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

On Sat, 22 Mar 2008 12:43:39 -0700 (PDT), Chuck 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

Please remove splinters before emailing

"Chuck" 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.