Hoping to get some help from the experts. I have a two bay, two story garage attached to the house. Previous owner has 2-bulb fluorescents plugged into the socket adapters screwed into single bulb fixtures in the ceiling. How unsafe is that? I ask because working out there this weekend, I heard a sound that sounded like my sprinklers going on and looked up to see the fluorescent fixture smoking. I am assuming this was the lighting set up for the 12 years the previous owner held the house (built in 1998). Was this most likely a cheap fixture punching its last ticket after 13 years? After everything cooled off that light turned on when I flipped the switch for a quick second. I assume I should be replacing the single socket with a direct line to whatever light source I choose? Or is it safe to plug into the socket with an adapter if I buy a new fluorescent fixture? Thanks.
Lighting Do-over
- Thread starter ceta4zng
- Start date
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I would call those screw-in adapters a "temporary" solution at best. You standard porcelain "bare bulb" fixture attached to an octagon box can be simply swapped out with a 4" Steel Duplex Receptacle Octagon Cover (Raco 731) and a duplex plug. Ask for help at HD or Lowes and they will fix you right up.
As long as the power is off, any one who knows the right end of a screwdriver should be able to do this.
As for the fixtures, go to HD, Lowes or possibly even Walmart. Buy a couple of new fixtures for 4' T8 bulbs. A pair shouldn't cost more than $30-$40. They will give you at least teh same amount of light, start faster and use less power. At 12 years old, the old ones have given their all.
wssix99
Well-known member
It sounds like the ballast in the fixture went bad. That's a normal thing, especially with inexpensive fixtures and probably not related to the socket. Time for a new fixture. (The ballasts can be replaced, but most regular shop lights are less expensive than a replacement ballast.)
The screw in sockets are definitely a temporary thing. Any home supply will sell outlets on an octagon plate, which you can use replace the lamp fixture.
The screw in sockets are definitely a temporary thing. Any home supply will sell outlets on an octagon plate, which you can use replace the lamp fixture.
Thanks for the help - I will replace both sides once I find a ladder tall enough to reach.
Hey - WSSIX99 - I know you can dig - I was working on my 2002 Collector Edition Trans Am when the light above me starting smoking. The car's life flashed before my eyes.
Hey - WSSIX99 - I know you can dig - I was working on my 2002 Collector Edition Trans Am when the light above me starting smoking. The car's life flashed before my eyes.
wssix99
Well-known member
can I just replace the single bare bulb fixture with a fluorescent fixture directly (like I replaced all the ancient ugly fixtures in the rest of the house - or are the fluorescents made to plug into an outlet (such as they are now)? I'd rather not have the plug visible running to the outlet on the ceiling if I can avoid it. Thanks.
wssix99
Well-known member
Sure. The cheaper fixtures come both ways - plug in or direct wire. The higher end stuff is only direct wire.