Old work ceiling junction box install or is there a better option?

[ajchien]

Ok, so I read this thread: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/cheap-led-shop-lighting.483145/

I’m thinking of putting these deformable LED lights in my garage to replace those 4 ft T8 fluorescent fixtures. Im assuming since the current lights are fluorescent that there won’t be a junction box in the ceiling. It seems these lights need a socket, which I think is supposed to have a junction box.

Is my best option an old work junction box? (Are there ceiling light sockets with built in junction boxes?) And if I’m to put in say - an old work junction box, how do you guys cut a hole while being careful to not cut the wire (Such as using an oscillating multi tool or hole saw to cut the hole)?

 

[jim111]

Unless you need more fixtures your best (easiest) option is change the old bulbs to ballest bypass led

 

[beemerphile]

I agree. I have some of these screw-in LED's and am using them in a string light as temporary lighting to rough in my new shop. With no windows, it is darker than the inside of a cow since the siding went up. They make a great replacement for a dim 60 watt bulb, but where I have had 4 ft. tubes, I change them for direct wire LED (remove the ballasts).

 

[cybrdyke]

Deformables ****.
CD

 

[Bert_]

Yes you could use a cut-in junction box...Huge but here though, the lights you are considering would be a major downgrade from the 4-ft fluorescents.

 

[ajchien]

So I’m looking to increase the amount of light. The deformables are advertising a lot more lumens than the direct wire 4 ft LED lights.

How much brighter are the direct wire LEDs? will thy make a significant light difference?

 

[Bert_]

So I’m looking to increase the amount of light. The deformables are advertising a lot more lumens than the direct wire 4 ft LED lights.

How much brighter are the direct wire LEDs? will thy make a significant light difference?

In most garages the answer is not brighter lights, but more lights. Generally there isn't enough ceiling height for high lumen fixtures and you end up with some bright spots and the same dark spots as you had before.

 

[nadogail]

I have found fan brackets to be strong and very easy to use.

 

[FMB4]

I agree with Bert_. Brighter lighting will often lead to shadows on the typical residential G ceiling of 8-10 ft.

 

[ajchien]

Ok. You guys have me leaning towards going to linked direct wire 4ft led fixtures?

 

[Innovate1]

I recently got 4' fixtures with ballast bypass bulbs. At least I can replace the bulbs when the go out. If they last 20 years I may never have to worry about replacement but I have had enough LED bulbs go out to want the option. I will take a fixture with replaceable bulb over non-replaceable if I have the choice.