wiring flourescent fixtures

[cobob]

I am adding a second 4 bulb flourescent fixture I salvaged. The first is hung from chains S hooked to the garage ceiling. It is plugged into the garage door opener outlet. Can I splice the second fixture to the first's electrical cord

[Tom Slick]

Do you mean directly splice the wires so they form a "Y"? NO! The splice needs to be in an enclosure of some type for fire safety reasons. you could splice one fixture into the other inside the other fixture. you could add a junction box outside of the fixture. the easiest and simplist way would be to use an extension cord with two receptacles on the end.

[gerti]

Maybe this?

http://www.acehardwareoutlet.com/(a44nlc455p401yewedvsau45)/LargeImage.aspx?SKU=3160926&Image=3160926_083007I_NS.jpg

[cobob]

Thanks Tom. The electrical cord is extra long. So, I could cut it; run the wiring from fixture 1 to fixture 2 & & tie in the cord that goes to the outlet inside fixture 2...wired in series so to speak? Now that I think a bit. I could splice wiring coming from each fixture to the cord coming from the outlet. It's the same as using a multi plug outlet. I would use wiring nuts & electrical tape to excess of course...& make sure to home insurance is paid up.

[Mr__Bill]

You could daisy-chain them together in parallel, but as soon as you do that one of the fixtures will need to be moved and the cord will then not be long enough. Best to just put a multiple in the GD opener outlet and use two cords. Remember the older florescent fixtures need to be grounded for the lamps to not burn out right a way. Not sure about the newer ones.

Bill,

[cobob]

Of course ya'll are right. I'm over thinking. Use a GD multiple. I'll have to reaquaint myself with the KISS Principle ... Keep It Simple Stupid.