Putting a Little Light on the Subject

Been meaning to install a new light in my basement where shadows made it difficult to see. There was an outlet nearby (part of existing fixture) so I bought a fluorescent light with a built-in plug. Due to the spacing of the floor joists I had to put a mounting board across them and then mount the new light on the board.

Securing the board was the physically hardest part, because even with a short step ladder I was working over my head. I finally got two good screws in one end, two in the middle and one on the other end (where there's a duct in the way of installing a second screw). So, now to mount the light.

Ironically, the most time-consuming part of installing this light was getting the plug to reach the socket.

First try I measured by eye and drilled the holes for the mounting screws. The cord came out three inches short. No real problem and not unexpected. Because of the geometry of the situation (I had to feed the cord over another duct) I couldn't easily measure the distance and couldn't try the fit until the new fixture was attached to the board.

For the second time I moved the screw holes three inches toward the socket. The plug came out two inches short.

Third time I moved the screws three more inches to the left. Came out just an inch short.

Fourth time I moved four inches to the left and the plug just reached.

Well, I now have light where there was deep shadow in my basement. The cats are slowly coming out of hiding. Did I mention that much of this was right over their dry food bowl?

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