Combining under-cabinet and can lights on same switch?
I'm in the early stages of a kitchen remodel, trying to plan out the lighting which I will be wiring myself. I haven't seen anything about other people doing this but I'm tentatively planning to put the under-cabinet lights (UCL) and the can lights on the same dimmer switch. I feel like it would be better to just have them both on anytime you're in the kitchen.
In the drawing below, the red switch would control the red can lights and the green UCL, and the blue switch would control the blue can lights (small dining area). I think it would be a mess to add a 3rd switch there. I suppose the other option would be to add a single switch in the backsplash. But I feel like the UCL would be under-utilized in that case. One important note is that we are likely to sell in the next 1-2 years.
Thoughts??
Lot of people seem to commenting on the design layout...we're trying to make the best with the space we have available. Kitchen needs to be bigger and more open. Here is a more 3D drawing...call me crazy but I think it works.
Comments (6)
PROSina Sadeddin Architectural Design
6 years agoRelated Discussions
LED and single switch for ceiling and under-cabinet lights
Comments (4)Further comment on controls For purposes of flexibility, you might want to have 2 switches (both can be dimmable) - one controlling the lights and the other the UCL. That way, you can have either the UCL alone or main lighting alone or both on. Broad spectrum LED fixture or pendant Ceiling fixtures work best with galley kitchens as the counter spaces will not be too distant. Broad spectrum lighting is a simulation of real sunlight (as it appears to the human eye). Most LED lighting will not come close to being really broad spectrum. If you're planning on using something like the L prize bulb, you will have very efficient but not really broad spectrum light. Otherwise, you'd be using lighting with a higher color temp (3500K - 5000K). Recessed light comment The swiss cheese symptom becomes very noticeable when the lights are not placed in a regular pattern and if the holes are of different sizes (eg - mix of 4", 6"). The downside to recessed lighting is that it can more complicated in terms of planning than typical surface mounts since more are typically used vs 1 central mount. However, it is always worth spending the effort planning proper lighting, even if you ultimately don't use recessed lighting....See MoreUnder Cabinet Lighting with Wall Switch
Comments (5)You can't hide the transformer in a wall, it is a code violation. Do you have a basement underneath the kitchen? My electrician installed the transformer for my in-cabinet lights on the basement ceiling. For under cabinet lights, I have Xenon direct wire lights that are connected to a dimming wall switch. They don't require a transformer....See MoreUnder Cabinet Lighting - Opposite Walls - One Dimmer Switch
Comments (6)" The installation instructions show the right one (altho I don't see any reason not to just use a regular outlet box with a plate)." If you do not want blank plates scattered around for junction boxes you can also use the kitchen counter receptacle boxes a junction boxes fro wiring the under cabinet lighting. Watch carefully for box fill, and you might even have to use 4 inch square boxes and a plaster ring for some of the counter receptacles to get a large enough box. Since the runs to the under cabinet lights are all 120 V, all the regular NEC rules apply, but having different circuits share a junction box is allowed....See Morefluorescent under cabinet lighting - all on or additional switch?
Comments (7)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...See More
PROBeverlyFLADeziner
6 years ago
Dan Sprenger
6 years agolast modified: 6 years ago- PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
6 years agoIf you'd like help, post what you have currently and indicate whether the walls posted on your plan are existing or something that has been created. We're telling you the fridge can't be in that location and then be able to access adjacent cabinets and the corner.
Do you need to seat 4 in the kitchen? Can you steal any space from adjacent rooms? Are the windows over the sink existing?
Here are examples of small peninsula kitchens.
Dan Sprenger
6 years agolast modified: 6 years ago
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