Undercabinent kitchen lighting - will this meet code?

[AnonymousToolGuy]

Google isn't helping me much.

I'd like to replace one of the outlets in my kitchen with a hard-line to undercabinent LED lighting. The little information I have seems to indicate that you can't use those outlets for any other purpose besides appliances.

What I don't understand is - it's ok for me to buy LED lighting with a plug and plug it in, but it's not ok for me to cut off the plug and hardwire it in? How does that make any sense? Ideally I'd like to convert the two-plug outlet to a one-plug outlet with a switch replacing the other plug that then goes to the lighting.

 

[pattenp]

One thing is you are not suppose to cut off a plug on cordage and use the cord for fixed wiring. The fixture needs to be designed for hardwiring.

 

[Conniptor]

Hope this sounds clear: Put an outlet in the cabinet, in line above the existing outlet, wired down thru the wall to the switch you add to the existing outlet. Plug the fixture into the new (switched) outlet.

 

[sbrasel12]

Correct, the countertop kitchen receptacle outlets are not to be used for lighting.
Further, the NEC requires for all countertops 12" and greater in width to have all points along the wall to be within 2 feet of a receptacle outlet, measured horizontally along the wall.
To do this by code one would need to run a new branch circuit or tap into an existing lighting branch circuit. If the job is done by installing a new receptacle outlet it would have to be done in a way that makes clear that it is solely for lighting, not appliances.

 

[APEowner]

Correct, the countertop kitchen receptacle outlets are not to be used for lighting

You're not supposed to plug under cabinet lighting into the outlets along the back splash? I wasn't aware of that. Are there other regulations that control what the home owner can and cannot plug into outlets?

 

[Norcal]

You're not supposed to plug under cabinet lighting into the outlets along the back splash? I wasn't aware of that. Are there other regulations that control what the home owner can and cannot plug into outlets?

There is nothing prohibiting plugging lights into a receptacle on a kitchen SABC you just cannot hard wire them into those circuits.

 

[garrett1812]

I am doing the exact same project soon. I am going to install an outlet inside a cabinet, connected to one in the backsplash, with a switch in the backsplash. Maybe you aren't supposed to connect lights to the small appliance circuits, but I have two 20A circuits on the backsplash and no way I am going to run a new circuit for 30 watts of LEDs.

Just to note, I am plugging in a transformer to the outlet. It will not be hardwired.