On Saturday, July 18, 2015 at 10:44:36 PM UTC-4, wrote:
"Walter E." wrote:

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?

Thanks

Walter

Know? No. I suggest you talk to your local code enforcement people who
are the only ones who really know. However I noticed the problem and
I'll guess that it's because being hung from chains with a plug
instead of direct wire allows the HO to claim that it's a stand alone
lamp like a regular table lamp and therefore doesn't need the
installation services of a licenced cardiologist ... oops, I mean
electrician but the costs are similar. Also doesn't require a permit
so no money for those useless civil servants.


And I'd guess the chains and plugs are there to make them easy to install for just about anybody.

Of course, in order to use them, there has to be an outlet in the ceiling which may require that licensed electrician anyway. I mean come on, no one would use a $6 extension cord to power a $15 shop light, would they? Surely they'd pay to have the outlet installed properly.