I have 6 dual fluorescent shoplights in my garage. They are 30 years old and
one by one they stopped working. Probably due to cheap electronic ballasts
which are not available any more. The ballasts consist of a small plastic
box about 1"x 1"x3", one box per lightbulb (two per fixture). Therefore I
cannot replace the ballasts in these antediluvian fixtures and have to
replace the fixtures.

When looking for new dual fixtures at the Big Box I noticed that they are
all designed to be hung from the ceiling, using 2 short chains.

My old fixtures are attached directly to the ceiling with Molly bolts, no
chains.

Is the chain arrangement due to a new code requirement (in case the ballasts
ignite in the fixture), or do I need to look at more expensive shoplights?

Anyone know?


It sounds as though you have been looking at the cheap shop lights with the short cord on them. What you see is what you get. For ceiling mounted you can get some wraparounds. If you want shop lights that you can mount on a ceiling, go to an electrical supply.

John Grabowski
http://www.MrElectrician.TV