I have installed a number of UC lights (slim fluorescent-style) where I’ve wanted to push them out to the front edge of the cabinets to best light the countertop but am concerned about how to handle the NM cable. I’ve seen it just run, exposed, or I’ve seen the lights pushed back to the wall so that the cable exits the wall cavity through the dw directly into the fixture, but the lighting is less than ideal. The only solutions I’ve heard of is a) build a shallow (1/2″ +/-) ‘chase’ or faux panel to ‘hide’ it, or transition to BX or eq. in the cabinet above and drop that down through the bottom and out to the fixture. Does anyone have any thoughts, experience, or feedback on this situation and potential (better) solutions?
Thanks,
David
Edited 6/29/2008 10:42 pm ET by peedee
Replies
You could run the non-metalic tight along the inside edge under the the first cabinet, the in series to the lights. That wold keep it minimal. Staple it to keep it in place.
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That's one way I've seen it but I am led to believe it's against code (at least here in CA, but I suspect elsewhere) to have NM exposed in habitable spaces, though most inspectors don't seem to check it too closely...
I wouldn't know about code as NM is not allowed here at all, it's greenfield or cmt. PlumbBill has a good idea too. The hollow tracks you pull wiring through is a simple solution and would look attractive for the few people who would ever see it. --------------------------------------------------------
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The NEC allows NM to be run exposed if it is tight against building surfaces, except where subject to physical abuse..
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
How deep is the valance hanging below the cab?
I used cable tacs on mine to tuck the wire as high as possible.
If you stick your head under you can see it, but for the most part it's hidden.
There are several styles of wire moulding for various aplications that work well.
I usually just tack it up tight and clean as Plumbill said.
Occasionally(especially if there's seating nearby, where whoever's seated will have a real clear view under the cabs), I'll make a false bottom to the cab so the light almost looks like it's flush-mounted. It hides the wiring and because of it's location, you have a bit of latitude for how well the finish matches, etc.