Fluorescents - Surface mounting "dropped ceiling fixtures?

[skelrad]

I'm looking for some used fluorescent fixtures for my garage. My ceiling is drywalled, but not insulated. I'm finding all sorts of 2'x4' fixtures that have come out of office buildings, but they are all made for putting into dropped ceilings. Do I need to wait to find some fixtures that are meant to be surface mounted or hung, or would these dropped ceiling fixtures work? I'd have to figure out a way to hang them or just mount them directly to the drywall.

 

[kbs2244]

They will work just fine if you don't mind the look.
Check the ballasts though.
It is a real possibility they are not 110, 115, or even 120.
If not, then they are not worth the trouble.

 

[Norcal]

They will work just fine if you don't mind the look.
Check the ballasts though.
It is a real possibility they are not 110, 115, or even 120.
If not, then they are not worth the trouble.

No fixtures are built for 110,115.... Standard voltage is 120V, or 277V*, newer ones could have a universal voltage ballast 120-277V.

*In Canada, 347V is common, since we have Canukistanis here.

 

[budl]

If your ceiling joists are 24" on center the 2x4 drop in fixtures will mount nicely between them.

Bud

 

[Fast Orange]

Since some ballasts run hot,don't mount the fixtures flat against the ceiling-space them away about 1/4" or more to allow airflow.

 

[skelrad]

See my album. Have done this in two garages.

Been trying to figure out how to see your albums, but all I can ever see are the "recently updated" albums.

 

[spongerich]

I have a bunch that I just hung from the ceiling with some heavy baling wire. Looks terrible, but works fine.

 

[ddawg16]

I like recessed lights....less likely I will smack it with wood....

As an option....recessed cans....I have 16 6" cans in my ground floor part of the garage with 23w cfl's. Plenty of light....

You can see pics by clicking on the link in my signature

 

[5mall5nail5]

See my album. Have done this in two garages.

What light are you using there in your pics?

 

[where2]

Tecnhically, you could easily trim the drop fixtures out in an oak, poplar, or pine surround. I have two NIB 2x4 troffers that I picked up at the local Habitat ReStore shop. By the time I get around to installing them, LED tubes should be affordable.