under counter low voltage lighting

[tadziu]

Need info on low voltage under counter lighting for kitchen cabinets. I understand that low voltage wiring from transformer to light source may not be run through walls. The system I,m using consists of a 6 foot molded cable, which connects to the light through a connector. The lights and cable are mfg. by HERR Lighting. More familiar name would be "Puck Lights". How can I run the 2 conductor Cable through the wall so as to be compliant with the code.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: under counter low voltage lighting

How can I run the 2 conductor Cable through the wall so as to be compliant with the code.

By using a wiring method found in Chapter 3 of the NEC.
Don

 

[sllazar]

Re: under counter low voltage lighting

I had this same issue come up last month. We used NM cable in the walls and stubbed it out were the ends of the puck lights would be and mad connection to the cabel provided with the pucks outside of the walls. Scott

 

[peter d]

Re: under counter low voltage lighting

Why are you putting lights under a counter?

 

[sparkslord]

Re: under counter low voltage lighting

Peter, I have installed lights under the counter. The customer installed alabaster countertops and sinks. The rope lighting made the counter glow.

In this instance he is talking about under cabinet lighting. Which I hate trying to install puck lights in. Unless you can talk the cabinet makers into installing a false bottom, this is a pain in the a$$.

 

[peter d]

Re: under counter low voltage lighting

Originally posted by sparkslord:
In this instance he is talking about under cabinet lighting.

I know. It's an inside joke around here.

 

[Minuteman]

Re: under counter low voltage lighting

I prefer Xenon fixture. Line voltage and use standard dimmers.

 

[tadziu]

Re: under counter low voltage lighting

Why is it that you can run phone, audio, thermostat, door bell, etc. wiring through wall but not low voltage lighting. Can I use ENT in the wall and run my cable through it. This cable is specifically made for the puck lights. It has connector plugs on both ends. The puck light also has a cable with a mating connector which plugs into the 6" extension cable. I think the MFG. is Hera.

 

[electricmanscott]

Re: under counter low voltage lighting

Originally posted by Minuteman:
I prefer Xenon fixture. Line voltage and use standard dimmers.

Which fixture do you like?

 

[JohnE]

Re: under counter low voltage lighting

FWIW, I use the Seagull Ambiance exclusively for under cabinet lighting, and had 100% satisfaction from my customers.

 

[bassphisher]

Re: under counter low voltage lighting

I also have run into the same problem.I contacted UL about proper installation on this type of cable.When they reply with a determination I'll post their answer.
Gretna Electrical Inspector

 

[shortcircuit2]

Re: under counter low voltage lighting

electrimanscott...

I have used Kichler xenon undercabinet strip lights with success.

j_erickison...

Do you install the seagull ambiance light cable in the wall to the transformer location?

shortcircuit2

 

[JohnE]

Re: under counter low voltage lighting

We install romex in the wall and use Seagull wiring compartment to change over to their cable where romex exits wall, and fasten Seagull box to the underside of top cabinet.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: under counter low voltage lighting

tadziu,

Why is it that you can run phone, audio, thermostat, door bell, etc. wiring through wall but not low voltage lighting.

Because of the fire safety issue. It is very unlikely that there is enough energy in the other low voltage systems to ignite a fire, but there certainly is enough energy in a low voltage lighting system to start one.
Don

 

[pierre]

Re: under counter low voltage lighting

Some might be surprised to see the installation instructions for some of the low voltage lighting packages will tell you not to install the cables through the walls. Some even recommend that the cable be installed in some type of raceway when install on the surface of the cabinets.

As Don has already stated, the ENERGY LEVEL available with these lighting systems can be much greater than door bells or the like.

12v @16VA is not the same as 12v @ 150VA/300VA

 

[bassphisher]

Re: under counter low voltage lighting

This is a question that someone submitted to UL.

Is there Listed cable that is
permitted to be concealed
in walls for low voltage
lighting, other than NEC?
Chapter 3 cable?

Currently, UL does not List
standalone cable intended
for use in concealed locations
in accordance with the requirements
of Section 411-4 of the NEC?.
Section 411-4 of the NEC? requires
Chapter 3 wiring methods for concealed
wiring. Chapter 3 covers wiring
methods for all wiring installations,
unless modified by other
Articles in the code. Based on this reference
to other NEC? Articles, powerlimited
cable used in accordance with
Article 725 can be used for low
voltage lighting systems, provided
that the cable is supplied by a Listed
Class 2 or 3 transformer or power
supply. However, since most power
supplies provided with low-voltage
lighting systems are not Class 2 or 3,
Chapter 3 wiring methods are required,
unless the cable provided
with the Listed low-voltage lighting
system was evaluated for concealment
as part of the system?s Listing.
The proper cable would be specified
in the installation instructions provided
with the Listed system.
Paul

 

[tom baker]

Re: under counter low voltage lighting

The NEC does not use the term "low voltage". See the title of Article 725 for the correct term.
Ryan Jackson posted an article earlier about a $100,000 fire from a "low voltage" lighting system.