Lower Level Lighting

It has been on my list of things to do to install lighting under the upper level for the lower level towns.

After looking at several options I decided to go with small (12" 8w) florescent lights.  I calculated I would need 13 (3 at Thorny Point, 1 at Brooke, 2 at Hood, 2 at Flat Top and 5 at White Hall).  A search of the Internet found a source for about $12.00 per light which was about 1/2 the next lowest cost.  So I order them.  (Depending on the coverage I may need to order 8 more but that is a later posting.)

They arrived yesterday and today I started installing the units.  This is back breaking work so I install a couple then rest for a few hours and then install a couple more.  (Installation at this point is just fastening the frame to the upper level.)  At this point I have 6 installed.

I decided I needed to get the hookup wire and wire a couple of them to see what the coverage will be to see if I need to adjust their location and number.  A quick search on the Internet revealed it is cheaper to buy extension cords than it is to buy bulk wire.  Go figure?  I can get 100' of 16 gauge 3 conductor extension cord for $17 or 17 cents per foot.  The cheapest bulk I have found is 13 cents per foot with 12 cents per foot shipping for a total of 25 cents per foot.  So I guess I will be going to Lowe's tomorrow to purchase the extension cord and use it for bulk wire.