How do I assemble a shop light?

Question

I've purchased a 24" T12 strip/shop light that takes 20 watt bulbs. It has a variety of wires colored yellow, white and black. There is no on or off switch. How do I make this thing work? What other tools do I need?

Is there a light fixture product on the market like this that is already fully assembled (minus the bulbs, I can put those in lol! )?

Answer 1

You purchased the kind that require a ballast. You need to put in a switch to control it just like the lights in your house. Take it back and buy one that just plugs into an existing outlet. Much easier and actually cheaper. Home Depot has them. I think you can even get them at Walmart. Good luck and I hope this helps.

Answer 2

I have purchased shop lights that just plug into an outlet.  No assembly except to put in the bulbs and the little s hooks with the chains to hang it from something.   Some have on/off switch but cheaper ones are either on when plugged in or off when not plugged in.   Sounds like you got the kind that is hard wired and runs from a wall switch.