If you buy an item via links on this page, we may earn a commission. Our editorial content is not influenced by commissions. Read the full disclosure.
To fully optimize the use of your plug in LED shop lights, it’s best if you know how to use them properly and safely through this quick plug-in LED light guide.
While hardwiring LED lights is the more traditional way to install lighting systems in your shop, a more convenient way to go about would be to simply buy plug in LED shop lights and easily plug them in instead.
In this article, I’m going to tackle some important things to consider before you buy this type of lights. And since I firmly believe that safety should be a top priority, safety tips will also be covered below.
Hardwired vs Plug-in LED Shop Lights
As mentioned above, hardwired LED lights are the old school types of shop lighting systems. How exactly do they differ from the more modern plug in LED shop lights?
Here Are a Few Differences to Note:
Installation
When it comes to installation, plug-ins are definitely more convenient that hardwired LEDs. All the plug-in types need compatible sockets. If you have a compatible socket, you should have no problem using the plug-in shop lights.
Price
In general, plug-in LED lights are actually cheaper to have than hardwired lighting systems. However, conversion of plug-in LEDs to hardwire systems are cheaper than converting hardwire to plug-ins.
Dimmers
In this case, plug-ins are at a disadvantage as compared to hardwired lights since hardwired lights can be more easily used with dimmers.
Modifications
Plug-ins rarely need any modification since you can take it out anytime you need to. Compared to hardwired lights, you may need to do some modifications from time to time if you need some customizations.
Placement
For hardwire lights, you have the option to choose where you want to place them. This is a disadvantage of plug-in types as you’ll only be able to place these lights near a socket.
Do LED Lights Need a Ballast?
One of the more common questions that people tend to ask is whether a LED light needs a ballast as the usual fluorescent light does? If you’re switching to LED, it’s important to note that one of the most common ways to install LED lights would be via the ballast bypass method. That said, you can wire the LED light directly with the lighting system. Because of that, you don’t need a ballast.
If you’re a store owner, you’ll definitely want to consider a LED lighting system because you can easily install it without having extra costs for the ballast. The same thing pretty much goes for plug-in LED lights. You don’t really need a ballast, but you have to know some basic light rewiring to get it to work.
Not sure which bulb to use for your shop? Check out this ARTICLE!
Safety Rules for Plug in LED Shop Lights
Now that you know some of the important facts about plug in LED shop lights, let’s focus now on some safety tips when using them.
Here are some of the safety measures to take note of:
Don’t Use A Light with a Damaged Cord or Plug
This should be observed no matter what kind of appliance you use. If the cord or plug looks damaged, don’t use the LED light because it may result in a safety risk.
Avoid Plugging Too Many Appliances in a Socket
Take note that your shop LED light will use a lot of power to run since you’ll need the lights on when you operate your store. So just to keep safe, make sure that only your LED light is plugged in at one socket. If you have other appliances you need to be turned on, use other sockets instead.
Turn Off Lights When Not in Use
While LED lights are not prone to overheating because of overuse, it always pays to be on the safe side. Just because LED lights cool more easily than fluorescent doesn’t mean there are no harms to leaving the light on 24/7. That said, make sure you turn off your lights if you’re not using it.
Conclusion
By knowing about plug-in LED shop lights, you’re now pretty much ready to buy a set. Before you do though, always make sure to review the safety tips given above so that you won’t be exposed to any harm while installing and using the LED light.
Recommended Reading: