Besides twisting my neck trying to get the plug in, is there any problem with installing undercabinet plug mould facing down as in the drawing?
Thanks.
Besides twisting my neck trying to get the plug in, is there any problem with installing undercabinet plug mould facing down as in the drawing?
Thanks.
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Replies
I just saw this installation on 'this old house on saturday'. It looks pretty slick. Norm made the comment that you would see all the cords hanging down. Although some people have a real problem with seeing outlets. I think it will come down to personal preference.
-Chris
I just saw this installation on 'this old house on saturday'.
Is this an endorsement or a warning? :)
Norm made the comment that you would see all the cords hanging down.
Cords come down instead of out from the wall, I don't see any problem. The reason I want to do this is to have a clean backsplash. I am afraid that there may be something obvious that I miss making this a stupid idea.
Should be no problem, except:
Kitchens require two (2) 20A circuits.
Both circuits must be GFCI
And, in case a stickler for detail inspector checks, the circuits should alternate between the outlets. This being based on the normal max spacing of outlets of 4'. Premade plug mould outlets are spaced about 6" IIRC. Don't want to overload one circuit with a coffee maker or two, toaster oven or other combination of countertop high draw appliances running at the same time.
Also, last time I checked, the premades are all wired at 15A. But you could probably find one that would be 20A. I just never did the research.
Edited 4/10/2005 10:29 pm ET by Ralph Wicklund
That's the kind of answer I am looking for. Thanks.
Ontario code only requires 15A split recepticals for kitchen counter and I'll wire the plugs in the mould in a leap frogging pattern and put a big note on the backsplash threatening anyone who uses the plug mould without getting a lecture on how to use it with punishment.
Our code requirement on maximun distance between recepticals is 1800mm (6'). Have to check on the GFCI requirement, I believe it's only required if closer than 300mm to the sink.
Sounds like I am O.K. so far.
Edit. ...or I can just put in a duplex facing down.
Edited 4/10/2005 11:10 pm ET by TOMCHARK
"And, in case a stickler for detail inspector checks, the circuits should alternate between the outlets. This being based on the normal max spacing of outlets of 4'. Premade plug mould outlets are spaced about 6" IIRC. Don't want to overload one circuit with a coffee maker or two, toaster oven or other combination of countertop high draw appliances running at the same time."The NEC has no requirement aobut how the two circuits are arrange. For example you could have one circuit for all counter tops and the 2nd one could be used in the dinning room and pantry.And it is really hard to guess what might be plugged into where.Plugmold comes in a large varity of lenghts and spacings. IIRC 6", 18" and 24" spacings are all common.And if needed there is a 2 circuit version."Also, last time I checked, the premades are all wired at 15A. But you could probably find one that would be 20A. I just never did the research."Many (if not all) are available with 20 amp feed through although 15 amp receptacles.
Edited 4/11/2005 12:12 am ET by Bill Hartmann
I have lived in three houses with this in the kitchen, and it has never been a problem.
Stooping over to do a plug-in is therapeutic. So is walking up some stairs once in a while.
Hmmmmm, three houses? Never thought it was that common.
We move a lot.
Tom: about 4 yrs ago, Sarah Susanka has a snippet about plug mold. She mounted it on a 45 degree board in the rear corner. I have put them in our kitchen. Great - never a problem finding an outlet - they are 6 inches apart and easy to see on that 45 degree surface in the rear. Wife loves it. I found 12 guage wire in the ones in Home DePot.
Don
Sounds good Don, thanks.
BTW, do you do cast glass? What's involved? Thinking of getting couple of panels for the front door. Are you aware of any outfit that makes cast glass thermo units for door?
Tom: Don't cast it - only etch it or do stained glass work. Getting a cast custom piece would be expensive. Only know one guy (personally) who does that, but only as an art form. Although, he has done some sconce shades for a very high end house.DonThe GlassMasterworks - If it scratches, I etch it!
Other than $, any drawback you can see using it on an exterior door?
The quotes I got are pretty close to stain glass, range from $700-$1000 CDN for a 3/4 panel on a 36X72 door.
How about sending me pictures of some of you etched-glass works?
Tom: Don't know about Canada, but in the US of A, you cannot have a door light that is not tempered, unless it is leaded glass. Reasoning is that if you have leaded glass and there is a break it will not generate a large qty of shards because all the individual pieces are fairly small. Cast glass would not be a good candidate for tempering.DonThe GlassMasterworks - If it scratches, I etch it!
I used plug moulding in my own kitchen 8 years ago. We did'nt want to clutter up the tile backsplash. No regrets
With an extra cabinet bottom trim you dont see them at all
With an extra cabinet bottom trim you dont see them at all
That's what I plan to do, thanks. I am even thinking of doing the whole thing in black to minimize the chance of seeing it on the reflective counter.