Ceiling / Swag light

I picked up the attached from Menards this evening.
I really need a longer electrical cable and as its going to be hanging from the ceiling the on/off switch isn't in a good location.
My question is whether I can buy a light fixture like this without the cable & then attach my own cable and plug.

 

You could install a second in-line switch anywhere you want on the cord. How long a cord did you need?

Is there a reason you can't install a regular light fixture where you need it?

 

When you say regular light fixture what are you suggesting?

Can I just use something like this https://www.menards.com/main/lightin...033-c-7526.htm

And then thread the wire through the light shade before connecting the socket?

 

Install a ceiling box and a wall switch. It can be done either by fishing the cable or using surface race (Wiremold).

I'm not really understanding why you need a longer cord. By code there should be a receptacle to plug into on the wall within six feet of where you want to go. Are you trying to go to the center of the room? If so running cable and installing boxes is best. Maybe a picture of the room and where in it you want the light will help us help you.

I don't know what that thing in your first post is but to me this is a swag light.



Id suggest you try a real lighting store.

 

Yes I am trying to go to the center of the room. The wall is 8ft from the center of the room. It's an apartment with concrete ceilings. I'm really not a fan of using a surface race. Rather than use a traditional light switch I was just going to use a smart power outlet to turn the light on/off.
But it sounds like you are saying if the light is more than 6ft from the wall I need to install something more permanent?
I'm not there right now. I'll take a picture this evening.

 

By definition a swag light is suspended from the ceiling and has a power connection not located at the attachment point to the ceiling (see picture above).

You are limited in the placement of the fixture since the manufacturer second guessed only so far in deciding how much cord to give you. Although substituting different parts in a light fixture or appliance will void the U.L. rating or other safety standards rating, the replacement of worn cords, sockets, etc. with like materials is common and no one would be the wiser if you substituted a longer cord of the same kind.

A swag light does not violate the rule that exposed cords must be temporary when the light is hung from hooks from which it can be lifted off and moved and also no extension cord is used. This would be comparable to a floor lamp that can be unplugged and carried elsewhere.

 

Ok that makes sense. If I make my own swag light using a light fixture, cable and plug that doesn't violate code right?

I just find it hilarious that I can make my own light up from scratch but I can't replace parts of a purchased one (unless they are faulty). Or is that not correct?

 

Correction: If you modify a manufactured light fixture including replacing a plug with a direct connected wire/cable, it would be(come) equal to a home built light fixture. Neither would have/retain a U.L. rating.

It would be up to a judge to decide whether insurance would cover a fire allegedly caused by either fixture taking into account the workmanship versus the simple lack of a U.L. rating.

You would not get a code violation from a home inspector unless an exposed cord or a cord with a plug were "permanently" fastened to a wall or ceiling or there was obvious poor workmanship such as exposed wire nuts.

 

Not guaranteeing code compliance but I'd suggest a Wire mold ceiling box. Put a hook in the ceiling and an eye bolt into the back of the Wiremold box. (That way not permanently mounted.) Using a rubber grommet in the side of the Wiremold box run lamp cord of sufficient length to a polarized plug for insertion into a receptacle.. You could then fasten a light fixture of your choice to the Wiremold box. Note in the box you will need to use a UL knot on the lamp cord.

Plan B hang a fluorescent light fixture using short chains. No box needed as the interior of the light is rated for connections. Because fluorescent lights like grounds I'd suggest 16-3 SOJ cord. Use a cord clamp at the light.

Decorative chain can be bought at the hardware store if you want to keep the swag look. Some would argue though without a UL or other NTL rating in case of fire even if not related to the light the insurance company could try to use it as a reason for claim denial. How true that is I don't know.

Not really dismissing your ideas just making suggestions that might look better but that is in the eye of the beholder.

 

Thanks AlanJ & ray2047 - things are becoming clearer.

I'm now thinking my best option for looks & retaining the U.L. rating is:
- Cord set from Ikea. This is similar to my first picture, but doesn't have an inline switch. It also comes with hooks to hang it SEKOND Cord set - IKEA
- An extension cord of at least 5' in length e.g. KOPPLA Extension cord - IKEA

I assume this would retain the U.L. rating as I haven't touched it.
For looks I would use a shade like this or possibly a wider version RULLAN Shade - IKEA

If you are interested in the light cord the instructions show how it would be fitted http://www.ikea.com/us/en/assembly_i...7702-1_pub.PDF

Otherwise I could create the same without an extension wired myself but that would have the disadvantage of not having a U.L. rating.
Hopefully I have my options straight now.

 

Here is another solution: This:


And an extension cord plus hooks.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-W...-00W/100170446