[Mhardy24]

I'd like to install LED under cabinet lighting in our kitchen, however we have split cabinets and ideally I'd like to have both sides run through the same circuit. Any suggestions as to how I could wire it from one side to the other (or if this is even do-able)? Maybe run up to the attic and back out the other side near the sink? I don't think going behind the wall around the door frame is possible, but I'm open to any ideas and help! Picture is attached...excuse the mess

 

[oh'mike]

It is usually easier to drop down into the basement----are you on a slab or have a drywalled cieling in the basement?

Using the attic could be done--but punching the top plate on an outside wall means tearing up the drywall.

 

[Mhardy24]

Thanks oh'mike. Unfortunately I live on a slab so I can't go under the cabinets...

 

[oh'mike]

I prefer to use low voltage lights---Hard wire a box inside one of the cabinets (switched)

Then you can run low voltage wiring from the transformer inside that cabinet to your light locations---much easier to run the smaller, low voltage wires--

 

[MT Stringer]

You could hire an electrician to do the job. He would have the tools and knowledge to do it right the first time. :smile:

Or, you could watch you tube videos and attempt it yourself. That may or may not result in stepping through the ceiling, or drilling through the wrong place(s) resulting in unwanted repairs. :devil3:

Good luck.
Mike

 

[Yodaman]

I prefer to use low voltage lights---Hard wire a box inside one of the cabinets (switched)

Then you can run low voltage wiring from the transformer inside that cabinet to your light locations---much easier to run the smaller, low voltage wires--

I take a similar route. Pull power from a over counter receptacle. Change the single gang box to a double gang remodel with your receptacle on one side and a switch on the other. From the switch send a wire (behind the drywall and cabinet) up to the top of the cabinet and install a receptacle that will be powered on/off by the switch. Plug your low volt x-fmr in and leave it on top of the cabinet. From there drop the low volt wires between the cabinets or a back corner. No easy way to get across the kitchen without going into the attic. Separate switches might be easier.

 

[rjniles]

I take a similar route. Pull power from a over counter receptacle. Change the single gang box to a double gang remodel with your receptacle on one side and a switch on the other. From the switch send a wire (behind the drywall and cabinet) up to the top of the cabinet and install a receptacle that will be powered on/off by the switch. Plug your low volt x-fmr in and leave it on top of the cabinet. From there drop the low volt wires between the cabinets or a back corner. No easy way to get across the kitchen without going into the attic. Separate switches might be easier.

You are not allowed to use counter top receptacles for lighting.

 

[Yodaman]

You are not allowed to use counter top receptacles for lighting.

You are not technically wiring a light. Technically you are wiring another receptacle.

 

[rjniles]

Ask the AHJ if you can install a SABC receptacle on top of your cabinet.

 

[Yodaman]

You are not allowed to use counter top receptacles for lighting.

Good call. Met with my electrical inspector today. I brought up this question regarding pulling power for low volt lights from a SABC and he was pretty clear that's not going to fly. The only exceptions under the NEC are receptacles for 1.) a clock, or 2.) a gas range that requires electric for the igniter.

So if you want to be code compliant you had better pull power from another source.

Thanks rj

 

[ZZZZZ]

I've seen some very nice and relatively inexpensive wireless undercounter LED lights. One example here, Look around some more.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-12-in-LED-Wireless-Under-Cabinet-Light-17446/204663920

 

[rjniles]

Good call. Met with my electrical inspector today. I brought up this question regarding pulling power for low volt lights from a SABC and he was pretty clear that's not going to fly. The only exceptions under the NEC are receptacles for 1.) a clock, or 2.) a gas range that requires electric for the igniter.

So if you want to be code compliant you had better pull power from another source.

Thanks rj

You can also place refrigeration on the SABC. But I don't recommend it.

 

[Arrow3030]

Hmm. What's the space beyond the fridge in picture #1? Maybe that's a good place to poke through with some low voltage wiring?