Shop Lighting Upgrade

[NostraThpmas]

I have task lights over my workbench and table saw to supplement the general shop lighting. The task lights are plugged into ceiling receptacles and the lights are operated by pull chains.

When I’m done for the day and go to leave, I turn off the general lighting only to find that I’ve left the task lights on. I have to go back in to turn them off. I want to fix that.

My first thought was to put the task light ceiling receptacles on the same circuit as the general lights so the same wall switch operates both. Then I realized my air cleaner and extension cord reel which are plugged into the same ceiling receptacles. I want the air cleaner to stay on for several hours after I have left the shop and not turn off when I turn off the lights.

I could:

split the duplex ceiling receptacles so that one side remains always hot and the other side is connected to the switched general lighting circuit. If I have 2 circuits running to the same duplex receptacle, by code, I must tie the circuit breaker handles so they both shut off at the same time. This would require moving circuits between panels.​

leave the duplex ceiling receptacles on the existing circuit, but split it so that one side is always hot and the other side on a switch loop. The loop switches would be co-located with the general lighting switch.​

install dedicated ceiling receptacles for the task lights and connect them to the general lighting circuit.​

Has anyone come across a better solution?​

BTW: The ceiling receptacles are on a 20A circuit breaker in a subpanel. The general lighting is on a 15A breaker in the main panel.

Any ideas?

 

[Dig Doug]

Remote control outlet
something like this
remote can be added next to your existing light switch - only down side is swapping out a battery once a year or 2…

 

[vwpieces]

I have pull chain switches on all but 2 main lighting lights. Use where I am as needed, but ALL will turn off at the switch

I also use a headlamp when I am working on a vehicle, especially on the lift. Why light up the shop like the sun if not necessary.

 

[NostraThpmas]

Remote control outlet
something like this
remote can be added next to your existing light switch - only down side is swapping out a battery once a year or 2…

Thanks. That looks neat. I'm old so wireless is not the first thing that occurs to me.

 

[Dig Doug]

Thanks. That looks neat. I'm old so wireless is not the first thing that occurs to me.

We use wireless for a few items -

Table lamps (with the 3 stage rotary switch) no more reaching up under the shade

outside twinkle lights ( like Xmas lights ) photo cell on and timer off or remote off

mood lightning in the garage led strip lightning (currently red color ) 3 separate lights on 3 switches on the remote

The key is to have an extra battery or 2 on hand…