proper gauge wire for a standard T8 florescent fixture connection (residential)
#1
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proper gauge wire for a standard T8 florescent fixture connection (residential)
hello
i just purchased a 8' florescent shop light which requires 4 t8 bulbs, the light did not come with any cord for attachment.
i see the internal wiring of the fixture is labeled as 18 gauge, i was surprised to see such a light gauge wire?
it will not be hard wired i just need to reach the closest outlet.
will splicing a 18 gauge connection to the fixture be acceptable or should i use 16 or 14 gauge?
thanks for the advice
i just purchased a 8' florescent shop light which requires 4 t8 bulbs, the light did not come with any cord for attachment.
i see the internal wiring of the fixture is labeled as 18 gauge, i was surprised to see such a light gauge wire?
it will not be hard wired i just need to reach the closest outlet.
will splicing a 18 gauge connection to the fixture be acceptable or should i use 16 or 14 gauge?
thanks for the advice
#2
i see the internal wiring of the fixture is labeled as 18 gauge, i was surprised to see such a light gauge wire?
The wire/cable that you use to feed the light fixture needs to match the wire size of the branch circuit overcurrent device (circuit breaker/fuse). So, if the circuit you are coming off of is a 15 amp circuit you will need to use #14 wire or 14/2 cable. If it is a 20 amp circuit you will need to use #12 wire or 12/2 cable.
#3
Technically the fixture that did not come with a cord and plug may not be equipped with a cord and plug. But if it did come with a cord and plug, the cord would probably be 16 or 18 gauge such as the cord for a table lamp.
Some shop light fixtures come with a cord and plug but the cord is only about 12 to 18 inches long. Use of an extension cord must still be regarded as temporary. But a flexible conduit or approved cable with the full 12 or 14 gauge wiring can come down from the ceiling to provide a box with receptacles within reach of the fixture.
Some shop light fixtures come with a cord and plug but the cord is only about 12 to 18 inches long. Use of an extension cord must still be regarded as temporary. But a flexible conduit or approved cable with the full 12 or 14 gauge wiring can come down from the ceiling to provide a box with receptacles within reach of the fixture.