cibula11

I am planning my kitchen remodel and have some questions about wiring for under cabinet lighting. All cabinets and backsplash will be replaced, so access should not be an issue.
I currently have an outlet inside a base cabinet that is not being used. (I think it was for an older gas stove, we know have electric). Could I use that as my power source? If so, can I just run romex to the needed areas and connect at this power source junction box? Can I install a switch at the end of this run or do I need to install it close to my power source? Any help would be well, helpful.

handyman

since we dont know what the outlet was used for ..i would recomend..running new 14-2 wire to the panel box with its own single pole breaker..handyman

Square Eye

Use a plug-in test light and determine what else is on that circuit.
If you're doing a remodel, you'd just as well get all of your small appliance circuits GFI protected, if they aren't already. If the receptacle under your counter is already protected and isn't a fully loaded circuit, you can use it. Switch it anywhere you want but installing it close to the source would simplify things. Most kitchen circuits are 20 amp circuits so you will need to use #12 wire. Keep your wiring protected and out of the way. A screw through a wire can cause a whole mess of trouble

__________________
[URL="http://www.houserepairtalk.com/announcement.php?f=39&a=6"][size=3]The Ten Commandments of House Repair Talk[/size][/URL]



[URL="http://home.bellsouth.net/p/s/community.dll?ep=16&groupid=289528&ck="]Square Eye's home page[/URL]

triple D

You definitely want your switch to be before the lights. But you can run wire from plug to switch then back to lights. I usually run a wire for each light from switch box if there's only 3 or 4 lights. It's a little tight in the box, but it's a minor "technicality". This makes life easier in that little area they give you inside the light for wiring. Let us know what you find sharing that circuit though, I don't think the little load of u.c. lights will bother none. Probably only a couple hundred watts your adding? Good luck.....

__________________
[COLOR="DarkGreen"][FONT="Franklin Gothic Medium"]See my work-Check out my album. "Git 'Er Done":D [/FONT][/COLOR]

cibula11

Thanks! I'm sure that I'll have some other questions as I get further into it. I even thought about using low-voltage wiring, so yes, it won't be much wattage.

Parrothead

You do indeed need to run a couple 20-amp circuits for the countertop receptacles, but you don't want your lighting to be on those circuits. I see no reason why you couldn't use the existing one for the undercabinet lighting, and then add your two (yes, you need two) separate GFCI circuits for the countertops.

BimmerJon

Parrothead? You wouldnt happen to be member on a BMW board would you?

cibula11

I will be keeping all the current receptacles, but just using the one below the cabinets as my source for the undercabinet lighting.

speedy petey

As Parrot head so very clearly pointed out, this is NOT code legal, or a good idea.
Find another source for your lights.

speedy petey

Are you sure you have everything up to current codes as far as receptacles spacing and circuit requirements???
A kitchen remodel DOES require this you know.