Used Drop-Ceiling Fluorescents in Garage

[bgraper]

Hello All,

I'm relatively new to the forum - joined mainly to research epoxy flooring. The flooring turned out great (ended up paying someone to do it...for only $300 more than doing it myself).

Now, I'm tackling adding some lighting to the garage.

I purchased some old (should say used...they don't look that old), drop-ceiling fluorescent light fixtures of an electrician that had removed them from the building.

My question is : How should I be mounting them in the garage? Just take the cover off and screw them right to the trussing ? Cut holes in the ceiling drywall and try to flush mount (this would require cutting trusses to accommodate size of these lights. I'm putting in 6 4'x8' fixtures.).

My thought was to run wire through the ends of the lights (like you would for the drop ceiling...), and run the wire through the drywall ceiling, and just suspend them 2 inches down from the ceiling....thoughts ???

 

[rburke65]

Well this is going to come down to preference and opinion. Since we don't know where you live, are you concerned with heat loss? If your ceiling joist are 16" on center, you won't be cutting holes to recess the fixtures. Probably less screwing around if you just screw them to the drywall. There will be folks that will bring up the heat issue, so be aware of that. Maybe hanging from chain would be best. Good luck.

 

[sands35]

Fluorescent lights produce heat. You'll need to figure out if they need to be hung or can be direct mounted. Drop ceilings are not direct mount. I'd try and find the maker's sticker then see if there is a manual or spec sheet on-line you can read.

 

[bgraper]

Thanks for the replies.

The trussing is 16 or 18" on center - I haven't measured - so if I want to flush mount, I'll have to cut the dry wall, and then cut one of the trusses, so it would fit between the remaining 2. Lights are 24" wide.

That's what I was thinking - I've been reading that the drop-ceiling lights are designed to have air paths above them, and shouldn't be directly mounted to the ceiling due to heat concerns.

I was more concerned with how they would look dangling from the sealing - but if it's only 2 inches...no big deal I guess. I mean, at the end of the day, it's a garage...and I want these to make sure there's lots of light when I'm working.

 

[sands35]

cutting trusses = bad!

You could trim them with window / door flashing or something... depends on how much sweat equity you want to put into it.

If you are going to recess them, you'll also need to look at the insulation contact rating (or not...). If they don't say they are, assume they are not IC rated.

 

[signcrafter]

First thing first, rule out cutting trusses. So either surface mount or you could lay them on top of the trusses if you want to cut the drywall out.

 

[2ManyProjects]

My question is : How should I be mounting them in the garage? Just take the cover off and screw them right to the trussing ? Cut holes in the ceiling drywall and try to flush mount (this would require cutting trusses to accommodate size of these lights. I'm putting in 6 4'x8' fixtures.).

Thanks for the replies.

The trussing is 16 or 18" on center - I haven't measured - so if I want to flush mount, I'll have to cut the dry wall, and then cut one of the trusses, so it would fit between the remaining 2. Lights are 24" wide.

First and foremost, as others have said: NEVER, NEVER, NEVER cut trusses!!! To do so is to destroy the structural integrity of your building. You shouldn't even drill holes in them, if it can be avoided; and if you do, there are strict limits on the size and placement of those holes.

I was more concerned with how they would look dangling from the sealing - but if it's only 2 inches...no big deal I guess. I mean, at the end of the day, it's a garage...and I want these to make sure there's lots of light when I'm working.

Your fundamental problem is that you bought the wrong fixtures. My suggestion would be to STOP throwing good time, effort and money after bad. Cut your losses and get the right parts for the job. Standard-issue four-foot twin-T8 utility fixtures which ARE suitable for surface mounting can be had for anywhere from around $20 to perhaps $35 each, and provide more placement flexibility (and probably more even light distribution) in the process. I would not hack up this project for the sake of "saving" such a relatively trivial amount of money.

If you insist on trying to use those inappropriate fixtures, chain-hanging is about the only way I could envision it being even close to acceptable -- but it would still near-certainly look like ****.

 

[Kevin54]

DO NOT cut a truss. My guess is your trusses are 24" on center and the lights won't fit. Between your trusses will be 22 1/2". If it were me, and you don't have a lot in them, I am figuring the light housings go up at an angle. Could you possibly cut an inch or so off of both edges so they would fit between the trusses? And again, I'm assuming, but I guess you have the (4) four lamp fixtures? Personally I'd rather have them mounted IN the ceiling instead of hanging down just for the fact that it makes for a nicer looking job, plus the fact that you don't have to worry about dust buildup if you do any painting of any type. It may also be that you could pull the sides in some and modify the ends somewhat to accommodate pulling the sides in.

Measure between your trusses, and post up a pic of the lights you have if you can.

 

[sands35]

Even with recessed lights between the trusses somehow - there is still the insulation contact question. Likely the insulation will need to be blocked up. i.e., more work and effort.

 

[bgraper]

Ok - Well I've decided to NOT cut the trusses - and probably buy new lights eventually.

For the moment - due to cash restrictions - and the $10 cost per light - I will probably hang these lights using wire, a couple of inches off the ceiling.

What gap do you think I need to deal with the heat ? 2 inches ?

 

[kbs2244]

Measure and drill your mounting holes.
Then I just use thick nuts as spacers between the pan and ceiling.
Half an inch max and have had no problems.

But if you want more space, just cut some rigid tubing to the length you want and thread the screw through them as spacers.
You will want a screw at least one and a quarter inch longer than your spacer to be sure you get a good bite through the drywall.
It will be at least ½ inch, maybe 5/8

 

[raddksn]

I would mount 2' pieces of 2 by 2 to ceiling with 1/4" lag screws were they land on trusses 1/4-20 togglebolts were you just hit drywall. Paint to match ceiling and screw fixtures to the 2 by 2's.

 

[rsanter]

You guys are thinking about this the wrong way
I wou
I would mount them between the trusses
Modify/trim the light fixtures to fit. Screw them to the trusses for attachment.
Use trill to hold the plastic diffusers that you either buy from the store or cut down the ones with the fixtures

Bob

 

[rsanter]

Another option would be to frame a box that you attach to the ceiling and mount the fixtures in that box. Cut the drywall out above the fixture for venting

Bob

 

[rdsk8ter]

I used drop in lights in my garage the wedged between the rafters just fine. Check your spacing. As far as the heat what type of light is it? If it is a t-8 to worries with heat if its a t-12 then yes watch your heat and contact with things. I would modify the lights seriously you can upgrade your current light to a t-8 the ballasts are about 20-30 bucks at home depot and super easy to change. Can you post some pictures of the lights and the measurements.