New undercounter switch for garberator.
#1
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New undercounter switch for garberator.
Am doing a small reno in the kitchen which encumpasses some minor wiring changes to lights and switches. As is usual for renovations what started small seems to be getting larger as existing branches not long enough to reach new light position, so new run required. Part of that run, incorporates the wiring to garberator. Currently switch is on the wall above counter, but wife would like switch installed under counter hidden behind a false drawer front below sink. Should mention it wouldn't actually be on the tilting drawer front but mounted on the cabinet wall right behind it on the side.
Question I have is whether you can legally hide a switch under the counter. I know a hidden recepticle is not permitted but can't find anything in the code books about switches. I do have a permit to do the work and an inspector will signoff for insurance purposes, but I don't need the hastle of moving the switch back out of the cabinet once the walls have been patched.
Any help would be appreciated. Tks
Question I have is whether you can legally hide a switch under the counter. I know a hidden recepticle is not permitted but can't find anything in the code books about switches. I do have a permit to do the work and an inspector will signoff for insurance purposes, but I don't need the hastle of moving the switch back out of the cabinet once the walls have been patched.
Any help would be appreciated. Tks
#2
> Question I have is whether you can legally hide a switch under the counter.
Hide?
> I know a hidden receptacle is not permitted
> but can't find anything in the code books about switches.
Where did you find that a "hidden" receptacle is not permitted?
The issue is whether it is accessible.
If everything is built and construction is finished, install a switch in the box and put a cover plate over it. It's fine.
If you install the switch first and then build around it, that is not permitted.
Hide?
> I know a hidden receptacle is not permitted
> but can't find anything in the code books about switches.
Where did you find that a "hidden" receptacle is not permitted?
The issue is whether it is accessible.
If everything is built and construction is finished, install a switch in the box and put a cover plate over it. It's fine.
If you install the switch first and then build around it, that is not permitted.
#3
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Tks for getting back so fast on this and I apologize for any confusion because of my choice in wording.
By 'hiding' I simply meant that when the drawer front was closed it would be hidden from view; but yes it's easily accessible. Accessibility is why I'm having to run this new line in the first place, because in moving light locations the existing wires are too short to reach new spot and would have to be junctioned inside the ceiling which is illegal. Thus a whole new run.
As far as learning about the 'hidden' recepticles not being allowed; that actually came from two sources. First a couple of years ago when I rebuilt my whole basement I purchase a book called the Canadian Electrical Code Simplified. It was great for explaining things about the code in an easy to understand format. In it, it warned about installing plugs behind doors with the exception I believe of 'factory constructed' appliance bays and wall mounted ironing board cabinets with plugs inside. I believe the requirement is that when the door is closed the plugs get de-energized by a switch. This was explained so you can't leave an appliance turned on out of sight. Second, in the basement when the inspector saw recepticles in the storage room he told me to disconnect them and cover them over with the basically the same explanation. That's why I wasn't 100% sure about switches - I believe they're allowed but thought it best to ask before the inspector tells me to get rid of it.
On a similar note, I believe the wires under the cabinet must be shielded in metal wrap or flexible plastic conduit.
By 'hiding' I simply meant that when the drawer front was closed it would be hidden from view; but yes it's easily accessible. Accessibility is why I'm having to run this new line in the first place, because in moving light locations the existing wires are too short to reach new spot and would have to be junctioned inside the ceiling which is illegal. Thus a whole new run.
As far as learning about the 'hidden' recepticles not being allowed; that actually came from two sources. First a couple of years ago when I rebuilt my whole basement I purchase a book called the Canadian Electrical Code Simplified. It was great for explaining things about the code in an easy to understand format. In it, it warned about installing plugs behind doors with the exception I believe of 'factory constructed' appliance bays and wall mounted ironing board cabinets with plugs inside. I believe the requirement is that when the door is closed the plugs get de-energized by a switch. This was explained so you can't leave an appliance turned on out of sight. Second, in the basement when the inspector saw recepticles in the storage room he told me to disconnect them and cover them over with the basically the same explanation. That's why I wasn't 100% sure about switches - I believe they're allowed but thought it best to ask before the inspector tells me to get rid of it.
On a similar note, I believe the wires under the cabinet must be shielded in metal wrap or flexible plastic conduit.
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Dave,
While your username implies Ontario Canada, you did not fill in your location in your profile. I suggest that you update your profile.
I am not real familiar with the CEC, and I don't know to what extent bolide is.
In the US you can certainly put a switch and a receptacle in a cabinet, and in fact many garbage disposals are wired this way. I do not know about Canada.
While your username implies Ontario Canada, you did not fill in your location in your profile. I suggest that you update your profile.
I am not real familiar with the CEC, and I don't know to what extent bolide is.
In the US you can certainly put a switch and a receptacle in a cabinet, and in fact many garbage disposals are wired this way. I do not know about Canada.