I've read several posts regarding use of fluorescent fixtures for shop
lighting, have a few additional questions - my basement shop is 7'6"
high, open joists (and will stay open):
1. I like the idea of installing outlets between joists and plugging
in pre-wired floro fixtures. Are there any code concerns around this?
2. If I install perpendicular to joists, then I lose some height;
plus have also heard fire concerns about direct-mounting fixtures to
joists. Any comments here?
3. Can I install them parallel to the joists, and actually recess
them a bit, so the main housing is above the joists, but the bottom
would be more or less flush with the bottom of the joists? I know if
I go too high I will be losing light; but is this generally an OK
approach? (any code concerns here?)
Thanks,
Chuck
"Chuck" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
> 1. I like the idea of installing outlets between joists and plugging
> in pre-wired floro fixtures. Are there any code concerns around this?
The new industrial code required that ther be a means of disconnecting the
fixture from the power (they are often wired in a series) if the ballast
needs replacing. Your method qualifies.
>
> 3. Can I install them parallel to the joists, and actually recess
> them a bit, so the main housing is above the joists, but the bottom
> would be more or less flush with the bottom of the joists? I know if
> I go too high I will be losing light; but is this generally an OK
> approach? (any code concerns here?)
Can't speak for the code, but it makes sense to do it that way.
On Sat, 22 Mar 2008 12:43:39 -0700 (PDT), Chuck <[email protected]> wrote:
>3. Can I install them parallel to the joists, and actually recess
>them a bit, so the main housing is above the joists, but the bottom
>would be more or less flush with the bottom of the joists? I know if
>I go too high I will be losing light; but is this generally an OK
>approach? (any code concerns here?)
I did just that in my shop in the States, and it passed the home inspection when
the house was sold..
In my case, the ceiling was actually the bottom of a loft floor, with "real"
2x4's for joists..
Since my fixtures were about 3" thick, I mounted them to 3/4" furring strips
that I ran between the joists... That gave me enough light distribution but
still left the tubes slightly higher than the bottom of the 2x4's, so the chance
of hitting a tube with a board or something is less..
I still managed to hit them a few times and decided that it was time to spend a
dollar a tube for those clear plastic sleeves..
mac
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