kitchen lighting circuits

[ngoodson1969]

Hi all,

If I were to have in my kitchen, 4 ceiling downlighters on one half of the ceiling, 1 pendant the other half of the ceiling and finally under-cupboard lighting, would/should they all go on separate circuits?
Bearing in mind the downlighters and the pendant need independent switching and another separate switch for the under-cupboard lighting? Thanks.

Nick

 

[Mr Mark Sparks]

its 100% ok to have them all on 1 ciruit

 

[ngoodson1969]

Thanks Mr Mark Sparks.

Nick

 

[johnnyb]

Thats no problem at all mate.

 

[claret73]

Don't quote me on this...I'm a Mate so best practice for design & Installation still working on it...

Could you switch feed the kitchen lights as an independent circuit (if necessary) & place on a 3G Plate? Each switch individual for each light point...
Just a thought...

 

[Bright Sparks]

Nick, you may have some issues with the lights being of different technologies. I.e Fluoresecent under cabinet with Low voltage downlighters and GLS type in the pendant.

The Fluoresencents could have a high in rush current, which may effect the others. Best to have a localised switch or separete arrangement. Also be careful if you electrical sign off by the local building inspector, he will under part 'L' energy and power require 25% of the lighting to be energy efficient (40 lumins per circuit watt), these could be fluorescent tubes or the new CFL downlighters Like Aurora's DLM841, check their website for more info.

Personally I like to have the undercabinets on their own switch, then when making a cuppa I don't get blinded!

Good luck

 

[Spudnik]

They will be fine on their own circuit.

Drop the circuit into a single 35mm switch box and run a cable to each set of lights from there.

Building control will not be interested in energy efficient lighting in a kitchen refurb, although i would recommend L/E kitchen under cabinet lights as halogens dont last long with the cupboard doors being slammed all the time.

 

[ngoodson1969]

Thanks to both of you guys.

 

[danneva]

I want under cabinet lighting (not halogen) for two areas – each has two cabinets side by side. I want to be able to turn each light on and off with a switch on the light fixture itself. I do not want to have plug cords running to an outlet. I don’t want to see the wires or plugs. Can I hardware the fixtures by running the wire up into the cabinet and then out the back of the cabinet all the way to the breaker box? Is it code to have a wire running from inside a cabinet?

 

[malcolmsanford]

It is advisable not to have any part of a fixed installation going through or attached to something that one day can be removed ie your cabinets. If you want to take them down are you going to want to take all the wiring out of them? Saying that there is nothing stopping you from doing as you said if you wanted to.

You do though know that as it's a kitchen and your going back with a circuit to your breaker box, I assume you mean CU, then it comes under the scope of part P