light fixture question

[nissan_crawler]

Alright, I'm working on laying out the lights in my garage, but...I have an issue.

I have almost zero access above all the lights due to a hip roof, and it would require a day of running wire with a fish tape between all of them, and I wouldn't be able to staple any wires. I also have to crawl on my belly across the joists and wedge myself between them and the rafters to reach within 5' of the wall. To do that, I have to crawl around the HVAC ducting suspended from the peak. It took me an hour to run two pex lines across the house at the same time with dad helping from below, and that was right down the ridgeline where there is room. Basically, it's a complete charlie foxtrot.

So, I bought pvc conduit to run it on the ceiling instead.

Here's the issue...the lights only have knockouts in the top center of the them to run wiring through the ceiling. I wasn't smart enough to catch that first, but I still want to use these lights, anyway. Is there any problem with drilling a hole in each end (I don't have slugbusters) for the pvc (I have the threaded ends and nuts) and just running the wire between the bulbs to the center of the fixture? It would be no problem securing the wires with clamps/screws to the fixture.

It would be right in that white end piece.

 

[HOTFR8]

I would suggest the PVC tube with the cable inside would be the way to go with a junction box on the end. Not sure about the wire then to the light as your system and wiring regulations would be different to mine. All my power and light cable in my shed is in pvc conduit mounted to the meatal except where it can be mounted to timber. My Shed is steel but interior has timber Office walls etc.

 

[kbs2244]

I would surface mount the pipe and put a junction at the center point of the fixture.
This will put air space above the fixture for cooling.

 

[nissan_crawler]

They're made to be flush mounted, which is what I wanted.

 

[64merc]

Nissan,
I'm fishing here, but would it be possible for you to drill a hole in the ceiling right next to the center of the fixture and use a right angle connector/adaptor to send the wire into the ceiling. Then you can just fish it a couple of inches to an opening above the fixture. If you position the fixture just right, in relation to the ceiling joist, I think it just might work. Disclaimer: I'm not an electrician but if I was in your shoes I would try it this way. I don't about codes either

BTW, I don't like the idea of those wires running the full length directly next to the bulbs. To be honest, it very well could be harmless, but I would try my other suggestion first and use the other as a plan B.

Good luck

 

[nissan_crawler]

I suppose you might be able to get it to work, but you would have to get it through insulation, etc., and it would make it very hard to daisy chain them together.

 

[ddawg16]

Here's the issue...the lights only have knockouts in the top center of the them to run wiring through the ceiling. I wasn't smart enough to catch that first, but I still want to use these lights, anyway. Is there any problem with drilling a hole in each end (I don't have slugbusters) for the pvc (I have the threaded ends and nuts) and just running the wire between the bulbs to the center of the fixture? It would be no problem securing the wires with clamps/screws to the fixture.

Sounds like a good plan to me.

They make threaded ends for the PVC. If the hole is near the top edge, you secure it using a 1/2" nut just like you would regular conduit.

 

[nissan_crawler]

Sounds like a good plan to me.

They make threaded ends for the PVC. If the hole is near the top edge, you secure it using a 1/2" nut just like you would regular conduit.

That was the plan. The hole in the middle of the light puts the romex in the proximity of the lights anyway, so I can't image it matters...

 

[dipper]

you should be fine drilling a hole in the end and using the male connector that attaches with a nut. It should be easy to daisy chain, just bring the wires out the other side.

 

[mad57]

go for it if theres enough space to drill the ends why not!! my lights have the knock outs there but also have a off center knock out, why cant you drill those ends, as far as the wire going right next to the ballast thats how mine are from the factory then just daisy chain them together. will work great , good luck mike.

 

[64merc]

I suppose you might be able to get it to work, but you would have to get it through insulation, etc., and it would make it very hard to daisy chain them together.

Oh shoot, I hadn't thought of that. You're right, it would be difficult to daisy chain the lights. Oh well, it was just a thougt.

The others think that the heat of the bulbs shouldn't be a problem, so I suppose I would use the method you described. Just secure the wires well as you stated.