Under cabinet hard wiring per code
#1
10-10-13, 09:08 PM
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Under cabinet hard wiring per code
So I already purchased under cab LED 12v strips to go under two wall cabinets separated by a window. I only purchased one transformer for both lights thinking I can run the low voltage wire in the walls to connect the lights. But now I realize that is not to code and won't pass. I have read that I can use nm cable to go from transformer (which will be in a upper cabinet next to one of the wall cabinets being lit) in the walls to the lights, but am unsure about the following;
What size cable do I need? The transformer will be about 40" of wire from the first light and about 8' of wire from the second.
Where can I locate the junction box to go from nm to low voltage wire that connects to light? I would like put it inside the cabinets but read that might not be legal. I don't want a visible junction box.
Any other ideas?
What size cable do I need? The transformer will be about 40" of wire from the first light and about 8' of wire from the second.
Where can I locate the junction box to go from nm to low voltage wire that connects to light? I would like put it inside the cabinets but read that might not be legal. I don't want a visible junction box.
Any other ideas?
#2
10-10-13, 11:53 PM
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You can run 14-2 NM (romex) type cable. You can also put the junction boxes inside the cabinet.
#3
10-11-13, 08:18 AM
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Great, thanks! One more question. If I have a double junction box above a cabinet that is accessible, can I have a outlet on one side from a separate circuit, and make my line to low voltage connection on the other or would I need a separate junction box for each?
#4
10-11-13, 10:09 PM
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#5
10-12-13, 08:19 AM
Group Moderator
Your LED strips are 12v low voltage. The rules for low voltage are much less that with normal voltages (120 and higher) From your transformer you can parallel two feeds to each strip. You do not need to use NM cable, but you need to use something that is rated for use in a wall. Your low voltage splices do not need to be in a junction box and can be made "free air" and just pushed into the wall. Just make sure you make good splices. 
18ga stat wire should work just fine.
18ga stat wire should work just fine.
#6
10-12-13, 04:04 PM
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That is excellent news. I was worried about voltage drop from reading some posts hence the 14/2 Romex idea.
