Rockycmt
Member
Which is best? Hardwire fluresent or Low voltage
I got some inline LED strip lights. A 15" with 21 leds (I think) fits perfectly under the cabinet. They are powered by 110, no transformer. Not dimmable but at about 1 watt per strip we can leave them on forever.
If I choose to go with low Voltage… What is the best install procedure? I want them switched so should I
Countertop switch to an outlet on top of cabinets to power a transformer.
If you do choose low voltage, none of the wiring can be concealed in the walls. Makes for a tough clean looking install.
411.4 Specific Location Requirements.
(A) Walls, Floors, and Ceilings. Conductors concealed or extended through a wall, floor, or ceiling shall be in accordance with (1) or (2):
(1) Installed using any of the wiring methods specified in Chapter 3
(2) Installed using wiring supplied by a listed Class 2 power source and installed in accordance with 725.130
Uh, Mike? They're DIYers. I doubt they have a copy of the NEC kicking around. Could you maybe explain, briefly, what's meant by "Chapter 3", "Class 2 power source", and "725.130"?
Well then why are they installing electrical circuits for if they don't have a copy of the rules?
I have been doing this for over 40 years and I got to have a copy of the rules to know if it is right or wrong. Are they that much smarter than a old seasoned pro like me?
I suppose that it would be a lot simpler to just go make the installation for them than to try and teach the NEC on a discussion forum but I will give it a go anyhow.
Chapter Three of the NEC is titled;
Chapter 3 Wiring Methods and Materials
This chapter will contain the rules that apply to the wiring methods of all conductors, cables and raceways.
The referral to chapter three in 411.4 means that any of the wiring methods out there and approved for branch circuits would be allowed to be used.
A class 2 circuit is one that is supplied by a class 2 power source and the rules change. They can’t be around circuits that are bigger than they are as they might get hurt. There are about a half dozen conductors listed for the installation of class 2 power limited conductors. Speaker wires are not part of this listing.
I feel as though I must ask you a couple of questions now.
Do you really think that someone would undertake installing something that is sure to cause fires and kill without first doing a lot of research on the proper safety issues?
Surly you don’t think that someone would undertake an electrical installation without first obtaining a copy of the current electrical codes and doing an in-depth study of said codes, do you?
The whole idea of forums like this is to assist people
Do I think people should undertake wiring without research?
NO, but that IS what the person is doing
Do I think people will undertake wiring without research?
YES, especially when they receive "assistance" such as yours
You might as well have said: "The answer is on the internet somewhere, go find it"
A better answer would be:
NO, you can't do that see - code such & such
or
YES, you can do that as long as you follow code such & such
AND giving them a link to look up the code, like this:
http://nfpaweb3.gvpi.net/rrserver/browser?title=/NFPASTD/7008SB
That is how people learn
Otherwise they will just ignore code & do what they want
Which is what everyone does NOT want, including the person looking for help