Walls and Ceilings - Suspended Ceiling

Hello,

I'm planning to install a suspended ceiling in my basement.

To reduce the cost of Lighting, I'm considering the use of
Shop Florescent Lights installed above a drop-in plastic panel instead of using a DROP-IN florescent Light fixture.


My questions: What problems would this cause and can I
use the power cord that comes with the Shop Light and plug it
into an electrical box which will be mounted close to the Light?

Thanks in advance to all who respond.

NORAA

I have used shop light fixtures before for my shop. They are cheap and don't perform especially well. Hanging them in the space overhead with a clear panel below will not produce much light in the room. A lot of it will be lost in the overhead space.

One thing to consider is to check in your area for a salvage operation or recycling outfit that has the drop in fixtures that have been removed in office renovations. This would be the actual unit you want. Many times , there is nothing wrong with the units. They were removed to remodel a space. You might be able to buy these units for a really attractive price and have exactly what you want.

Hope this helps.