Work bench light through light switch

[Scicchi]

Hi guys,

I am going to install a basic suspended shop light over my work bench in the garage. I would like to install an inline on/off switch in the extension cord for convenience. However, and I know this sounds petty, but I hate all of the typical inline switches that I have seen available. I love the look and feel of a plain-old wall mounted light switch.

Is it possible and safe to just wire a standard light switch inline on an extension cord in the same fashion as the typical inline switches are done? I would then mount it into a box and install it on a wall stud and then most of the wiring would be hidden by peg-board.

Sorry if this was covered previously. I did a few searches with no luck. Thanks!

-Matt

key words: work bench light switch suspended inline extension

 

[jeffmoss26]

Yes it is do-able, I did the same thing in my shop. I know the code does not like flexible wires attached to walls though.

 

[bmwpower]

Why not just use a regular wall mounted switch that controls a switched outlet?

 

[Gary S]

Why not just use a regular wall mounted switch that controls a switched outlet?

That's how I do all my workbenches. Wire one receptacle through a switch mounted beside it. Then just keep the bench lights plugged into that receptacle. And, label it as a "switched receptacle" to save yourself future frustration.

 

[bmwpower]

Do you have a bedside lamp controlled by a switch? Same deal.
120v -> Switch -> outlet -> lamp

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Put a pull chain canopy switch in the end of the light fixture.

Charles

 

[Scicchi]

Yes it is do-able, I did the same thing in my shop. I know the code does not like flexible wires attached to walls though.

Thanks Jeff.

As for the switched receptical you guys mention, could you point me in the direction of a diagram or something explaining it? I really didn't want to get into messing with the exsisting wiring of the garage, and I'd rather avoid paying for an electrician if it's something I can do(I am no electrician but I think I could manage with good instructions).

Put a pull chain canopy switch in the end of the light fixture.

Thanks, but like I said, as dumb as it sounds, I want an actual light switch.


-Matt

 

[csp]

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&sugexp....,cf.osb&fp=79a914ef1cf0f6d4&biw=1280&bih=868

 

[bmwpower]

http://www.do-it-yourself-help.com/wiring_switches.html

"Wiring a switch to control a wall receptacle"

 

[Scicchi]

Thanks bmwpower! I will read up on it for sure.

-Matt