Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Welcome to kingsnake.com's message board system. Here you may share and discuss information with others about your favorite reptile and amphibian related topics such as care and feeding, caging requirements, permits and licenses, and more. Launched in 1997, the kingsnake.com message board system is one of the oldest and largest systems on the internet.

Click here to visit Classifieds
Southwestern Center for Herpetological Research
Click for 65% off Shipping with Reptiles 2 You

Enclosure Lighting

jeffharding Apr 05, 2011 11:18 AM

I am in the final stages of my revamped monitor cage for 1.1 argus monitors. I am planning on two basking spots with a RHP on the hot side. I bought two dual outlet outdoor flood light fixtures.

I am trying to figure out the best way to mount and wire these fixtures in the cage. I've seen some good ideas using chains attached to a plywood base on the lights. This keeps the wiring encapsulated and the height adjustable. Any other ideas for mounting?

For wiring, I am a bit of a novice with electrical, but i am thinking of using a male-ended extension cord to wire into the fixture. The fixture has a black and white wire for each outlet and a braided copper wire for ground. Could I just wire these up to a cut extension cord? Is it white to white, black to black, and copper ground to green (is it green in the cord?) Or would it be better to run wires to a junction box then one cable to an outlet. The lights need to be on a time, so they need a plug end.

Thanks for your help.

Replies (3)

jeffharding Apr 06, 2011 11:18 AM

So I went out and bought a power tool replace cord. It should wire right up to the light outlet. It is 14 AWG, with 13 amp/125 volt capacity. Since I am using two 50W halogens, it should suffice.

I was wondering if I was wiring it up correctly. Could someone please let me know if this is correct (and safe)?

I'm looking to attach to a piece of plywood and suspend with chain. Is it ok to cut the wires shorter so it will all stuff into the fixture backing so its waterproof?

Bigtattoo Apr 07, 2011 04:41 AM

Yep it's wired correctly. You can cut the wires shorter but I'm wondering if you will have enough room for the wires nuts etc. even if you do cut the wires. You might want to consider a 4" round plastic electrical box mounted on the back side of your plywood.
-----
BigT
There is a difference between ignorance and stupidity. The ignorant can be taught, stupidity is beyond our control.
1.2 P. m. melanoleucus B/W N. J. Northern Pines
1.2 P. d. deppei Mexican Pines
2.2 P. l. lineaticollis Linis or Lined Pines
1.2 P. m. lodingi Black Pines
0.3 P. c. sayi red bulls
1.1 Drymarchon melenurus Blacktail Cribo
1.2 D. corais Yellowtail Cribos
1.2 M. s. cheynei Jungle Carpet
2.6 L. p. pyromelana Arizona Mt. Kings
1.1 L. g. californiae B/W Cali kings
0.0.3 M. f. flagellum Eastern Coachwhips
1.2 G. m. bottegoi Western Plated lizards

jeffharding Apr 07, 2011 11:53 AM

Thats exactly what I am going to do. They have 1.5" round weatherproof boxes I can use and still have plenty for room for the wiring. Makes it easy to rewire as well.

Site Tools