Hi all,
I work in a detached shop, often by myself, and live in a rural area. There’s a long road near where I live that often has trees fall over during windstorms and, unfortunately, it’s share of auto accidents. Both of these things sometimes lead to a temporary power out. We generally have a few each year. My concern is with regard to having this happen while I am working in the shop and at the exact WRONG moment. The power outs sometimes dont “take” at first resulting in a jolting of the power (I know, you’re cringing) so I have magnetic switches installed on all of my larger equipment and try to stay aware of my surroundings and what I’m doing. (OK, I mean EXTRA aware.)
I’m wondering if anyone has any experience with an emergency lighting system that they are happy with? something not too terribly expensive and unintrusive to install would be nice 🙂
Cheers,
G
“If you cant find the time to do it right, how will you EVER find the time to do it AGAIN?
Replies
The building code for commercial buildings requires those kind of emergency lights in most new commercial structures. I'll bet if you post this question over at Breaktime, you'll get some responses related to those units. (Lots of builders over there, including many who do commercial work.)
And I'll bet that those units are no more difficult to install than a normal light fixture.
YM,
I work in the same situation. You can buy cheap plug in flashlights that go on when the power goes off. The reliability is lower than a code approved system for public buildings, but they work well enough for a one-man shop.
On another note, it's a good idea to have the regular shop lights wired on a seperate circuit from any tools. That way, when the power comes back, there's less chance the light circuit will be tripped.
Jack
You could use a ups system. ups = uninterruptedly power supply. a lot of computers use a ups so you get 10 minutes to get the computer shut off. Just plug in a light instead of the computer. Cost is some where about $60.00
Thanks Fredsmart!
That's what I love, simple, cheap, and I can implement immediately as I have several UPS units due to all of the work I do with computers.
In the long run, I would still like to do something a little more "elegant" but this idea can give me peace of mind TONIGHT. Thanks again.Cheers,
G
"Ooh!, Ah!, do the smarty pants, Ooh! Ahh!"
Second FredSmart's suggestion. Use a computer UPS. You should only need a small one, install it in line with a couple of lights that provide low wattage general light (not work light) in the shop. When the power fails, you'll have several minutes of light to make the shop safe for when you return (maybe even spend 5 mins putting tools away) and then leave. If the UPS is also connected to a light over the door, you'll even be able to see to lock-up
Ian
I got two or three lights from a renovation at the airport. Everything old needed to be replaced with new stuff. The old ones where to be thrown out so with permission I took them home. Just an idea but check around some of the job sites in your area.
Scott C. Frankland
Scott's WOODWORKING Website
"He who has the most tools may not win the race of life but he will sure make his wife look like a good catch when she goes to move on."
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