Deriving power for an external device from a fluorescent light power source

A wireless network component that derives power from a power source of a fluorescent light, comprising:

• mounting means for mounting the wireless network component to a surface in proximity to a fluorescent lamp;
• a first power coupling electrically connected to a power converter of the wireless network component and configured for electrically connecting to a first point within a circuit that supplies power from the power source to the fluorescent lamp;
• and
• a second power coupling electrically connected to the power converter of the wireless network component and configured for connecting to a second point within the circuit that supplies power from the power source to the fluorescent lamp such that a second circuit is completed between the power converter, the first point, and the second point,
• whereby power supplied to the circuit that supplies power from the power source to the fluorescent lamp will be drawn by the second circuit to power the wireless network component.

A method of deriving power for an external device from a power source of a fluorescent light, comprising:

• mounting the external device to a surface located in proximity to a fluorescent light fixture;
• electrically connecting a power converter of the external device to a first point within a circuit that supplies power from the power source to a fluorescent lamp;
• and
• electrically connecting the power converter to a second point within the circuit that supplies power from the power source to the fluorescent lamp such that a second circuit is completed between the power converter, the first point, and the second point,
• whereby power supplied to the circuit that supplies power from the power source to the fluorescent lamp will be drawn by the second circuit to power the external device when the fluorescent lamp is installed in the fluorescent light fixture.