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Re: While we're on the wiring subject

To: "Phil Nase" <nases@verizon.net>, <shop-talk@autox.team.net>
Subject: Re: While we're on the wiring subject
From: "Arvid Jedlicka" <arvidj@visi.com>
Date: Tue, 12 Jun 2007 15:19:52 -0500
Or to add on to what Jim and Randal have suggested, you might
try what I did a couple of months ago.

Had 4 no-switch-just-a-bulb-holder porcelain light fixtures in ceiling
that were controlled by the wall switch.

Wanted fluorescent lights controlled by the wall switch.

Replaced the 4 porcelain fixtures for 4 new porcelain fixtures that
have a pull string for the bulb and an three prong outlet not under the
control of the pull string on the side. I think they were under $5 each
at Menard's. IMHO aslightly cleaner than doing the adapter thing, but
it took a half hour to do all four and the adapter thing would only take
2 minutes.

Hung the new fluorescents - with pull strings and plug on the end of
a 5 foot cord already installed on the fluorescent - and plugged them
into the new porcelain  fixture. 4 footers with "cold start" electronic
balasts from Home Depot - their house brand, what ever that is
called - for about $25 each without the T8 bulbs.

With all the pull strings I can control exactly what goes on when I
flip the wall switch.

Incandescent turned off, fluorescents turned on is normal.

Incandescent on, fluorescents on is for LOTS OF LIGHT or when
I get old - which seems to be happening a lot more lately.

Incandescent on, fluorescents off, or some combination thereof, in
case the Minnesota winter is outside the range of the cold start
balast. Yes, they usually come on, but it takes a while to actually get
useful light and if the wife is simpy "passing thru while parking the car"
she would prefer the quicker incandescents.

And a minimum of wiring work assuming the ground is already run to
the light fixture - turn off the power, take the old porcelain down, make
sure the correct color wire is on the correct color screw, put the new
porcelain up - turn on the power.

Arvid




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