Low volatage undercabinet lighting

[Dennis Alwon]

I've heard about, and used Tray Cable (TC) and it seems to be popular around here (San Fran Bay Area) for low voltage applications. Supply houses seem to be selling enough of it to people asking the same question.

I don't believe TC is allowed outside a cable tray or a raceway.

336.12 Uses Not Permitted.
Type TC tray cable shall not be installed or used as follows:
(1) Installed where it will be exposed to physical damage
(2) Installed outside a raceway or cable tray system, except as permitted in 336.10(7)
(3) Used where exposed to direct rays of the sun, unless identified as sunlight resistant
(4) Direct buried, unless identified for such use

Art. 336.10(7) is for industrial establishments

 

[ike5547]

My question is, Is low voltage system considered power limited controlled circuit?

If it is, that information should be found on the transformer(s) you used. Not all low voltage lighting is power limited.

 

[danickstr]

why not just use speaker wire? An audio house would have speaker wire rated for for in -wall use. I use "malibu lighting wire" since it is thick and tough and cheap. The only reason I could see it not being a good choice is if it outgasses something in a fire, but somehow I think the outgassing of a 12 ga wire in the wall will not be what kills the HO if there is a kitchen fire.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

why not just use speaker wire? An audio house would have speaker wire rated for for in -wall use. I use "malibu lighting wire" since it is thick and tough and cheap. The only reason I could see it not being a good choice is if it outgasses something in a fire, but somehow I think the outgassing of a 12 ga wire in the wall will not be what kills the HO if there is a kitchen fire.

Outdoor low voltage cable does not have the vertical flame rating that is required for indoor cable. This means it has not undergone the vertical flame testing by UL.

 

[pgordon]

We just installed the new wac led strip lights for under cabinet.
Their 2 conductor is class 2 rated ..... alot like speaker wire...zip cord, 18 awg. 12v. We had to jump in to the wall around the cook top.

 

[e57]

This thread came up in another - and I think much has been missed here:

So I will post the same info for this thread.

This is one of the listing guides typically available for these types of "puck lights" This is another.... It is important to distinguish the various type, and their respective listings in regards to application. Not many allow the "Listed cord assembly" to be removed and re-spliced, and likewise those systems are not allowed in the wall unless in a chapter 3 method. As well as others - without a "Listed cord assembly" feeding the lamps, also require a chapter 3 method to be in the walls.

Bottom line is - when you get the fixture spec - you look it up in the White Book. (The link is an 800 page PDF - careful... ) And or the appropriate guide for the product, the manufacturers are PURPOSEFULLY vague IMO, and do what they can to lead to the impression that their product can be used like the 'other' product similar to it. Not all are the same, and do not share the same listing for nearly identical products.

Sure there are SOME that can use field spliced class-2 wire, but there are FEW of them....

 

[Sierrasparky]

This thread came up in another - and I think much has been missed here:

So I will post the same info for this thread.

I am still confused as where you are going with. The one article covers portable plug connected units.
I personally do not use the DIY type puck lights. They are not plug in and thus not subject to UL QOVJ as they are not considered portable. I use Direct wire type units and Class 2 transformers that do not have a plug attachment.

 

[e57]

I am still confused as where you are going with. The one article covers portable plug connected units.
I personally do not use the DIY type puck lights. They are not plug in and thus not subject to UL QOVJ as they are not considered portable. I use Direct wire type units and Class 2 transformers that do not have a plug attachment.

My point is to check the listing - most can not use class 2 wire concealed in the wall, (Behind the rock) and have to use a chapter 3 method instead.

Generalizing and saying "oh - puck lights - do it this way" without knowing what brand or listing of said general term like 'puck light'. One is a Chevy the other is a Daihatsu Both of those listings - and a few others cover products all called "puck-lights" - yet differ wildly in quality and allowable installation practice.