Several lighting questions

[mustanginky]

Ok everyone, ive got 3 bulbs in my garage. Not quite that great for general garage tinkering. 13' ceiling height.

Im planning on at least 2 4' t8 fixtures at the moment, but a maybe a third later. My garage opens west so usually in the evenings, before dark, im getting plenty of light from the sun.

So, my questions involve wiring/installation options.

How would one hard wire t8 fixtures where an existing light bulb is? Im somewhat ignorant to home wiring.

There may be another option besides hard wiring though. I was thinking about 2 of the fixtures running off my garage door opener plug. Obviously, this would leave me with 7' long pull chains hanging. Not exactly good looking or practical.

I have found wireless switches, that plug into the socket and either have a remote or a switch, but not sure if they would work with t8 fixtures.

Does anyone know if there is a wireless switch that would work for a t8 light fixture?

Thanks in advance for any help you guys/gals can provide!

 

[Onewolf]

Ok everyone, ive got 3 bulbs in my garage.

What are these bulbs mounted on?

 

[dw1]

Depends on where you get your fixtures, you can get some with a "Occupancy Sensor" built into it or add one if needed. This will bring the light on automatically when you walk by.

 

[Jonny006]

You could also get fixtures with pull chains. Two of my 4' T8's came that way. If the bulbs are keyhole lights wiring them up is pretty easy and straight forward. If you are terrified of electric work an easy solution is to but lamp plugs. They just screw into the lamp housing like a light bulb but have plugs built in. I did this for years in my old house with no issues. They are not grounded though so you will also need a pigtail adaptor that converts a 3prong to 2. I also used electrical tape to secure it so it wouldn't fall out. Not pretty and I'm sure someone on here would object but it works!

 

[mustanginky]

What are these bulbs mounted on?

They're mounted on porcelain fixtures.

I'm ok with wiring just scared I'd mess it up. If it's as simple as connecting wires I'd be fine. I thought about putting outlets where the light fixtures are and just plugging them in. I'd assume that would work fine.

If I just did the socket adapters is that really safe? I'd be afraid without a ground.


Thanks for the input you all!

 

[mustanginky]

I wouldn't mind pull chains but they'd have to hang 8 feet for my wife to use them. Plus when you've got your hands full it'd be a pita.