Dick Sylvan
05-27-2008, 11:54 PM
I just purchased a Lightolier fluorescent overhead fixture (4 tube) for my workshop ceiling. I plan to use 4 for the shop, but I bought one to see how I was going to hang and wire this particular fixture. I bought it from a local dealer here in Houston which has been in business for many years and serves both homeowners and professionals for their lighting needs. I was wearing a white, button-down shirt, Hermes tie, and braces, so it was clear I wasn't a member of Houston's fine cadre of electricians. I explained that I was going to use it for my woodworking shop and this was what the salesman suggested. So, I get it home and un-box it to discover:
1). There are no instructions as to how to hang/mount the fixture or wire it.
2) There is a female wiring input with round holes unlike anything I have ever seen except for some European wall plugs. There was no male part, nor any clue as to what that part was or where to get it.
3) There is a metal cover that goes over the ballast and central wires, but no screws or point of attachment, so I suppose it is supposed to fall down and sit on the plastic lens after the light is installed.
4) There are holes in the "top" of the fixture at either end that could be used to screw it to the ceiling, but if you are not mounting to a solid ceiling no other holes for odd locations of joists, etc.
5) There are a couple of holes that could be used for the power in wire , but not any on the sides in case a wire to a plug was to be used.
All in all, not a happy experience for something that really should be easy. Has American industry become so litigation shy that it has become worthless to all but the "professional" user. Do I have to resort to some cheap fixture from the Borg. Or am I just SOL? Obviously, this is mostly a rant, but any help or suggestions would be appreciated before I return what to me is a useless, but otherwise nice looking fixture. Thanks to all who can help this incompetent fool!!
1). There are no instructions as to how to hang/mount the fixture or wire it.
2) There is a female wiring input with round holes unlike anything I have ever seen except for some European wall plugs. There was no male part, nor any clue as to what that part was or where to get it.
3) There is a metal cover that goes over the ballast and central wires, but no screws or point of attachment, so I suppose it is supposed to fall down and sit on the plastic lens after the light is installed.
4) There are holes in the "top" of the fixture at either end that could be used to screw it to the ceiling, but if you are not mounting to a solid ceiling no other holes for odd locations of joists, etc.
5) There are a couple of holes that could be used for the power in wire , but not any on the sides in case a wire to a plug was to be used.
All in all, not a happy experience for something that really should be easy. Has American industry become so litigation shy that it has become worthless to all but the "professional" user. Do I have to resort to some cheap fixture from the Borg. Or am I just SOL? Obviously, this is mostly a rant, but any help or suggestions would be appreciated before I return what to me is a useless, but otherwise nice looking fixture. Thanks to all who can help this incompetent fool!!