Under Cabinet Lighting

[stevecard1]

What is the present code worthy method of hardwiring 120V under cabinet lights in a kitchen?

I am attempting to install a few 120 volt under cabinet light fixtures (W.A.C. Model BA-LIV-1) in a kitchen application. Each proposed light location has about 48" of existing 14-2 NM cable protruding directly through the wall below each cabinet, just at the top of a porcelain tile backsplash. Each cabinet is relatively small at 12" x 12" so working space is fairly limited. Is there a way to make a legal, essentially 'spliceless' transition from NM to BX cable? This would involve removing the NM sheath and replacing it with 14-2 BX armor and appropriate plastic bushings.

I've considered Wiremold V700, but the 12" x12" space will not accommodate the required hardware. I've also considered 1/2 EMT, but that offers a fairly 'industrial' appearance for a residential kitchen. I've looked at Wiremold Model 2000 (or similar) raceway that could be concealed with a 1/4" panel trim, but that's a pretty significant effort in this particular case. I've even thought about nailing couple of firing strips and 1/4" panel board to form a wooden raceway, but that method still seems vulnerable to possible damage from a simple cup hook. If it were legal, a spliceless transition from NM to BX cable would seem to be a good solution. Any thoughts?

 

[caj1962]

Re: Under Cabinet Lighting

They don't make bx cable any more. If you are refering to mc cable this is a listed assembly and taking the conductors out to make " a seemless transition" would not be an acceptable method. If there is an outlet box like for a switch to control these lights then you could run the mc cable to the switch and the lights.
If you buy 3/8 flexible metal conduit then it must be installed in accordance with 348.10 there is a link to 410.67 that in my opinion would not allow this size flex with out using a box.
410.67
(C) Tap Conductors. Tap conductors of a type suitable for the temperature encountered shall be permitted to run from the luminaire (fixture) terminal connection to an outlet box placed at least 300 mm (1 ft) from the luminaire (fixture). Such tap conductors shall be in suitable raceway or Type AC or MC cable of at least 450 mm (18 in.) but not more than 1.8 m (6 ft) in length.
It looks like you are trying to solve a problem someone else created. If it acceptible to use flex then why not the nm cable already there?

 

[stevecard1]

Re: Under Cabinet Lighting

Yes, I meant to refer to MC flex conduit. I suppose my primary concern about using NM under a kitchen cabinet is NEC 334.15: "The cable shall be protected form physical damage?" What is the current best practice to protect NM under a kitchen cabinet in a 'neat and workman-like manner?'

 

[sparky46514]

Re: Under Cabinet Lighting

mount your light so that you come in the rear of the light and then fasten fixture to bottom of cabinet and back against wall.

 

[caj1962]

Re: Under Cabinet Lighting

if you fasten the nm cable to the underside of the cabinets how could it be damaged? if installed correctly I would not see how under normal use this would gamage a piece of romex.

 

[pierre]

Re: Under Cabinet Lighting

Caj

Since when did they stop manufacturing 'Bx' which is one of the brand names for type AC cable? AC cable is Article 320 in the 2002 NEC and is still very much in use.
Also if you read Steve's posts you can tell he has no real experience in this type of work and I would recommend he hires a licensed electrician.

Pierre

 

[stevecard1]

Re: Under Cabinet Lighting

Sparky- Thanks for your suggestion. However, that particular solution means the luminaire position will be inappropriate and/or ineffective in a few locations. The question I pose is how to properly protect exposed NM cable under a cabinet in a kitchen application and comply with NEC 334.15 "The cable shall be protected from physical damage?"

Caj- Thanks for your comments. I suppose it's difficult to define 'normal use', but in this case, the risk of damage to the NM cable seems reasonably high. The exposed NM cable would be concealed above a 1/4" veneer panel within a 1/2" cavity. I believe that the risk of damage from future under cabinet screw-mounted accessories is high. Without a raceway, the cable will not be protected from possible physical damage.

Pierre- Ouch. I am attempting to enhance this forum by gathering additional professional consensus about NEC 334.15 compliance in a reasonably typical application. Future readers of this forum will certainly benefit from your expertise about this specific topic. I invite your relevant comments.

[ August 07, 2003, 02:06 PM: Message edited by: stevecard1 ]

 

[caj1962]

Re: Under Cabinet Lighting

Pierre
My understanding of bx cable was a 2 wire assembly with cloth wrapped wires.I have never heard ac cable being referd to as bx.
Steve
if the nm is going to be concealed in a cavity under a panel and a light going infront of it then future mounted appliances, unless this your house should not be a concern. as an electrician I can only install to code or better. How the end user install appliances or pictures in the living room for that matter is not to much of a concern.

 

[stevecard1]

Re: Under Cabinet Lighting

Caj- Thanks for your quick reply. Excellent point, and well taken. But if I then proceed with the 1/4" panel concealment, wouldn't NEC 300-4.1 apply? This code section requires steel plate cable protection. This dilemma is part of what initially led me to the Wiremold approach, which will not properly fit in this location. I'm hoping to gather a reasonable consensus on this specific application for clean future installations.

 

[caj1962]

Re: Under Cabinet Lighting

Steve
I don't think that 300.4 applies to this instalation. My take is that is for going through framing members. What I see you doing is try to conceal your romex out of the way in someones nice kitchen. Again the question I pose is if you install the cable in the center of where the light is mounted, would this make the space behing the light unusable for future appliances? if so then the conductors inside the panel would be protected.

 

[pierre]

Re: Under Cabinet Lighting

Steve

In your line of work I am sure you have seen what happens when someone who has 'some' knowledge tries his/her hand at it. I did not intend any personal affront, just looking out for you and your family's well being . Also for you information, NM cable cannot be installed behind 1/4 inch panel as you detailed without protection like you mentioned. Sometimes in these installations damage to the wall/ceiling has to occur for the installation to be performed. As I can see from your posts, you seem to be concerned with safety. Hire a licensed electrician, work while he installs it, and you will "kill two birds with one stone". You will make money to pay for the installation and have a safe installation. Good Luck!

Caj
'Bx 'is the original name used for armored cable. I am not sure, but I think the 'BX' name came from the companies location, which was the Bronx, NY. If you were to look at the UL standard, you will see it is UL standard 4. One of the first standards. It has been around for a long time.

Pierre