Is it possible to buy, or make, a converter that plugs into a standard light bulb socket, but that would power florescent lights?

We've got a typical house in the 'burbs, and the garage has exactly two light bulbs in the ceiling. I'd like to go to two or four 8' Home Depot fluorescent lights, but I still want to be able to use the wall switch to turn them on. I know I could rewire, but I'd rather not, if I can avoid it.

Mark

Umm...

Shit dude, I just don't know where to start. Hold on, this is going to hurt ya.

Darwin is strong with this one.

This is a really, really, criminally easy task if you know what you're doing.

If you have to ask, here are the phone numbers of several electricians in your area:
Atomic Electric (local advertiser)
(303) 819-5557

Bigfoot Electric (local advertiser)
(303) 646-6247 | 875 Mobile St Elizabeth, CO 80107

Daniel's Electric (local advertiser)
(303) 472-2759

Divine Lighting and Electric (local advertiser)
(303) 945-3503

Done Right Electric (local advertiser)
(720) 290-9881

Economic Electric (local advertiser)
(720) 301-9318

Intelect Incorporated (local advertiser)
(720) 259-4413 | 8200 S Quebec Englewood, CO 80112

McBride Lighting & Electrical Services (local advertiser)
(303) 778-8787 | 260 S Raritan St Denver, CO 80223

MD Electric (local advertiser)
(303) 952-0481

Power Logic (local advertiser)
(303) 945-3558 | P.O. Box 470627 Aurora, CO 80047

:maddog:It is not possible because your house would burn down before you flipped the switch.:/maddog:

Hey, I wasn't happy with the lights in my garage so I used y splitters that I screw in the sockets and then used the big 23 watt compact flourescents all around.

I now get 200 watt equivalent of incandescents with only 46 watts of flourescent power.

I will fly out there, buy the materials, and perform the install for $3000.00. Does that sound like a deal?

This is a very easy swap, but feel free to read up on the appropriate literature. The "hardest" part is getting the prongs of an 8' lamp alligned.

:laughing:

:maddog:It is not possible because your house would burn down before you flipped the switch.:/maddog:

haha, No way man here is what he will say;

OH WOW SWITCHING TO FLUORESENCTS FROM NEMA-4634 Sec G45 line 5 states "No household may switch from different lighting in a residential space if the month and day when installed is divisible by 2 unless blue tape is used on each conductor wire at 3' spacing the entire lenght of the wire unless of course it is a leap year in a zipcode ending in 0321." So THERE GUYS YOU ARE ALL GOING TO BURN YOUR HOUSES DOWN!!!!!!!!!!

Wow, guys, it must be a slow night... All I really wanted to know if one could find an adapter that turns a light fixture into a standard receptacle. (Yes, and they're really cheap.) I decided to buy lights that don't have plug, though, so I'll rewire the existing fixtures. I better call my insurance agent first, though, 'cause this sounds really dangerous...:D

I guess Plato was right...

Mark

Wow, it must have been a slow night.


Well, since the other folks got all the fun stuff out of the way... I guess all I can do is help you.


Same Home Depot your getting the lights from has adapters that screw into the light socket to turn them into a receptacle. Off the top of my head I can't recall if they are only 2-prong or 3-prong (aka have a ground). Thinking they are only 2-prong, if they are, then the typical 3-prong lights going to have to be adapted. That I leave you to your own, since losing the grounding plug is not the best idea unless you come up with an alternative ground....

remove the incandesant bulb put your finger in the socket and have someone turn the switch on. if you get shocket you kan use a floursent blbe!!!:laughing::laughing::shaking::shaking:

Another option - even simpler, and cheaper: go to HD and pick up some of their 150W fluorescent lamps, that only consume 62w of energy. I'd try them first at a ~$20 investment before anything.

I'd screw in those compact fluorescent bulbs. We just replaced the incandescent lights in our hallway and I'm really happy with the change from dull yellow light to bright white light. Plus, the fact that they consume about 1/3 the power is a nice bonus too for my liberal hippy and frugal sides. :)

Quote:
Originally Posted by threadkiller
:maddog:It is not possible because your house would burn down before you flipped the switch.:/maddog:

haha, No way man here is what he will say;
Quote:
Originally Posted by CPOM
OH WOW SWITCHING TO FLUORESENCTS FROM NEMA-4634 Sec G45 line 5 states "No household may switch from different lighting in a residential space if the month and day when installed is divisible by 2 unless blue tape is used on each conductor wire at 3' spacing the entire lenght of the wire unless of course it is a leap year in a zipcode ending in 0321." So THERE GUYS YOU ARE ALL GOING TO BURN YOUR HOUSES DOWN!!!!!!!!!!

Quote:
Originally Posted by maddog
Good choice! That way you are not limited to just your welder at the end run. You never know!? there might be something else you could use the circuit for as well.

In essence what I was saying is use the circuit for its’ intended use. It will work.. Should have said that.! Best thing is to have it as a dedicated circuit and label it at the Service Panel. And do not change the factory cord as the thread started out. Any problems with that MR. theadkiller or Mr. CPOm ?
Seems like you guys have a craw up your ass and have something say. My replies are intended for only the best and safe way for anybody. Don’t think about the now but the future. So you want to snicker like a kid and slam some more bring it on. I’m listening..But make it fast I'm getting ready to go on a four week vacation. This comming weekend.