Using 12/2 romex in walls with low voltage LED above cabinet lighting
#1
11-07-17, 08:20 AM
Using 12/2 romex in walls with low voltage LED above cabinet lighting
Hi all,
I've recently installed new cabinets in my kitchen and would like to put new low voltage lighting above the cabinets in two sections. My question is - can I use the 12/2 romex in between the LED strips? and how would I connect the LED wire (+ and -) to the hot and neutral romex?
To give a better description, I have a 20 amp circuit feeding a dimmer switch with 12/2 romex. Then the 12/2 continues from the switch, behind the wall, up to a transformer on top of a section of cabinets. Then the transformer is wired directly to the first LED strip. The LED strip would then need to be wired to another 12/2 wire that goes behind the wall to feed the other section of the cabinets.
Basically, think of a long strip of LED low voltage lights with a 15 foot length of 12/2 romex in the middle, connected with wing nuts (plus to hot, negative to neutral)
Will this work, does it violate codes?
I just can't seem to think (or find on the forums) on how to keep all the upper cabinet lights on one switch without running romex through the walls. I don't want to rip out the romex that is there or run low voltage wiring in the walls.
Thank you for any and all help.
I've attached a rough diagram for reference.
I've recently installed new cabinets in my kitchen and would like to put new low voltage lighting above the cabinets in two sections. My question is - can I use the 12/2 romex in between the LED strips? and how would I connect the LED wire (+ and -) to the hot and neutral romex?
To give a better description, I have a 20 amp circuit feeding a dimmer switch with 12/2 romex. Then the 12/2 continues from the switch, behind the wall, up to a transformer on top of a section of cabinets. Then the transformer is wired directly to the first LED strip. The LED strip would then need to be wired to another 12/2 wire that goes behind the wall to feed the other section of the cabinets.
Basically, think of a long strip of LED low voltage lights with a 15 foot length of 12/2 romex in the middle, connected with wing nuts (plus to hot, negative to neutral)
Will this work, does it violate codes?
I just can't seem to think (or find on the forums) on how to keep all the upper cabinet lights on one switch without running romex through the walls. I don't want to rip out the romex that is there or run low voltage wiring in the walls.
Thank you for any and all help.
I've attached a rough diagram for reference.
#2
11-07-17, 02:19 PM
It's okay to use Romex for low voltage lighting. Normally, for DC, black is negative.
One thing to recheck. Be sure that when hooking up the LED strips end to end, that the first strip far end terminals will support the load of he second strip. Otherwise you have to run the feed wiring (Romex) from the second strip all the way to the near end (the powered end) of the first strip.
One thing to recheck. Be sure that when hooking up the LED strips end to end, that the first strip far end terminals will support the load of he second strip. Otherwise you have to run the feed wiring (Romex) from the second strip all the way to the near end (the powered end) of the first strip.
#3
11-07-17, 04:12 PM
Group Moderator
Allan makes a good point about low voltage strip lights.
It is usually required to wire each strip directly to the transformer. Even if it's not mentioned in the instructions or required...... powering them that way will ensure they are the same brightness.
It is usually required to wire each strip directly to the transformer. Even if it's not mentioned in the instructions or required...... powering them that way will ensure they are the same brightness.
