How to get low voltage through a corner pantry for cabinet lighting?

ClemsonJeeper

So I'm working on redoing my kitchen with some undercabinet lighting (low voltage xenon pucks). I understand there is going to be a fair amount of drywall cutting/patching (which is fine, since I am putting a tile backsplash up and painting afterwards).

What I'm wondering is what is the best way to get the low voltage wiring through my corner pantry?

In this pic:



The wire will be coming along either the upper or lower side of the cabinets from the right, and needs to get to the left cabinets to continue so its all on one dimmer.

What's the best plan of attack here since I have to go through the pantry area?

Thurman

This somewhat depends on whether you want all of the wiring hidden or not. I'm thinking you could run it along the top of the RH cabinet, pass through the pantry wall, staple it to the interior pantry wall, then pass through the pantry wall again to continue along the LH cabinet. OR- run it along the bottom of the RH cabinet, pass through the pantry wall, run it up over the pantry door, then back out to the LH cabinet. This is IF you are not worried about the wiring showing in the pantry. IF you are, then hiding the wires would be in order, whether you run it on top or bottom of the cabinets. Good Luck, David

HouseHelper

Where is the transformer going to be located? With low voltage, you have to consider the voltage drop as it can quickly become an issue.

Would it work to locate the transformer in the pantry and run out to each set of cabinets from there?

__________________
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Red Squirrel

I would suggest to do this. Also you could locate the transformer in a small metal box on the wall in case you ever need to get to it. Think I recall seeing "multi purpose junction boxes" at home depot, they were basically the size of a Kleenex box with a cover.

oh'mike

Your easiest route may be to go up into the attic and back down.

Or down to the basement and back up.

Using an ordinary pullout ruler as a fish tape is often the best tool.

Good luck-have fun---MIKE--

ClemsonJeeper

Good point. I can locate the transformer nearby the pantry (perhaps on top of the right cabinets), and then run the low voltage to the pucks from there.

How far can the runs get (wire length wise) from the transformer before the lights are noticably dimmer at the far ends?

ClemsonJeeper

I'd love to, except I'm in a townhouse and this is the middle level. Directly above is a bedroom and below is a finished basement.

ClemsonJeeper

Also, I was planning on using a DC transformer. Doesnt this supposedly eliminate voltage drop?