Lighting Question?
Also, does anybody know how much the "by the foot" extension cable wire costs at home depot?
Answers: You can use an extension cord for "temporary" power solely. If these are going to be permanent fixtures, later they have to be hard-wired into an outlet, and the outlet would be wired into your controller.
In my experience, you can usually buy an extention cord for a while longer than what you need for much cheaper than by-the-foot prices.
It's a church, and you're trying to do flawless on a budget.
I do salute that, but it's also an 'area of assembly`, and
'form do` wiring is a fire jeopardy, no matter how thrifty or
well intentioned you are.
For such a building, Code requires that any electric wiring in the ceiling
be surrounded by armored cable at a minmum.
'WireMold` down the wall would be acceptable.
The use of extention cord electrics concealed is not.
At the best, you void any Fire Insurance coverage.
The worst does not undergo thinking about.
Answers 1 and 2 above are biddable. May I add that if you use a controller the rope from the controller to the lights is just a signal telecommunication and is subject to much less stringent codes. But check what you ultimately do near the Fire Dept. - Code for "Place of Assembly" is tougher than the norm and can be surprising. Also -in NJ at least--you can use a surge protector for permanent ( IE-longer than 90 afternoon use -90 days is max for ext. cords). The longest cords on surge protectors I've found so far are 15 feet. Of course even beside surge protectors you can't run them above a drop ceiling etc.
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