[huesmann]

I'm considering installing some under cabinet lighting in our kitchen. I'd prefer not to have an exposed cord running from the outlet to the bottom of the cabinet, but will do that if what I'm thinking won't work.

My thought is that I'd like to install an outlet up at the top of the cabinet, possibly inside it—or even in the wall immediately above, where it can't be seen from the floor—and fish some 12/2 up from the outlet that's between counter and cabinet. Then I could plug the LED driver into the upper outlet and run the low-voltage wires either down inside the cabinet or behind its back panel, to the space where the lights would be, just under the front frame. Fortunately, I do have an outlet on an interior wall (no insulation in the cavity to deal with).

Anyone see any gotchas with this idea?

 

[seharper]

I think your subject title nails it. The concern will be voltage drop.

Here's the thing. As soon as they hear "low voltage DC", most people reflexively grab for the "tiny wire" - #18 or even #22 that they normally associate with low-voltage wiring. Thus, they create their own problem.

You mentioned #12 for tapping the kitchen counter recep circuits. (you better bring that to a receptacle or you'll violate Code; that is for kitchen recep circuits only, or a clock, or auxiliary loads on a gas range).

#12 would be a good choice on the DC side to minimize voltage drop.

However, I've met #12 Romex. I wouldn't want to wrestle that through close quarters. So I'd switch to low voltage, flexible, stranded wiring at the first opportunity.

 

[huesmann]

I did say I would be installing another outlet up high with 12ga romex...

Then plugging in the driver (power converter) for the LEDs.

 

[Datawise]

Driver above the cabinets or below the cabinets (in the basement) are a good choice. Easy to find and easy to service if required.

Not sure about the NEC, but you cannot "tap off" a dedicated kitchen circuit for lighting in Canada.

Cheers
John

 

[huesmann]

I understand that SABCs and lighting are supposed to remain separate. However, one can plug a light with a cord into SABC outlets—does that suddenly make them lighting circuits? I would argue not.

 

[seharper]

Not sure about the NEC, but you cannot "tap off" a dedicated kitchen circuit for lighting in Canada.

Not allowed in NEC either. (Well literally, circuits that serve kitchen countertop receps cannot serve any load outside the kitchen/dining area, and cannot serve any hardwired load except a wall clock or auxiliary loads on a gas range).

However, OP is way ahead of us both, and is powering a receptacle inside the kitchen. (so legal). Then using a cord-and-plug connection to the lights.