Shop Light

diydude1

I have a hardwired shoplight that I wired to a black 16/3 cord. It is the wire used for power tools and replacement cords that I got from HomeDepot. I ran that about 15ft to the shoplight and put a grounded plug on there to plug it in to an outlet under my workbench.
I figured this would meet code a little closer instead of cutting an extension cord and wiring it in.

Currently I have been plugging and unplugging it when I need it. It doesn't have a pullchain, and I would put one on but due to the fact it is really high, and I don't want to pull on it every day and loosen anythin. This is getting annoying and wearing out my outlet. If I was to cut the cord where I need it, and put a junction box with a basic lightswitch for the light, would this be ok?

The box would be a 1 gang metal junction box with a toggle switch. Romex connectors and grounded properly. Surface mounted to the wall.

Can I use the stranded cord with a lightswitch? Is this safe if I was to wire it right?

Jim Port

The correct and code compliant method would be to install a switched receptacle. You also should replace the flex cord. Flex cord cannot be used as a substitute for premises wiring.

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Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.

diydude1

There is no way I can get into the wall though for a permenant solution. It is sheetrocked and then peg-board on it with a whole bunch of tools.

The stranded cord was recommended by an electrician I saw at the store. He said it would be fine for permenant situation because of its purpose. Lights, garage door openers, microwaves, pretty much everything. They are permenant and still use "flex cord".

The light being used is a hanging light. Cord comes out, runs down in the middle of the air, and plugs into the outlet under the workbench. The light has an option for a pullchain, but I just wanted a switch at reach so I don't pull the thing down. Thats why I wanted to know if I could just put a toggle switch at reach.

I've even looked into wiremold, but I can't spend that much on such a small project.
My original idea was to just run a powerstrip up and plug the light in, but I wanted a more "cleaner" install.

joed

The cord attached to the fixture is fine. Since it is not permanent wiring it is not covered by NEC. It would fall into the same category as a lamp.
Put in a switched receptacle. Use on of these if you need to.

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diydude1

That would of been perfect. And I almost thought I found the answer. But the outlet is not only under the bench, where I have to bend over and crawl under to reach it, I also use both outlets. One runs a power strip for chargers/tools/and a radio, the other would be for the light. I would still need a way to keep both plugs.

UGH! That would of been perfect!

Still trying

jbfan

plug in another power strip, plug the light into it and use the switch from the power strip to turn the light off

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joed

That was my next suggestion.

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