Help with garage lighting please

[idleclamp]

I'm in the process of adding 4 LED strip lights in my garage to replace the single bulb. I've ran all the wires and conduit to the places I want the lights. I've also hung two of the lights (from the Best Light Fixture thread).

On the other two, they need to hang down a bit from the ceiling so the light won't be blocked by the lumber hangers that are there or will be there soon. My thought was to just hang them on some chains (about 16"). My question is, should I use BX or conduit from the ceiling to the light? The secondary question: Is there a way to make it look better coming out of the ceiling, or a better way to do it?

PS, I know my garage is a mess, but I'm working on it.

 

[dave*99]

If using chains to hang the lights, then conduit is not the best choice. I have a similar arrangement with a lumber rack. Lights are hung from chains and connected with flexible cord. The cord can be cable tied to the chain.

 

[matt_i]

I was going to mention about the same. Put in an outlet, and run male-plug cord whips from there to the fixture.

There's nothing wrong with BX, just more work.

 

[idleclamp]

I already have them wired and don't plan on putting outlets there. Is there another way to make the connection in the ceiling to look cleaner?


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[dave*99]

Use a cord strain relief. Attach it at the knockout in your cover plate.

 

[idleclamp]

If using chains to hang the lights, then conduit is not the best choice. I have a similar arrangement with a lumber rack. Lights are hung from chains and connected with flexible cord. The cord can be cable tied to the chain.

Can you post a pic of your lights?

 

[510ebl]

If using chains to hang the lights, then conduit is not the best choice.

If one were decided on using conduit for the wiring to a light dropped say, 24 inches from the ceiling, how would one mount the light if not by chain?

I am planning a very similar install this week of at least one, if not three "dropped" lamps.

To the OP: Did you order a cage (guard) for the light that will be hung at or below the height of the lumber racks?

 

[mg283680]

The right way would be to put boxes in the ceiling and run BX, or put plugs and cords in. Both were already mentioned... How do you have them wired now?

 

[idleclamp]

The right way would be to put boxes in the ceiling and run BX, or put plugs and cords in. Both were already mentioned... How do you have them wired now?

I have boxes in the ceiling and conduit in between all boxes per code. I now plan on using BX between the box and the middle of the light strip and hanging it from small chains on either end.

What I would really like to know is how to make the cut out in the ceiling look cleaner/neater/less amateurish now that the other questions have been answered. Any ideas? When I ask on here it seems that somebody knows of a part that will do what I want. I just don't know what it's called or where to get it.


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[nadogail]

Patch that hole in the ceiling just like you would a hole in a wall.

 

[idleclamp]

If one were decided on using conduit for the wiring to a light dropped say, 24 inches from the ceiling, how would one mount the light if not by chain?

I am planning a very similar install this week of at least one, if not three "dropped" lamps.

To the OP: Did you order a cage (guard) for the light that will be hung at or below the height of the lumber racks?

No, I didn't order cages. Anything going in or out of the racks should be parallel to the lights. I suppose if I bust one somehow, I'll wish I had. But for now, no.

 

[idleclamp]

Patch that hole in the ceiling just like you would a hole in a wall.

I suppose I could do that. I just thought it would look weird having BX coming straight out of drywall.

 

[dfiler2]

Now I think i know what you're looking for, how about a plumbing Escutcheon.

https://www.plumbingsupply.com/escutch.html

 

[510ebl]

I suppose I could do that. I just thought it would look weird having BX coming straight out of drywall.

I don't think you should cover the junction box with anything but paint. It needs to remain accessible.

I would trim it with "L" shaped corner bead to clean up the rough edges of the drywall, if I bothered at all. Just apply it with construction adhesive.

http://hardwareonlinestore.com/inde...ory_id=59401&gclid=COig3K_cwsoCFZYWHwodIwEETw

 

[idleclamp]

Now I think i know what you're looking for, how about a plumbing Escutcheon.

https://www.plumbingsupply.com/escutch.html

Much closer to what I'm looking for. I assumed there was a part I could use that was designed for this type of application. This lead me to possibly using something like a ceiling fan canopy. But I'm not spending $25 each for them. If I could find a cheap one (not ornate) preferably in white, that would be ideal.

Maybe even a bell escutcheon that has a 1/2" hole and is 5" in diameter.

 

[idleclamp]

I don't think you should cover the junction box with anything but paint. It needs to remain accessible.

I would trim it with "L" shaped corner bead to clean up the rough edges of the drywall, if I bothered at all. Just apply it with construction adhesive.

http://hardwareonlinestore.com/inde...ory_id=59401&gclid=COig3K_cwsoCFZYWHwodIwEETw

That's an idea, but it seems to be it would be pretty difficult with a 4" circular hole.

 

[Cougar]

Maybe this would work. Would make it look better, but could you drill a hole in it for the bx connector. I don't know.
http://www.garvinindustries.com/ele...ce-rings/5-round-white-ceiling-blanks/cbc-275

 

[ExxWhy]

How about something from here. Hopefully it links right, but it was a search for round electrical box covers. http://www.lowes.com/Electrical/Ele...xc75/pl#!&N[]=1z0vk65&N[]=1z0xc75&N[]=1z13z3q

 

[idleclamp]

How about something from here. Hopefully it links right, but it was a search for round electrical box covers. http://www.lowes.com/Electrical/Ele...xc75/pl#!&N[]=1z0vk65&N[]=1z0xc75&N[]=1z13z3q

That links to the whole list of covers. Was there one in particular that you are suggesting?


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[510ebl]

Perhaps a nice ceiling medallion?





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