +2 on finding a way into the attic.

I hope that was intended to be a stupid comment.
If it gets hot enough in there to melt PVC conduit you have other major problems. Besides it should be properly secured as is with any conduit.

 

[BADSIX]

I hope that was intended to be a stupid comment.
If it gets hot enough in there to melt PVC conduit you have other major problems. Besides it should be properly secured as is with any conduit.

haha, yep use the pvc its much easer and looks good to. and don't worry it won't melt .

 

[Ferrino]

Why would you need to drill through the rafters/joists?

Just run the romex along/over the joists!!!

Thanks for the replies! The reason I can't run the wires over the joists is because there is no "attic space" above the garage ceiling - there's a bathroom above it! To avoid surface-mounting the inter-fixture wires I would therefore have to drill holes through the joists. I might see if I can just **** the fixtures up against each other, although cutting out the drywall to drill holes and fish the Romex is probably not such a big deal...

 

[nwav8tor]

Now I get the picture...

I still cast a vote for PVC conduit!