How can I get wire to these lights?

[RonRock]

Before the ceiling was in I did not know how I would want to run the lights. Of course now that the ceiling is done and the lights are up I can see that things could have been done differently. But oh well I'll deal with what I have.

So here is a picture of what I have. The lights are screwed to the 2X4's that are screwed to the bottom of the joists. My original plan was to run conduit from fixture to fixture. But that would be ugly. Tolerable if I have too, but I'd rather not.

Can I drill through the ceiling and the 2X4 and run flex from fixture to fixture? No box, I'd make my connections in the fixture. Fixtures are 4 feet and 6 feet apart. I'd also have to run flex from the first fixture to the switch. Not sure on the length of that. Less than 20 foot.

[/URL][/IMG]

 

[NUTTSGT]

If you have access to the attic, you could go through the ceiling. I'd have no issue running some PVC conduit from fixture to fixture. Get some plastic parts prep, then paint the conduit white and it'll basically disappear.


My lights are spaced from the ceiling by a 3/4" block. I used NM (romex) for mine, going through the ceiling and a romex clamp at the fixture. There's a plastic staple on the ceiling joist right above it so the wire is going nowhere.

 

[RonRock]

I like Romex even better but I didn't think I could run it through the steel ceiling and 2X4.

I'll have to drop a couple pieces of ceiling for access. A PITA but do able.


CBFD Local 15.
Retired 1/16 after 33 years


Cheers

 

[Mustang51js]

You can use emt,mc or romex. Depends on the looks you want and how much time you want to put into it. Easiest thing is mc jumped from light to light with a double connector

 

[R.Anderson]

I would just surface mount emt but that is me and I like the looks and plan on running my shop all with surface mount. I second MC with the double connectors if you want it hidden.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I like Romex even better but I didn't think I could run it through the steel ceiling and 2X4.

I'll have to drop a couple pieces of ceiling for access. A PITA but do able.


CBFD Local 15.
Retired 1/16 after 33 years


Cheers

When you have the pieces out make an access port to the attic.
This won't be the last time you'll have a reason to get up there.

 

[Fixin'Stuff]

Instead of permanently mounted light fixtures, I put outlets on the ceiling and then used plug-in shop lights that hang from small hooks. This way I can easily move the lights around if I later decide that they're in the wrong place. I hate when I'm trying to work on something and my body is casting a shadow on the stuff I'm working on.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I like Romex even better but I didn't think I could run it through the steel ceiling and 2X4.

I'll have to drop a couple pieces of ceiling for access. A PITA but do able.


CBFD Local 15.
Retired 1/16 after 33 years


Cheers

If you're worried about the steel cutting the wire, I'd just stub a short piece of conduit with a terminal adapter/locknut to protect the wire.