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I want to replace a ceiling fixture with a plug-in overhead fixture that I would like to hardwire directly
to the ceiling box. The plug is two prong, no ground. Is it as simple as cut the plug off, then connect white to white, black
to black? Is it dangerous or a fire hazard with no ground connection?
Usually, a fixture is UL listed to be used as originally shipped from the factory. That would preclude
the ability to cut off the plug from the end of the cord to hard-wire the light unless the manufacturer listed that as an
acceptable wiring method in the installation instructions.
If it is allowed and if you decide to do it, just make sure that you install
a ground wire from the metal shell of the fixture to the junction box (if it is metal) or to a ground wire to properly ground
the light to the building’s electrical system.
I recently had recessed lights installed
my kitchen ceiling. The electrician installed them from the attic, where the tops of them are visible. I was told to keep
the insulation away from them because they can get hot. Should I be worried about this or are they safe?
Your electrician should have installed IC-rated recessed
lights for you. These are designed for direct contact with insulation. If non-IC lights were used, then insulation (and any
combustible material) must be kept a minimum distance of 3" from the fixture.
Also, it's very important only to use bulbs that are recommended
for the fixture to prevent overheating. There should be a list of approved bulbs (and maximum wattages) on a label on the
inside of the fixture. That same label should also tell you if the fixtures are IC or non-IC.
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