Fitting Under-cabinet lighting

[andygower]

Hi,

Just found this forum and have been looking around. I couldn't find the information I am after so thought it best just to post and ask!

I am planning to install (get installed if needed) under-cabinet lighting in our new build home. I have already bought the lights which are halogen lights with a small transformer. The mains side needs wiring in somehow.

Im not sure of best practice for doing this. Ideally I would like to have 4 lights (2 transformers) operated by one counter top switch near some mains sockets. They do not need to turn on with the main room light switch.

I am reasonably competent with electrics, being an electrical engineer, so the wiring does not bother me. Im just not sure of regulations regarding this and would appreciate any advise.

Thanks for any help!

 

[securespark]

Have you got a wiring diagram?

 

[andygower]

Short answer: no.
Longer answer: for which bit?

 

[riveralt]

Im not sure of best practice for doing this. Ideally I would like to have 4 lights (2 transformers) operated by one counter top switch near some mains sockets. They do not need to turn on with the main room light switch.

I think you need to think about this a little bit more.
If you have the main room light switch in the traditional position - by the door(s) entrance and your under cupboard lights by the counter top then in the dark you need to turn the main lights on - then turn the under cupboard lights on and then if required turn the main lights off - reverse this process when leaving the room.
Wouldn't it be better to have both the main and under cupboard lights operating from a double gang switch at the door(s) - this will avoid the above scenario and it will allow you run the necessary SL and neutral to an above cupboard junction box and then to the above cupboard transformers and then down to the lights themselves.
By the way I would put one transformer for each light and/or replace the halogen with LED lights.

 

[andygower]

Im not sure of best practice for doing this. Ideally I would like to have 4 lights (2 transformers) operated by one counter top switch near some mains sockets. They do not need to turn on with the main room light switch.

I think you need to think about this a little bit more.
If you have the main room light switch in the traditional position - by the door(s) entrance and your under cupboard lights by the counter top then in the dark you need to turn the main lights on - then turn the under cupboard lights on and then if required turn the main lights off - reverse this process when leaving the room.
Wouldn't it be better to have both the main and under cupboard lights operating from a double gang switch at the door(s) - this will avoid the above scenario and it will allow you run the necessary SL and neutral to an above cupboard junction box and then to the above cupboard transformers and then down to the lights themselves.
By the way I would put one transformer for each light and/or replace the halogen with LED lights.

Thanks for the reply.

I was hoping to do this with as little modifications to the house as possible as it is so new but I understand what you are saying. What would have to be removed / holes made in to do this?

I have read a lot about people not liking halogen. Why is this?

Thanks again!

 

[riveralt]

I was hoping to do this with as little modifications to the house as possible as it is so new but I understand what you are saying. What would have to be removed / holes made in to do this?

If it is new build then it depends on what stage the build is at and how the main kitchen lights have been wired.
The simplest way is if the power (L,N & E) already comes into the kitchen switch then you will need a small link cable (Common to Common) at the switch to add Live to the second gang switch and then 1mm ² T&E taking Switch Live, Neutral & Earth out to the jb above the cupboards.
If there is no LNE at the switch and just Live, Switch Live & Earth then it becomes a bit more complicated.

I have read a lot about people not liking halogen. Why is this?

It is down to personal taste - but Halogens generally use more power - burn out quicker and create a lot of heat.

 

[SimonH2]

... and create a lot of heat.

Which is an important consideration. We have some under cabinet lights and mum won't use them because they heat the cupboard up if left on. On my "round tuit" list to change them for LEDs.

If you have the main room light switch in the traditional position - by the door(s) entrance and your under cupboard lights by the counter top then in the dark you need to turn the main lights on - then turn the under cupboard lights on and then if required turn the main lights off - reverse this process when leaving the room.

Depends on how you use them.
I generally only use the under cabinet lights to improve lighting on the worktop - I'd not generally consider them instead of the main room light. So in some ways it's convenient to have the switch close to hand at the worktop.
On the other hand, it's "annoying" when you switch the main light off, realise you've left the other lights on, walk over and switch the other lights off, only to realise that you forgot to switch the main light back on so as not to leave yourself in the dark