low voltage wire in a wall

[Billy D]

I installed some Seagull under-cabinet lighting. The type of lighting is were you plug the lamp socket into the cord itself. I installed the transformer in the basement and snaked the low voltage wire in the wall and came out under the cabinet. The Seagull sales person tells me that the wire is not acceptable in a concealled wall.
Is this true and if so, what other alternitives are there in wiring the lights. Can I sleeve the low voltage cable through ENT tubing? The wall is insulated. Where in the code does it prohibit me from just running this type of wire inside the wall.

 

[curt swartz]

Re: low voltage wire in a wall

The Seagull sales person is correct. You will need to use a wiring method specified in Chapter 3. See Article 411

 

[bphgravity]

Re: low voltage wire in a wall

400.8(5) - Flexible cords and cables are not permitted where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings..... 400.8(6) also states that this wiring method shall not be installed in raceways unless permitted by the respective raceway section.

 

[electricmanscott]

Re: low voltage wire in a wall

411 Deals with low voltage lighting and prohibits this. I am surprised that a sales person actually knew this. :roll:

[ April 18, 2003, 03:38 PM: Message edited by: electricmanscott ]

 

[torint]

Re: low voltage wire in a wall

Scott, I looked at 411. You are correct. Can you point me in the direction as to why a low voltage doorbell system is allowed to be concealed in a wall as opposed to a low voltage light system.

 

[mikeackley]

Re: low voltage wire in a wall

torint:

While Article 411 covers Low Voltage Lighting, Article 725 covers Remote-Control and Signaling circuits. The doorbell example you use would likely be a Class 2 circuit. Chapter 3 wiring methods do not apply to Class 2 and Class 3 circuits under Article 725. Take a look at 725.52, for example.

 

[hurk27]

Re: low voltage wire in a wall

Torint

Wires covered under 725 class 2 are considered safe from fire, safe from shock hazared.

Low voltage lighting wires have a great potential of being a fire hazared.

This is in part because of the current they must handle for these lights. Just because there only 12 volts on them does not meen thay cant cause a fire many times these cords have to carry 20 to 30 even sometimes 40 amps of current and this can heat up this wire real fast. just had a install of 20, 20 watt hockey puck lights under/over/inside of the kitchen cabnets and when I told my boss I needed #10 zip cord and inline fuse holders to protect the wires because we were feeding them from a 450va transformer he didnt even relize that these lighting systems can have that kind of current on them. but they are a cause of alot house fires when installed improperly and can be dangerous. this is why the nec does not want zip cord inside of the walls but we can use methods as said above.

 

[electricmanscott]

Re: low voltage wire in a wall

I don't install "Suck lights" Most that I have seen lately are only allowed to be installed under cabinets, not above, and not inside. These things are useless.

 

[torint]

Re: low voltage wire in a wall

Thanks for the info. You know.....It seems as though the manufacturer would install a fuse on these lights....I appreciate the insight. If I ever install these "suck lights" I will also install a fuse system.

 

[george t. everett]

Re: low voltage wire in a wall

Wiring low voltage cabinet lights are a problem. I wish someone would come up with a solution.

 

[electricmanscott]

Re: low voltage wire in a wall

George there are solutions that are FAR better than using pucks, rope, or other methods with remote transformers. www.kichler.com Kichler cabinet lighting system. www.alkco.com Hg series halogen undercabinet lights.

[ April 21, 2003, 07:09 AM: Message edited by: electricmanscott ]

 

[george t. everett]

Re: low voltage wire in a wall

Electicmanscott, I have used the Alko HG series. They are an excellent fixture.

 

[frenchelectrican]

Re: low voltage wire in a wall

hey electicmanscott:

thanks for the link and also save extra asprain for my headache to figure the best route for the undercabent light system and i useally try to stay away from hockey plucks lights they are nice but pain in the butt if you get my drift .. that why i try to advoid low voltage lighting system until the manufacter come up with proper system to meet the codes

merci marc

 

[rrrusty]

Re: low voltage wire in a wall

Low volt lites are a pain; One method is to install ent in the wall then run a 10/2 or a 12/2 cable from your transformer to your fixture; I purchased some low volt 2 conductor from a cable sales company (liberty wire 719-260-0061) that sells catv cable, the 2 conductor is rated for 300volts, is a stranded conductor and is realitivy easy to work with; another option is to install nmb from your transformer to a juction box in the wall just above the lite that would be accesable in the cabinet an make your connection in that

 

[curt swartz]

Re: low voltage wire in a wall

rrrusty, the low voltage wire you purchased can be used where exposed but not concealed. Even though it says that its rated for 300 volts its not one of the wiring methods listed in chapter 3.

 

[Billy D]

Re: low voltage wire in a wall

I want to thank everyone for the info on this topic. I just signed on to this web site and think this is great. Getting different ideas and giving the right direction to go for the correct answers.
Thank You All,