Mounting Canopy for Light Fixture

[rp2813]

A friend of mine wants to replace a porch lamp, but he'd like to find one that includes an electrical outlet on the canopy.  This was a common feature on bathroom fixtures, but few outdoor fixtures come with them (for obvious reasons), and the styles found on line that do (GFCI, of course) aren't compatible with his MCM home.

 

I tried finding just a mounting canopy with outlet that could be substituted for the one that would be included with a more stylish fixture, but had no luck.  I've installed plenty of wall and ceiling mounted fixtures and honestly the only difference I've found is that the outdoor ones have a rubber gasket on the back of the canopy, which would be easy enough to reproduce.

 

The lamp would be well-protected under an eave.   The outlet would be used for strings of lights.  I was thinking we could find a fixture that uses a length of all-thread that goes through a hole in the center of the canopy and substitute a similar canopy with an outlet -- if just that part by itself can be found.

 

What do you think?  Any other solutions for this would be welcome.

 

[cadman]

I think I'd find a canopy I liked and use a nibbler tool to cut a hole for one of these snap-in receptacles. I did something similar years ago to my medicine cabinet so I could charge my razor with the mirror closed.

https://www.antiquelampsupply.com/snap-in-convenience-outlet.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2PnAyPvA6QIVENbACh0JhA92EAQYBiABEgIgfPD_BwE

 

[ea56]

What about Something Like This?

A socket that screws into the light socket that also has a plug outlet.

Eddie

 

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-Socket-with-Outlets-White-R52-01403-

00W/100184555

 

[rp2813]

Thanks Cory.  That's something to consider.

 

Eddie, the fixture will likely have a glass or plastic shading component, so one those socket outlets wouldn't likely work.   I doubt he wants one of those "dark sky" type of fixtures, but that's one design that would accommodate a socket outlet.  Still, he'd probably give a thumbs-down to having the cord coming out the lighting source instead of more discreetly plugging into a canopy.

 

[wiskybill]

something like this...?

http://www.mylampparts.com/Departments/CANOPIES/E-Z-HANG-FIXTURE-CANOPY.aspx

 

[rp2813]

Well Bill, that's pretty close.  The preference is for a flat surface on the canopy since he's hoping to find a modern looking fixture, but if the canopy is mostly obscured, one of those ceiling/hanging types could work.  They seem to be designed for corded hanging lamps or, if you're into a retro look, a swagged chain lamp.

 

[thomasortega]

Why not simply put a smart bulb?

 

[rp2813]

"Why not simply put a smart bulb?"

Because LED lighting is harsh and has been proven to cause serious eye problems and headaches.  I won't willingly use that type of bulb and neither will he.

 

As indicated in the OP, the desired arrangement is for a 120v outlet to be incorporated into the fixture in order to operate a string of dumb, but far more pleasing incandescent mini lights.   Even the smartest of bulbs can't do that.

The scientific reason you don’t like LED bulbs — and the simple way to fix them

That flicker in the corner of your eye isn’t your imagination.

theconversation.com

 

[thomasortega]

Ah... OK...

So what about a "Smart" bulb socket (that transforms any bulb into a smart bulb)?

There are plenty of options, from "really smart" (that connects to the WIfi and you can control using your phone or Alexa) to "dumb smart" that have a simple remote control.

 

[rp2813]

Dear readers,

 

Did I not adequately describe the desired 120v receptacle?   Please advise if you're as confused as I am over the smartness angle.

 

[thomasortega]

I suggested the smart socket because some of them have one, others have TWO outlets and there is even a model with FOUR outlets (designed thinking of string lights), plus the bulb socket. And as a bonus, you can operate them independently by using the remote control or "smart" devices (that was to give you options instead of all on-all off)

 

[circlew]

Ralph also mentioned that his friend probably wouldn't want the light set cord coming out of the fixtures shade. That usually looks tacky.

 

[ea56]

Ralph,

Perhaps your friend should go to a hardware store and take a look for himself?

 

People here are only trying to be helpful.  

 

For a once a year need to hang some Christmas lights, having the cord coming out from the light shade should be tolerable, especially if the fixture is located under the eaves.  Anybody viewing the display would be probably looking at the Christmas lights, not the source to the electrical power to light them. 

 

No matter what the end solution is, unless he puts in a dedicated hidden outlet there are going to be visible cords coming from the light fixture.

 

Eddie

 

[circlew]

I'm under the impression from what Ralph said that this light string was going to stay up longer term than just seasonal, such as Christmas. I've plugged Christmas lights into a porch fixture before, too. But they were only up for six weeks or so. My new porch has a weatherproof GFCI receptacle (switch controlled) mounted near the outside edge of the ceiling. The hinged cover is white to match the ceiling.

 

There isn't a very wide selection of outdoor wall fixtures available with integral receptacles. This is due to the fact that the NEC requires all exterior receptacles to be weatherproof, of the grounding type, and GFCI protected (either internally or otherwise). That makes the canopy of such fixtures larger than usual to accommodate said receptacle.

 

If I had such a situation I probably would install a weatherproof surface mount box over the existing box ( if it's recessed) and run a short piece of conduit to another weatherproof surface box, and install a receptacle in that (painting all to match wall). The issue with that is it may be difficult to find fixtures that have a canopy that will fit the box.

 

 

[rp2813]

Thomas, thanks for elaborating.  That was quite helpful. 

 

Tom, you are correct that these wouldn't be seasonal lights, and instead would be used at various times for additional lighting outside on his patio area.   The cord would be hidden when the lights were not in use.  Since he lives in a 4-plex, he doesn't want to make any alterations that adding an outdoor receptacle would require.