I’m planning on installing some low voltage under cabinet lights like the ones in OCT/NOV. issue of FHB.
My wife would like the undercabinet lights to come on when you flip the switch for the light over the sink. But is that possible? Can I have one switch turn on a 110v light AND a 24V light coming from the transformer? Or do they need to be separate with the low voltage lights operated by it’s own low voltage dimmer?
Replies
Sure, undercab lights can be hardwired into the same lighting circuit as your over-sink light. Mine work that way.
The 110V goes to the xformer.
My favorite brand is Kichler, and the lamps are xenon, not halogen. Cooler, and longer lasting.
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"A stripe is just as real as a goddamn flower."
Gene Davis 1920-1985
What do you mean "The 110V goes to the xformer"?I was planning on running a new 110v to the transformer, THEN low voltage wire to the over-sink switch, and low voltage wire to the under cabinet lights. Are you saying that the 110v going to the over-sink light should now go to my transformer first?
I taint no lectrician, but the under cab lights run on a transformer that is plugged into a 110/120 outlet. So you just need a switched outlet with your other lights, so I'm a guessing.
the 110v going to the over-sink light should now go to my transformer first?
That will work.
---> oversink fixture
--> S &
---> LV XFMR --> LV fixture --> (LV fixture) --> (LV fixture) -->
Is what I'm presuming Gene meant.
Now you could change
---> LV XFMR --> LV fixture --> (LV fixture) --> (LV fixture) -->
to
---> LV XFMR --> LV Dimmer/SW ---> LV fixture --> (LV fixture) -->
Unless the LV system installs:
---> LV Switch/dimmer ---> LV XFMR --> LV fixture --> (LV fixture) -->
Your choice (if your AHJ permits) for hard wiring the XMFR or installing a CV for the transformer instead (can depend on the XFMR, some are less-friendly than others).Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
Just a few tips
Search for Pegasus Lighting online, I have good luck ordering from them..
Switch our 120v and LV separately
Use a LV electronic dimmer (Lutron @ HD)to control an outlet mounted in a base cabinet. (You will be glad you got the dimmer)
Put a pigtail on an electronic DC 120/12V dimmable transformer (Pegasus...oversize the watts) plug it into the base cabinet outlet..The transformers LV output goes to our LV fixtures..I like 20w xenon puck lights (Pegasus). They are dimmable and really make granite gorgeous.
That's the simplified version..Ask if you need anymore help...
Gary
Just a tip from past experience...
If you switch the 110v going to the transformer feeding the lows, that will work but may result in a small delay for the lows coming on. It's not really a big deal, but can be noticed especially if 110v lights are coming on at the same time.
I wouldn't mind having them on their own dimmer but I was a little worried that they just wouldn't be used. My kitchen already has three different switches for lights (one for a couple of can lights, one for three pendent lights over a bar area and one for the over-sink light). If I add another for under cabinet lights will they get used???
Under cabinet lights are often used as the modern day equivalent to the light over the sink. I have seen many people only turn them on when actually cooking, and then again at night to just accent the kitchen without turning on the big overhead lights.
As for getting used, the placement of the switch is key. If the switch is next to the entry doors along with the big lights, then that may add to the switch congestion. Maybe you want to consider locating the LV light switch near the cabinets themselves.
My undercab lights are on their own switch and are the only lights we use in the morning before breakfast. They're a nice, low-impact, way to start the day. - lol
When I had the low voltage puck lights, I had the transformer plugged into a switched receptacle hidden in the recessed flourescent light box. A couple of years ago, I removed the flourescent lighting, coffered the box, and put in can lights. I also replaced the low voltage undercab lights with 110v lights. I was replacing the low voltage bulbs every few months and am getting much better life with the 110v lights.