t8 ballast install

[LOtown]

Been looking and don't know if I can do this or not.
Can I cut the plug in cord on the t8 ballast and extend it? If so with what size wire?

I have a garage thats finished and only has 3 bulbs in it. None that are in the center or near center, and the length of the plug is not long enough for me to make it all centered and neat.

I want to install 4-6 ballasts
Was going to run them off the 3 outlets already in the ceiling. By either converting where the bulb fixture is to gfci or hard wiring it and have the wire on the outside of the drywall in a conduit or some wire housing.
I was going to run one of those screw in type plug adapters to run these things off of but there is no ground hole for them I hear these florescent ballasts are sensitive to a good ground.

Am I crazy to do it this way? Am I SOL and cant use the typ 4' ballasts?

to anyone that helps.

 

[LOtown]

 

[Steevo]

When you say "ballasts", do you mean "fixtures"? Are these hanging fluorescent fixtures with power cords coming out of them that have plugs on them?
And are you asking about putting longer power cords on them?

 

[theoldwizard1]

Can I cut the plug in cord on the t8 ballast and extend it? If so with what size wire?

Someone else will have to comment on the "legality" of a splicing a cord. For a few bucks more you can jjust make a new, longer cord that runs directly from the fixture to the receptacle. I have used extension cords with the receptacle end cut of for this. Usually cheaper than buying SJO cord by the foot.

If you are not going to "daisy chain" the fixtures, 16 gauge SJO cordage is more than adequate.

I have a garage thats finished and only has 3 bulbs in it. None that are in the center or near center, and the length of the plug is not long enough for me to make it all centered and neat.

I assume you are going to replace the "bare bulb" porcelain fixtures with octagon (ceiling) box cover

Stay away from the screw in adapters.

 

[LOtown]

Sorry hanging fixtures if that is the proper term.

Thats what I am worried about the "legality" of splicing the wires.

 

[dittle fart around]

Sorry hanging fixtures if that is the proper term.

Thats what I am worried about the "legality" of splicing the wires.

It's not a good idea to splice outside of a box. Not only illegal but dumb. Open the fixture and replace the cord that's there with a longer one. That's the way to do it.