Toe Kick Light Switch - Possible/How/Help?

17 years ago

I am embarking on a kitchen remodel and have a question I cannot seem to find an answer to.

I would like to move the wall switch that operates the light over the sink to the toe kick at the base of my sink cabinet. My questions are:

1.Has anyone ever heard of, or seen this?

2.Any electrical codes prohibiting placement of light switches near the floor?

3.I would like a switch that could easily be tapped on and tapped off. (Not a rocker or flip style switch.)

4.Where might someone find this elusive type of light switch? Should probably be a pretty heavy-duty switch.

Any advice appreciated. This site has been a great resource in planning my kitchen. This is the first time I have felt the need to post a question.

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Comments (9)

brickeyee
17 years ago
Any process control microswitch should be fine.
Place it behind a hinged piece of wood.
Movement wil be about 1/8 inch.
Grainger should have something workable.
Be sure you get a switch rated for 120 VAC.
gsnaps
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks Brick.

Why should the switch be behind a hinged piece of wood?
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saltcedar
17 years ago
Hi

I'm not an electrician so take this for what it's worth.
Perhaps a marine rated switch would work?
Might be water resistant in case it got hit with a
wet mop.

Here is a link that might be useful: Deck switch
gsnaps
Original Author
17 years ago
Saltcedar:

I like the marine switch idea. It would probably be pretty sturdy and I also like that it is a "click on, click off" switch easy enough to operate with a toe.

Getting the switch wet didn't really occur to me as a consideration for two reasons. First, I often operate my current disposal switch with wet hands and haven't suffered any shocks and second, I don't mop much. (I should probably start after the new wood floors are put in, but then again I'm not really supposed to use water on those anyway.)

Great idea. Thanks.
saltcedar
17 years ago
I was thinking of ruining the switch not
shocking you, but that's a valid concern
if the floor is slab on grade.

HTH
Chris
brickeyee
17 years ago
There is not enough water from an occasional mopping to cause a problem with a decent process type switch, particularly if it was behind a panel.
Most of these switches have a rather small 'button'. It will be a pain to find it under the toe kick.
Placing it behind a section of toe kick hinged at one end and held lightly at the other will provide a nice wide target to push to operate the switch and meet the rule requiring it to remain accessible for service/repair.
Electric junction boxes and switches may not be permanently hidden.
Grainger should have a Carling brand switch like you need.
SPST pushbutton, maintained.
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/productIndex.shtml

Here is a link that might be useful: Look for maintaind push button
rar1
17 years ago
A deck switch would have to wired to a relay as most marine switches are rated for DC in increments of 12 volts. Another other option may be an air switch, such as, those they use on disposals and spas.

Here is a link that might be useful: air switch
gsnaps
Original Author
17 years ago
Great ideas everyone. I have a better idea of what my switch options are and some thoughtful alternatives to the basic light switches.

I am also very relieved that nobody said "You can't do that." My contractor didn't know of any glaring code violations with this type of set-up. Now let's hope it can pass an inspection.

Thanks so much!
HU-987954749
2 years ago
Great ideas for DY thanks

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Toe Kick Light Switch - Possible/How/Help?

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Toe Kick Light Switch - Possible/How/Help?

Comments (9)

brickeyee

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