ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Puck Lights

In my area the undercabinet lights are usually fluorescent to meet the energy code but I frequently puck lights in upper cabinets. I use Hera Lightings premium line and have never had a call back. They are made in Germany instead of China where most of the pucks are made but they are not cheap either. You can buy them in sets including the transformer or individually. As I remember they are about $25-$35 each.

Please don’t use the 120 volt pucks that one retailer now sells. They are not listed for recessed mounting or hard wiring. I have seen many failures of the same brands low voltage version of pucks.

Curt

I recommend these task lights from NSL. They are extremely easy to install, usually less than 5 minutes.

Peter

I know we got off the original subject of the post, sorry. But I would like to cast a vote for the Ambiance series undercabinet lighting from Sea Gull Lighting http://www.seagulllighting.com/pics/pdf/SpecSheet/9423.pdf . The are very low profile yet versitile and easy to install. The transformer can be installed under the sink base with the disposal or in the basement out of the way. But now after reading the above post, I wonder if I have been installing them correctly. There were times when I ran the wiring in the wall to feed one cabinet from another. The cable is a flat 10 awg. kind of looks like a fat lamp cord. The system is UL Listed.


Blessings. Mark

Inside cabinet with glass shelves I use a Juno 3" recessed light. This does stick up above the cabinet 5" or so which can be a problem to keep in mind. Peter also made a good call with the NSL undercabinet lights. I use them also. As for the Ambiance I have used that as well. Still a pain in the neck compared to an all in one fixture, and that wire can not be run in the wall.

We use symphony mini track by Contech,,,great product !!!!

Thanks for all the replies. Must admit I am weak on residential and these are going in my kitchen. Flourescent strips would have been fine with me. She Who Must Be Obeyed hates flourescent so that was out. I roughed for the recepts but now you have me thinking about going with alternative fixtures because I don't like the idea of wiring running vertical in the cabinets no matter how it's run.

Here are a couple of other options for you as well:
http://www.junolighting.com/productinfo/undercabinet_home.asp?path=undercabinet
http://www.waclighting.com/main/supporting_pages/specialty/under_button.html

These things are unreliable at best. The lamps wear out fast and the transformers that come with them seem to need replacement too often as well. A better option is the Juno track 12 system. Pricier but you only pay once for quality. I talk people out of the pucks and get them to go with the Juno regularly. It is also low voltage so has the same ease of installation, and no wiring spiderweb.
You can get it at most suppliers and I just saw that Lowes can order it. Check it out.

To answer Mark's question: The cord used with the Sea Gull Lighting Ambiance series undercabinet lighting is not rated for installation inside walls. If you look at the cord you will not find a UL symbol.
Bob