How to convert wired shop light to plug in LED?


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Old 02-22-23, 09:43 PM
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How to convert wired shop light to plug in LED?

I'd like to convert this to a plug in LED shop light (like one from Harbor Freight). What do you recommend? I'm comfortable doing basic wiring as long as you explain it well. Thanks!


 

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02-23-23, 01:14 PM
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By converting the hardwired connection to an outlet for a plug-in fixture will require gfci protection for those outlets if the location has concrete slab on grade floor. Such as a garage or unfinished basement.
 
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Old 02-23-23, 02:49 AM
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It's been awhile and my memory isn't the best but you disconnect the ballast [it isn't used] and you only use the wires on one side [the otherside of the light just uses the tombstone which is not wired] The bulbs I bought had instructions printed on the side of the cardboard sleeve.
 
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Old 02-23-23, 04:31 AM
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There are a couple different wiring schematics depending on the type of bulbs you purchase. Search this site and you will find many posts with the schematics.
 
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Old 02-23-23, 04:53 AM
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First, turn off the circuit breaker that supplies the lights. Undoo the wire nuts from the cable feeding the existing light and remove the fixture. Mount an outlet box to the joists. It can face downwards or sideways but it can NEVER be concealed or hidden behind anything. Run the cable that used to feed the old light into the outlet box. Wire up an outlet and install a cover plate. Now anything you plug into that outlet, like a shop light, will turn on and off with the light switch.
 
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Old 02-23-23, 06:36 AM
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Are you looking to replace the light with a new one or convert the existing light to LED lamps?
 
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Old 02-23-23, 11:31 AM
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Pilot Dane I was wondering if it was that simple. So just get a standard 15amp receptacle and black to gold, white to silver? I'm not currently at the home but I'm pretty sure I didn't see a ground wire so it's not the typical 12/2 romex like I'm used to seeing. Is that okay?

Tolyn Ironhand Replacing with one of those plug-in 4 foot LED's at Harbor Freight, Lowe's etc.
 
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Old 02-23-23, 11:35 AM
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Yes, it is that simple. When the circuit is off and you have the old fixture down hopefully you will find the ground.

You can also do what the others have been talking about which is convert your existing fixture to LED. You throw away the ballast and rewire the fixture (very easy) to accept 4' long LED bulbs. My office and 1/2 the warehouse has been converted and it is great. The LEDS are brighter and the turn on without trouble when it's cold.
 
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Old 02-23-23, 01:14 PM
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By converting the hardwired connection to an outlet for a plug-in fixture will require gfci protection for those outlets if the location has concrete slab on grade floor. Such as a garage or unfinished basement.
 
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Old 02-23-23, 03:39 PM
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Good catch pattenp. A GFCI may be required even if it's mounted in the ceiling.
 
 

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