ambiance lighting

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I have seen it referenced on here before but have not had time to look thoroughly. Seems inventive enough with the right set-up. Be ready for a wide variety of opinions. :grin:
 
we began using that about 6-7 yrs ago...it's great for most applications...so long as you design the installation correctly...
 
I've been using Seagull Ambiance for about 5 yrs myself. I installed some today as a matter of fact and have two more jobs on the shelf at my supply house as we speak.

This is a high quality and very reliable system. As said above a good design is necessary. Size the transformer properly and lay out the lampheads to give even lighting. Make sure you understand all of the components required, and price the job accordingly. This can be quite tedious to install, make sure you price it right. I love the sound that the lamps make as you snap them into the lampholders, they go "cha-ching".

I use this for both undercabinet lighting as well as lighting the inside of cabinets with glass doors. There are variations available such as small recessed lights with an MR-11 lamp for some interesting possibilities for other accent lighting applications.

Great reviews from all of my customers.

Here's one I did last year.

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FRANK
 
I actually have this in my own home. There are 2 trusses running across my living room. I had a channel routed out of the top of them and installed the strip in the channel. Works great for indirect lighting. It can be a tough sale though as it is not inexpensive.
On a side note, I at first used an electronic transformer to power this, but wound up replacing it almost immediately with a magnetic. The electronic did not have enough "oomph" to push all the way to the end with acceptable results (ie VD too high). (There are to runs that each had their own tranformer, each run is ~10', trans was mounted w/i 2' of start point)
 
fww56 - Nice install. I've always wondered why some people install undercabinet lighting at the "front" of the cabinets. I always put it in the "back," and let it cover the entire counter?
 
shockin said:
fww56 - Nice install. I've always wondered why some people install undercabinet lighting at the "front" of the cabinets. I always put it in the "back," and let it cover the entire counter?
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The front of the upper cabinet is usually the center of the countertop. If you install one ceiling fixture in a room, would you center the room or install the fixture against the wall?
 
Lawnguy - The problem I have seen with the front mounting location is the valance often times can block the light from coming "forward," especially with a system with a low profile such as these. The other problem is with the appliances and decorations placed close to the the wall you can create shadows shadows on the back wall. I don't think there is a right or wrong answer it is probably just personal preference, either way the customer will say you did it wrong. Where do you postion your lights on the top of the cabinets?
 
this lighting system is very expensive and the lamp life is not the best. and must be sized, both transformer and conductor size to properly function. the first company had it on the market 30 years ago and was called "lucifer lighting" and over the years other manufacturers are making it.

mounting undercabinet fixtures against the back is incorrect to me. it is more difficult to hide and it reduces the light footprint in the work area which is the front twelve inches of the counter top.
 
shockin said:
Lawnguy - The problem I have seen with the front mounting location is the valance often times can block the light from coming "forward," especially with a system with a low profile such as these. The other problem is with the appliances and decorations placed close to the the wall you can create shadows shadows on the back wall.
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I'd say this has a lot to do with the height of the valance, and the type of fixture. Like you said, it comes down to personal or customer preference. In the photo it seems the countertop receptacles are mounted to the uppers, instead of the backsplash, precluding the option of installing the UC lighting there.

I don't think there is a right or wrong answer it is probably just personal preference, either way the customer will say you did it wrong. Where do you postion your lights on the top of the cabinets?
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I've never positioned lights on the top of cabinets. In my own kitchen I have one upper with glass doors and shelves used for display, and I did not illuminate it.
 
stickboy1375 said:
I want to know where you guys are mounting your transformers...
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The last install I did I mounted in on the rafters in the basement.


and are you running that low voltage wire through a wall?
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Before I knew it was wrong I used the low voltage cable. :( Now I know better.
 
peter d said:
Before I knew it was wrong I used the low voltage cable. :( Now I know better.
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So I guess it is wrong to do that??? Why is that??? I'm sure you already went over it, but enlighten me again... :D
 
stickboy1375 said:
I want to know where you guys are mounting your transformers... and are you running that low voltage wire through a wall?
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I place them either on the wall in the basement, to the floor joists beneath the kitchen, or as a last resort in the sink base or above a wall cabinet if open to the ceiling. Chapter 3 wiring methods only and no other for me. A 12v 150w trans will be fine with 14g romex however you may have to go as large as 10g for the larger transformers. Bare in mind that you have to have a large enough conductor to cover the available current in case of a fault, not just the load as some think. Voltage drop is another consideration.

A remote location is available it is preferable, remember that there may be some noise and heat issues. Use a magnetic transformer if possible, according to Seagull, you can then use a standard dimmer. An electronic transformer will need an electronic dimmer which will require a neutral precluding the use of switch loops which can present a problem with box fill when mounting the switches to the underside of the wall cabinets using surface mount boxes.

As I stated in an earlier post you have to take the time to get to know the entire product line and all accessories available. Seagull lists a perfect connector for making the transition from the romex to the cable with a part called a " mini wiring compartment" with two barrel connectors with set screws, listed, very compact, neat and finished appearance.
Lighting


FRANK
 
stickboy1375 said:
Check out ART 411.4
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Humph, imagine that. The article was so short, no wonder why I passed right over it while reading on the throne...... :D

I guess it's a good thing I've never dealt with it, but I have to soon in my brother-in-law and sister's house. Yippee.......
 
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