Air Switch for Lighting

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E

eds

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Anybody use a air switch to control lights over a kitchen island? Utilizing some s.o. chord as a permanent wiring method in the base cabinet isn't allowed if I remember correctly.
 
You are correct that you can't use SO or other cords as permanent wiring, but you can use Chapter 3 wiring methods. And as Hal said, you will need at least one receptacle at the island under the 2017 and older codes, and maybe more than one under the 2020 code, and the receptacle will require a Chapter 3 wiring method.
 
Existing island cabinet is being replaced, right now the island has a raised back slash that houses the required receptacles along with a switch for the disposal and the island lights. Replacement island is flat, air switch for the disposal I don't have an issue with, island lights I don't see a code compliant solution for using an air switch. the air switch that I have been exposed to have a receptacle on them, thus a male chord end would be required on the romex, or a transition to s.o. chord (non compliant) in my view. These are homeowner supplied air switches. Is there a air switches that can have the load hardwired to them?
 
It would seem to me that if you had the wiring there already for the disposal, receptacles and lights you should be able to relocate the switches to the side of the cabinet. Where are the air switches going to go that you can't locate a switch? Does the HO want them in the countertop??

-Hal
 
sink sits in the middle of a 7' island, disposal will go on an air switch, lights have been changed to a switch in the side of the island. Next thing that I will likely have to del with is not enough depth between the drawer and the face of the cabinet for the right size box. big box cabinets, so likely no cabinet drawings
 
Use a relay with a 24 volt coil. That would make the control circuit an Article 725 circuit, and the switch can be installed without a box. That should let it fit without any issues.
 
Smart relay - one that links with voice assistant such as Alexa then you just tell it to turn on or even dim the light(s)
 
ActionDave said:
http://betterswitch.com/1.html

These guys make an air switch that you could use to control a light.
Click to expand...

Its still a receptacle that has to be converted to the lighting permanent wiring. The issue OP is facing is how to make a code compliant transition with a cord set to permanent wiring.

If someone asked me to do this, I really wouldn't have a problem setting a j-box on the lighting wiring and using an appliance cord to connect to the air switch module. Its possible to do this in a safe manner.

The only 100% code compliant and listed method I can think of is to use a power sequencer relay, which would be a 120v cord set with dry contact relay on the end (C/NO/NC), connect that to a 12v ice-cube relay for which you'll also need a transformer, and connect the switch leg to the ice cube. But you're looking at $150-$200 in parts in addition to the air switch, which is dumb.
 
brantmacga said:
Its still a receptacle that has to be converted to the lighting permanent wiring. The issue OP is facing is how to make a code compliant transition with a cord set to permanent wiring......
Click to expand...

It's been a long time since I put one of these kind in but I think there is a separate part that can control something besides a receptacle.
 
This is an air switch in a box that's normally used with spas, hot tubs, etc.:

www.spaparts.com

Air System Complete On/Off, 20Amp, 1-2 HP

Len Gordon ES-COMBO, On/Off Control without button. Can Operate 1 Piece of Equipment. System voltage is 120/240V, 1 to 2HP @ 20 AMP. Maximum Control Distance is 15', but you must use a Len Gordon # 10 Power Touch or # 15 Classic Touch air button. Replaces JTS and BTS Series.
www.spaparts.com www.spaparts.com
pool-spa-supplies.com

Len Gordon - Control: ES-COMBO 120/240V 20A W/O Button - 923100-001

Len Gordon - Control: ES-COMBO 120/240V 20A W/O Button - 923100-001On/Off Control to Operate 1 Piece of Equipment120/240V, 1 to 2HP 20AMPMaximum Control Distance is 15'Must Use a Len Gordon #10 Power Touch or #15 Classic Touch Button ES Switch This versatile UL listed air switch incorporates the...
pool-spa-supplies.com pool-spa-supplies.com
 
Theres a RIB with a class 2 contact closure control -short its two wires together and the relay turns on. Its cheap too, under $30. You could use that and control it with anything...
 
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