In slab, under lift lighting?

[The Boss]

I'm going to be pouring the slab in my barn in the next few weeks and would like to put some lighting under the lift by adding some drive over lighting in the slab.

Does anyone have any experience with this? Any recommendations on lights?

 

[shocwav3]

I'm going to be pouring the slab in my barn in the next few weeks and would like to put some lighting under the lift by adding some drive over lighting in the slab.

Does anyone have any experience with this? Any recommendations on lights?

I've thought about this, I'm sure if exicuted properly it would be awesome, but I just can't help seeing it throwing shadows everywhere you try and wlrk .

We tried this on aircraft and it always ended up having someone over your shoulder with a flashlight.

 

[The Boss]

I hear you on that, but regardless of where the light comes from, there will be shadows.

If I can drop in 6 or 8 lights now into the slab I think it will help immensely.

 

[shocwav3]

I hear you on that, but regardless of where the light comes from, there will be shadows.

If I can drop in 6 or 8 lights now into the slab I think it will help immensely.

No doubt about it.

 

[Grinder Bill]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13907

 

[59 wagon man]

just my opinion besides the shadows what about if you drive on or have to put a jackstand right where the light is. if it was such a great idea i think you would have seen a lot morelights installed in the slab. i think a few cord reels would be a much more cost effective deal

 

[Corsair4360]

The big challenge to me would be how to keep the lenses clean and clear of scratches. Floors are notorious for all kinds of fluids, paints, grease, etc being on them and hence the lights. Another post I saw today had a light suspended from the rails of a lift. I would love to see a "solution" to this.

 

[sean Buick 76]

I was planning to setup two T8 lights on a 1/2" plywood with small casters and have a GFI plug and cord.... That way I could roll it around under my car or truck and have good light under there... Anyone think this is a bad idea? Obviously I will not use it if I have a fuel or oil leak dripping from above.

 

[astroracer]

I'm trying to picture working under a car on my lift with inground lights. I'm not "seeing" it. Anything brite enough will throw so many shadows you will be trying to work around the lights and will eventually be turning them off and going to a reel-cord with a drop light. Let alone the as mentioned issues of leaking ****** fluid and coolant that ALWAYS make their way to the floor.
Having to worry about shorting out the lights would be a good enough reason for me to not go this route. Anytime I really need a light under the car is usually when I am pulling a trans or changing a motor mount and all of this work requires a portable light anyway.
The best alternative would be to paint the floor under the lift brite white and keep it clean. Brite lights above the floor will reflect enough light to work under the car comfortably.
Mark

 

[Scud67]

I would think that it would be hard to see with the lights shining in your eyes from underneath...

 

[UpstateNY]

If it were a good idea, you'd see it done. You don't, cuz it aint.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

Ive wired up many garages over the years with fl fixtures mounted between 3-4' off off the floor,does a good job of lighting up the work area when working on cars.

 

[sands35]

IMHO - there is a lot that can go wrong with putting stuff into concrete - and no way to fix it later. Your concrete man better be good and be willing to work with you.

Simpler just to buy a trouble light.

Most lifts are 2 hots and a ground. Put in 2 hots, a neutral and a ground to the column, then you can surface mount a duplex 120 VAC outlet right there on the lift.