question for electrical gurus on undercounter lighting

David · David's Garage

I'm installing some GE LED undercounter lights. The lights and wires have tags that read, "not for current interruption"

I have a switched outlet that the old undercounter lights were plugged into so I can turn them on and off with a wall switch. What's the concern with having the power switched off at the wall?

Esel Mann · 12-09-2009, 04:55 PM

Not for current interruption means that it should not be disconnected under load. For example by directly unplugging or by an in-line switch.

Typically there is something between the "not for current interruption" load and the power source which ensures graceful power down.

David · David's Garage

So what could go wrong if I use a wall switch?

idontknow · 12-09-2009, 05:44 PM

You could miswire it and burn your house down

Using the setup the way you described is a correct way to switch them.

JavaBrewer · JavaBrewer's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Esel Mann

Not for current interruption means that it should not be disconnected under load. For example by directly unplugging or by an in-line switch.

If that's the case then I would suggest a different light setup. My home came with flourescent light fixtures under the cabinets. They were hard wired to a wall switch. I ditched the lights and ran the live wire up between the cabinet bases (3/8" gap) and installed a junction box. From there I ran multiple halogen puck lights above, inside, and under my kitchen cabinets. Looks great and the light bulbs last ~ 12 months a pop.

flatbutt · 12-09-2009, 06:41 PM

So running the feed into the switch and then joining the switch to the lights inside a junction box provides a safety link? How so?

idontknow · 12-09-2009, 07:19 PM

A switch is designed to make and break electrical contact, those plug in connectors are not.

David · David's Garage

So a wall switch shouldn't cause shorter LED life or anything like that?

DByers · 11:38 AM

David,
The switch will not cause a shorter life of your LED lights. Just refrain from "unplugging" them while powered on.

RWebb · RWebb's Garage

I'm curious which ones you are using?

I'd like to put in LEDs but they are spendy.

David · David's Garage

They're about $65 each from Home Depot. Even with just 4 LEDs each, they're about as bright as fluorescents.

1990C4S · 12-10-2009, 02:32 PM

Nice.

IKEA has really cheap options for under-the-counter lights. But not LED.

David · David's Garage

I wasn't going for energy savings when I tried these, but it is nice that they're only 5 watts.

fuelie600 · 12-11-2009, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 125shifter

I wasn't going for energy savings when I tried these, but it is nice that they're only 5 watts.

Been waiting for the prices on these to come down some. Might have to just go ahead and buy. I have 12 halogen puck lights now and I hate them! They are very hot. They bottom shelf of the cabinets gets very hot.

Let us know how they look when you finish. How warm is the light?