Light Wiring 1 - Light Wiring 2 - Fluorescent Lights 1 - Fluorescent Lights 2 - Recessed Lights - Other Lighting - Exterior Lighting
Q. I am currently wiring a new shop and was given six 8 ft. T12 fixtures with two 60-watt bulbs each. I would like to use two switches with three lights on each switch and would like to know if these can be hardwired from the switch or if each bank is required to be connected from junction boxes? These fixtures are not the extension cord type. Each has the black and white wires to attach incoming wiring to. I would like to know if 14-2 wire is adequate for this.A. Six fixtures times two bulbs times 60 watts = 720 watts. That's about half the available power of a 15-amp circuit. So, #14 copper wire will do fine here as long as the breaker is 15-amps. You'll need one box for the three switches or more than one if the three switches are not in the same place, plus you'll likely need one box at each of the six fixtures.
Q. We have a fluorescent ceiling light with a wall switch. It has worked without problems for 19 years. When the bulbs burn out, I replace them and everything works again. This time one bulb burned out and the second one glowed very softly with a wavy type of light. I replaced the light bulbs, but now the lights will not emit light. There is a small amount of light at each end of the bulbs when I flip on the switch, but they do not go on completely. Is there something else that might need to be replaced in this fixture? I do not see anything else that can be removed and replaced?
A. It's probably time for new ballast or a new fixture. The ballast is normally between the two bulbs in a two-bulb fixture. It is usually hidden from view by a snap-out sheet-metal panel.
Q. I am installing a kitchen fluorescent fixture. I want to connect the live wires to the fixture and test it prior to actually mounting it in the ceiling. Does the ground wire have to be connected in order to get a valid test?
A. Fluorescent lights bulbs need from 750 volts to over 10,000 volts. They step up the voltage from 120 volts to over 750 volts. Some fluorescent fixtures won't reliably start without a ground. But for purposes of a test, it's usually good enough to grab the metal shell with your hands to provide enough grounding.
Q. How do I know the size ballast I need for a fluorescent fixture?
A. You need to know how many bulbs there are and how long they are. However, make sure you check the starter before you change the ballast. In fact, you may want to replace the whole fixture.
Q. How much energy do compact fluorescent light bulbs save?
A. Most estimates are 70 percent, which means that over the life of the bulb you can save as much as $100.
Q. I'd like to put a fluorescent light in the closet, and would prefer an exposed bulb, surface mount. I know this has to be six inches from storage, no problem there. Can the bulb be exposed with surface mount, or do I have to get an enclosed bulb?
A. Incandescent bulbs must be enclosed. Fluorescent bulbs need not be.
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