Plug in garage lights

[andy120t]

Has anyone used any plug in / plug together garage lights - I'm thinking about strip lights for the ceiling but ones that don't require wiring in...a(ie) they come with three pin plugs and can also be joined to others.
I've seen various ones online but just wondering if anyone has used any and would recommend any?
I've also seen LED battens, but they look as if you can't change a bulb - if they fail you need to replace the whole unit - is that the case,?
Thanks!

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

I fitted LED battens in my Garage in 2020 to replace my Fluorescent units. When they fail they are scrap.
The led batten in our kitchen was fitted back in 2018, still working.

[taysidedragon]

I've got LED battens in mine too. They were only about £20 each from Screwfix, good light levels and they last for years!

[DomP]

I used led battens from screwfix in my garage, however in my new workshop I went for 600mm square led tiles that are normally used in suspended ceilings, loads of light spread from them

[andy120t]

Thanks all - we have a Screwfix nearby so I'll have a look at theirs then.

[TrickyMicky]

About 4 years ago, I fitted a pair of LAP brand LED battens from Screwfix. The only tool needed was a screwdriver to mount them on the beams. The existing wires are just inserted into a couple of spring loaded connectors similar to the way speaker wires were connected to the back of a H-Fi, (Remember them??).  The second light is connected in series to the first one using the same method. Because the current draw is so small, you can connect quite a few together in this fashion.  Instant light at the touch of a switch, with a good spread. Even fitted a small version under the shelf over the bench.  I go for the cool white option, especially for the bench light.  Not cheap, but you only get what you pay for.  Bit like Halcyon mirrors!!!! Regards, Mike.

[Gromitdog]

Hi Andy

I got some 240V LED strip lights for my attic they are very thin and you can just link them together in a string just by plugging them in too each other. The 1st one has to have a 240V connection to it then you just plug the others in a string. I am very pleased with them nice and bright.

Nige

[andy120t]

I also saw this thing, which is the 'speaker wire connector' together with a switch and plug...so was thinking of using this with one or more battens.  That would save me wiring anything - plus it's all switched off and unplugged when I'm not there.

[andy120t]

...plus a relatively cheap Wickes batten to wire in. I may need a few of each as I want 3 or 4 down the length of the garage and my rafters are parallel, so I can't run the in a line.

[Laverda Dave]

I've been looking to upgrade my garage lighting as the existing 65w fluorescent lights I installed back in 1998 are power hungry and especially when all of them are switched on which is all the time I am in there.
Reading up on the subject whilst led lamps are obviously cheaper to install and run the downside is positioning. I find with my existing lighting I get shadowing especially when the lighting units all run in the same direction.
The latest thinking is to use multi directional led lamps that can be adjusted for up and down (effectively bringing them closer to the work area when required) and tilted. Being multi directional the theory is you don't need so many to provide sufficient lighting to a specific area. I think the ideal set up will be a mix of the two, batten lamps for general lighting but run in different directions to avoid shadows and the multi directional lamps for specific work areas.

[Laverda Dave]

Mefflypee 2 Pack LED Garage Lights, 120W Deformable LED Garage Ceiling Lights with 5 Adjustable Panels, 12000LM E26 LED Shop Lights for Garage, Basement, Barn, High Bay Light (2 Pack) : Amazon.co.uk: Lighting https://share.google/aoATTQFYOJJqENp6E

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Dave that link looks pretty good.

[Laverda Dave]

They do look to be made of very flimsy plastic Ted and they also have a GLS fitting that would need to go into a main lamp holder but I've posted the link to give an example of what is available. These are what I would use now if I were to be renewing my existing lamps that consume 500w when all switched on and still dont give the best lighting but considering we have just sold the house I won't be doing this upgrade!

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

They remind me of an Operating Theatre array.😀

What is a GLS fitting Dave?

[Laverda Dave]

Only if you are laying down with a mask over you nose and mouth and with a parcel label attached to your big toe Ted