Plug In Fluorescents That Can Be Flush Mounted

[chief777]

Do they exist?

My garage is in desperate need of some additional lighting. The good news is I have switched plugs in the ceiling, so I'm hoping to avoid calling an electrician. I've been trying to find plug in fluorescents that I can flush mount to the ceiling. Unfortunately everything I've found is designed to be chain mounted. Clearance is tight with the garage doors open.

Does anyone know if they make something like this?

Thanks!

 

[mds5951]

I'd just wire in my own plugs... Easy as heck then you could adjust cord length depending on how far you need.

 

[chief777]

Is that safe? I've can splice wires but far from an electrician. I thought about that but didn't know if that was ok to do.

 

[rlitman]

It is, if you do it right. There are special connectors to squeeze SO cord. Then you buy the cord, and put a plug on it.

 

[mds5951]

If you don't feel like splicing... Just buy the chain ones, pop off the metal ballast cover... Still some holes in the back part (that would mount against the ceiling) away from the ballast. Then just install to the ceiling with pan head screws. Reinstall cover and voila! A makeshift flush mount light! Make sure the chain is pulled to the "on" position and don't install the rinky dink string pull chain.

 

[Norcal]

If they are flush mounted, then cord cannot be used. Flexible cord is not a substitute for perm. wiring.

 

[rlitman]

If you don't feel like splicing... Just buy the chain ones, pop off the metal ballast cover... Still some holes in the back part (that would mount against the ceiling) away from the ballast. Then just install to the ceiling with pan head screws. Reinstall cover and voila! A makeshift flush mount light! Make sure the chain is pulled to the "on" position and don't install the rinky dink string pull chain.

The problem with that, is that the chain mount ones are designed to have airflow to the back, to properly cool the ballast. Will it work? Probably. Is it dangerous? Probably not, but it could be.

 

[DirtRoad]

I put cords on flush mount fixtures, no problems at all.
They are hardwired now though, had them corded for almost 8 months.

Check my signature link.

 

[theoldwizard1]

If they are flush mounted, then cord cannot be used. Flexible cord is not a substitute for perm. wiring.

I remodeled my daughter's kitchen earlier this year and I put cords on the microwave/hood, garbage disposer and dishwasher.

Use 16-3 cord (inside of a cord they count all conductors). You can get "pigtails" (cord with only one male connector) at Big Box stores cheap. Use the appropriate size wire nuts (sometimes they come with the light) and you will be fine.

 

[rlitman]

> Flexible cord is not a substitute for perm. wiring.
Well, it is not, except when it is allowed.

It is not allowed for a boiler, but is generally best practice for a garbage disposal, dishwasher and microwave. AFAIK, it is fine for a light fixture too, so long as the flexible cord is not hidden (where permanent wiring would be required).

Yes, a cord pigtail can save you some here. That, or cut up a cheap extension cord.
Either will be cheaper than a few feet of SO cord and a quality plug (that's the expensive part). A cheap snap together plug just plain *****, so you're better off buying a cord with a nice molded on one if you're going lightweight.

 

[superman09]

You mean something like this? I talked to a local electrician and local code enforcement both gave the green light. I got mine a Lowe's and they were predrilled to flush mount or to chain hang.

Sent from my campfire using smoke signals

 

[DoyleDee]

My situation is a little different... I bought lights at Lowes that had a cord and chains. What I did was remove the cord, drill out the end to accept a mc cable fitting and wired them up hardwired mc to conduit. I do have two of them that I added jack chain so that it allows them to be about head height when fully down (open car hood height)- those two I went ahead and left the cords on and just put receptacles above to plug into.

 

[theoldwizard1]

> Flexible cord is not a substitute for perm. wiring.
Well, it is not, except when it is allowed.

It is not allowed for a boiler, ...

I always thought about putting a pigtail on my forced air furnace and then plugging it into a dedicated single outlet. You have a disconnect and in case of an emergency you can run it off of a small portable generator with an extension cord !

 

[arrowhead]

You mean something like this? I talked to a local electrician and local code enforcement both gave the green light. I got mine a Lowe's and they were predrilled to flush mount or to chain hang.

Sent from my campfire using smoke signals

This is what I'm doing. I put in 9 switched outlets on the ceiling and I have corded 4' fluorescents. I actually want the veratility to unplug and move lights around as needed.

 

[Norcal]

I always thought about putting a pigtail on my forced air furnace and then plugging it into a dedicated single outlet. You have a disconnect and in case of an emergency you can run it off of a small portable generator with an extension cord !

That is the norm out here for attic mounted furnaces/air handlers, not really code compliant for equipment bolted in place but I like it for ease of disconnecting when servicing the appliance & just the way everyone does it.