wiring kitchen cabinet lights

Hi   we are in process of remodeling kitchen. We have cabinets with glass doors and wanted to install lights in cabinets and under cabinets. So far I found this installation instractions: http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/installing-under-cabinet-lighting/index.html   which make me feel uncomfortable since I used to have all permanent wiring done in BX and all exposed wiring in counduit … preferably rigit. So is it safe and within code to wire these lights using lamp wire? Are there any low voltage alternatives (besides LED, wich should be outlawed)? Also I would need to put lights in  cabinets. With 15W lights it would make 135W of heating power. Is it not too much?

bobjohn

in Lighting 13 years and 8 months ago

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jonny | 10 years and 7 months ago

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I recommended LED lights for both cabinet and under cabinet for thier numerous advantages. Beside they are energy efficient they also operate at low voltage, that reduces the shock hazard risk during both installation and operation and generate a very low heat, that prevent overheating risk. They also are available in silicone covered versions, that protect them from water.If you are uncomfortable to how to install them you can check [LED under cabinet lighting installation](http://www.ledunder-cabinetlighting.com/2014/09/how-to-install-led-strip-under-cabinet.html “LED under cabinet lighting installation”) and remember with LED Strip lights you can Save space and save money that make LED lights a perfect choice for lighting your kitchen.

bobjohn | 13 years and 8 months ago

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The LED remark was made because we had horrible experience with candle lights in our chandelier.it produced light creepier then in morgue during the plague. Maybe we should take another look on insert cabinet leds. But LED on it is still wired to line voltage with unshielded lamp wire. I’m concerned that such wire can be damaged by cooking activities. Btw, are w

Hunt4MiddleClass | 13 years and 8 months ago

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Bobjohn, are you confusing LED with halogen?  LEDs are energy efficient, fairly inexpensive (now a days) and produce very little heat, thus are relatively safe if properly installed.  Halogens produce a ton of heat and can be potentially dangerous if not installed properly / you use a cheap fixture.   We ran LED stirps (generic set from Home Depot) undeneath the cabinet and connected it to the supply on the GFI outlet by the kitchen sink.  We also mounted spot LEDs above the top shelf of the display cabinets (glass doors), and wired that to the same supply line going to the GFI outlet.  We replaced the GFI box to include the outlet and a swtich, and viola!  Ultimately I would have liked to split the supply or run a new lead from the box so I can give them a dedicated switch (if you kill the LEDs, you also kill the power to the GFI outlet), but we rarely use the outlet, and I didn’t feel comfortable doing that without an electician.

BrooklynButler | 13 years and 8 months ago

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Yeah, what is the problem with LEDs?  We have those for our undercabinet.  While they were expensive at the time (they’ve since come waaaaay down) they work great, and as hdlbklyn writes, they generate almost no heat.

hdlbklyn | 13 years and 8 months ago

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What’s the problem with LED? I bought a low voltage LED under cabinet kit from Outwater plastics. They make a warm white version. I plugged it into an outlet concealed in an adjacent closet that is on a conveniently located hard wired switch. Looks great and generates almost no heat.

stevecym | 13 years and 8 months ago

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With electric, if you are uncomfortable with something, go with your gut.  I would not do it.  What I would do is call one of these guys: Ceriello Electric (718) 797-3757 Munetz Electric 718-416-2686 Steve