Setting Up Wiring for Lighting

[Jeff Rage]

I am fixing up my garage for a home gym and occasional workspace. It's a detached garage, about 17X13' (see my avi.) Originally I was thinking of putting up 2 4' T8 fixtures with 4 bulbs each. However, after reading through this forum, I think it would be better to spread the ligthing out more, so I'm thinking 6 4' T8 fixtures with 2 bulb each.

My garage has it's own breaker box. There is one outlet in the rafters, and two others about 3 feet off the floor. Could I run all of the lighting from the one outlet in the rafters?

Also, if the garage door is open, two of the fixtures would be blocked. Is there an easy way to have these set up with their own switch (maybe uising one of the other outlets?)

 

[Jeff Rage]

I'm guessing no one replied, as this is probablly a simple question for most people?

I realize that hard wiring the lights into a circuit is probablly the best option. I'm just wondering if I can do it with the one outlet. I'd rather not have to pay an electrician if I don't have to.

 

[mrb]

just run a new circuit for the lights. install 15 amp breaker in the panel. run 14/2 from there to your switch(es). run from there to the lights. done.

 

[Falcon67]

Hmm - didn't see this post yesterday. Weird. Six T-8 fixtures will not put much load at all on an outlet circuit. Not sure how you want to do it - The "easy" way would be to run power to a double gang box with two switches. From the switches, run one line to an outlet over the door for those two lights. Then run another line to a second set of outlets spaced so you can hang the T8s and plug them in. You could use plastic new work boxes and nail to the rafters. Route the wires neatly and staple them carefully with one staple about 12" or less from the box(s).

 

[Jeff Rage]

Thanks, guys!

The outlet in the rafters already has a switch to it. I may just run all of the lights to it, even though 2 will be blocked if the door is up.

 

[Falcon67]

Get the $18 shop lights from Lowes - they have a decent pull switch. I put those up and left the pull chain even though I hardwired the lights. Useful for having on only what you need.