How do I make a hardwired light fixture work as a plug-in?

I've seen some people here use a cheap bathroom light fixture with several light sockets, and transform it into a cfl fixture. However, all the light fixtures that hold several bulbs seem to be of the hardwired variety. So, my question is: How do I re-wire the fixture so it will work with a timer?

The fixtures I have seen (vanity) just have a hot neutral and ground.

You just need a 3 prong cord like this...

http://www.lighting2lightbulbs.com/satco-90-2312-satco-heavy-duty-3-prong-molded-plug-grounded-10ft-cord-set.html

Just gotta make sure it's heavy duty enough for whatever you plan on running. Can even get an extension cord and cut off the female end, splice the wires, if you find a cheap one.

billybob420 said:

The fixtures I have seen (vanity) just have a hot neutral and ground.

You just need a 3 prong cord like this...

http://www.lighting2lightbulbs.com/satco-90-2312-satco-heavy-duty-3-prong-molded-plug-grounded-10ft-cord-set.html

Just gotta make sure it's heavy duty enough for whatever you plan on running. Can even get an extension cord and cut off the female end, splice the wires, if you find a cheap one.

Click to expand...

to observe polarity for safety.The wide plug or wide socket side goes to white or screwbase side of fixture.Normal plug side goes to black or center conductor side of fixture.Ground is not needed unless danger of getting wet.This is American wiring,do not know Euro wiring.

Hey had the same problem until i found these chords at Walmart they are $2 have a male end you can plug right into an outlet and the other end you can wire any common vanity.light.fixture to its what I'm doing works fine just don't over load as stated before

jerichojews said:

I've seen some people here use a cheap bathroom light fixture with several light sockets, and transform it into a cfl fixture. However, all the light fixtures that hold several bulbs seem to be of the hardwired variety. So, my question is: How do I re-wire the fixture so it will work with a timer?

Click to expand...

hopefully this picture can help you...

I think bathroom hollywood fixtures hold the bulbs too far apart. Better to go with a power strip with plug>socket adapters IMO

tuerto84 said:

Hey had the same problem until i found these chords at Walmart they are $2 have a male end you can plug right into an outlet and the other end you can wire any common vanity.light.fixture to its what I'm doing works fine just don't over load as stated before

Click to expand...

If you're going to be running multiple CFL's, stay away from the cheapo Wal Mart stuff, figure out how long of a cord you want, go to Lowe's or Home Depot to the electrical section and have them cut you an appropriate length of 14 gauge wire, then pick up a male end for it, and some twist locks.
Tell them you want a box to mount a fixture like would be in your ceiling, and you're set. All for under $50, and you have plenty to work with.

imchucky666 said:

If you're going to be running multiple CFL's, stay away from the cheapo Wal Mart stuff, figure out how long of a cord you want, go to Lowe's or Home Depot to the electrical section and have them cut you an appropriate length of 14 gauge wire, then pick up a male end for it, and some twist locks.
Tell them you want a box to mount a fixture like would be in your ceiling, and you're set. All for under $50, and you have plenty to work with.

Click to expand...

Agreed! You're better off to spend $50 on proper bulbs, y splitters, wire (large enough gauge to handle the watts ur drawing). The last thing you want to do is start to rewire the fixtures where you live. There is a reason that people go to school to learn plumbing and electrical codes and safety guidelines. Leave that to the professionals.. You'll be worrying enough about your plant, the last thing you need is worrying weather or not your amateur wiring job is done correctly, or safely for that matter.

Stay smart. Stay safe.
Puffin

most electrical cords can handle 660 watts draw and 13 amps. this is the standard i see.
just get a medium base desk lamp, and buy 10 y splitters from wal mart. simple as that. cfl's draw very very little power.