We have a large kitchen and our UC lights are controlled with one switch. We already have no less than 8 light switches, so I just couldn't justify putting another in.

I couldn't think of any time where I would see it as an advantage to have one side off. The only drawback I can think of is the extra electricity that runs the other side of the kitchen's UC lights. However, like you, we also have fluorescent UCs, so that electricity usage is less than most people's xenons or halogens

Depending on how big the kitchen is (although you don't think it is big at all) and the layout, it may be easier for him to wire it one half at a time to different switches. Maybe it is more difficult run the wire continiously around doorways, open areas of wall that would then require drywall patching, etc. Even if you had multiple switches let him know that they would have to be together and in no way would it be convenient to walk across the room to turn on the rest of the lights. Do it right or find someone else. It sounds like they are trying to cut corners for some reason. Was the bid much lower than others you got? By the way, I am having flourescent UC lights installed and my electrician felt one switch was the only thing that made sense - he pointed out that each one has an on off switch on it as well and if you wanted to turn a couple of for some reason, you could do so on the fixture itself.

Sue

We have all our UC flourescent lights on one wall switch but, like Sue ct, each fixture has its own toggle switch so we can have one light on or only some of them on. With five UC fixtures, having a wall switch for each one wasn't a consideration.

All of my under cabinet fluorescents have toggle switches. Not sure if that's a feature I'll use or not. All the lights under the painted cabinets are on one switch, but I put the 2 on the cherry hutch (opposite wall) on a separate switch. We're not in the kitchen yet, but I have a feeling I'll leave the hutch lights on more than the others. I'm glad I have that option.

All the UCL I've ever had - fluorescent or xenon - had individual switches on the fixture. If you have that I'd say okay to have one switch - since you could turn some off if you really wanted to. Other than my new kitchen, I've always had all UCL on one switch. This time I have one that isn't on a wall switch at all. It's the only one on that side of my kitchen between ovens and fridge and I wanted to be able to have that on by itself.

My undercabinets are on separate switches, one on each side. If I could do it over again I'd put them on the same switch by the doors with the overhead lights.