Low voltage "puck lights" under cab lights

[Inspt. Tom]

Are low votage Hockey puck type (halogen) lights under cabinets ilegal. I was told that they were recalled a few years back and I have a permit holder who wants to install them in their new kitchen? thank you. Tom.

 

[charlie b]

There was a very long debate, perhaps a year or two ago, as to whether the NEC allowed such a light to be permanently mounted to the underside of the cabinet, and to be plugged into a countertop receptacle outlet. I do not recall whether there was, at the end, a consensus of opinion. But I do recall there being very strong opinions on both sides of the question.

If you are talking about lights that are powered by batteries, or that are hard-wired and turned on by a wall switch, then I don't think the NEC would prohibit their use. I cannot speak to any possible restrictions in the building codes.

 

[realolman]

I don't know about illegal, but I bought a set of three of those things about 10 years ago for my own kitchen, and I never could bring myself to install them.

I am afraid they'd get too hot.

I don't know whether it's warranted or not, but halogen lights scare the poop outta me, and I'll never knowingly have one in my house.

 

[tallguy]

There was a very long debate, perhaps a year or two ago, as to whether the NEC allowed such a light to be permanently mounted to the underside of the cabinet, and to be plugged into a countertop receptacle outlet. I do not recall whether there was, at the end, a consensus of opinion. But I do recall there being very strong opinions on both sides of the question.

If you are talking about lights that are powered by batteries, or that are hard-wired and turned on by a wall switch, then I don't think the NEC would prohibit their use. I cannot speak to any possible restrictions in the building codes.

That being said... it is devilishly tricky to install hard wired ones in a way which is both NEC compliant and attractive. There was a long thread about this recently, which might give you some tips. The strong consensus though, was that puck lights stink.

 

[electricmanscott]

=
I don't know whether it's warranted or not, but halogen lights scare the poop outta me, and I'll never knowingly have one in my house.

It is not warranted.

 

[kbsparky]

Just hook one up, and place it next to the top of a paper bag, or cardboard box. Similar to what would happen if one came home from the store, and stuck their bags or packages on the counter top.

Start your stopwatch, and see how long it takes for smoke to start billowing from the bag/box.

That usually convinces them to go with something that operates cooler, like a fluorescent, or LED's. :wink:

 

[wireman71]

Permit holder? Tell them you advise against them then put them in if they want them.

 

[walkerj]

Flourescent under, puck lights over. They get super hot!

 

[peter d]

Puck lights are not "illegal," but they are complete junk.

There are much better options out there, like NSL xenon undercabinet lights.

 

[mdshunk]

For what it's worth, Progress Lighting makes about the best electrician friendly (I use that term loosely) hardwired puck light I've used so far.

 

[Oakey]

I've been on to many service calls for 8 year old pucks to recommend them anymore. Now all I use is Juno trac 12 or Xenon strips. Problem solved..so far.

 

[brantmacga]

Now all I use is Juno trac 12 or Xenon strips. Problem solved..so far.

All the xenon's i've installed seem to get much hotter than the halogens. i installed some recessed halogen accent lighting in my kitchen a few months back. it gets noticably warmer in there when they're on. they sure look cute though.

 

[electricmanscott]

All the xenon's i've installed seem to get much hotter than the halogens. i installed some recessed halogen accent lighting in my kitchen a few months back. it gets noticably warmer in there when they're on. they sure look cute though.

That goes against all information I have read about Xenon. :-?

 

[brantmacga]

don't know how to explain that other than my perception of hot is off. maybe we're getting some chinese xenons?

 

[tallguy]

don't know how to explain that other than my perception of hot is off. maybe we're getting some chinese xenons?

Maybe... Maybe not. I find that they are hotter than what I would expect based on what I've read. I still burn my fingers on them if I'm not careful.