Rescue me from electrical overload!

13 years ago

I've been reading over at the lighting forum, but feel overwhelmed by the technical jargon. I can (and have) put in new outlets, switches and fixtures, but that is the extent of my electrical knowledge!

I get the recommendations for 35lumens per sq. ft. and understand about CRI and color temperature.

I am leaning toward recessed LEDs in the ceiling. But I stopped by a lighting store where using 2 semi-flush fixtures was the suggestion made by their lighting designer.

So I have that confusion, and if I stay with LEDs, where and what size? or maybe LEDs combined with one semi-flush? The ceiling isn't that big after the cabinets are in! ( I do think that I want a pendant over the sink) What do you all think? What would be most appealing visually as well as practical?

The other question that I have is about plug mold under the cabinets. When I google for plug mold, all I come up with are the sort of thing you use as an extension from a regular outlet. Where do I find the sort to go under 24" or 30" cabinets and be wired into the wall?

Thanks for all your help. All these details are freaking me out, and I need to get a firm grip on what I want before I talk to the electrician. And, since I am trying to keep a tight grip on the expenses, wondering do I try to source all these things myself or will the electrician be able to provide the best values?

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Comments (3)

a2gemini
13 years ago
I would put cans around the perimeter and nice decorative lights in the center.
williamsem
13 years ago
I'm in the same boat, right down to past mastery of minor things like switches!

I just spent some time at a local lighting place this week too. Basically I was told a 6 inch light covers about 6 feet, a 4 inch would cover 4 feet. With the space in our kitchen and where our sink light and hood lights are, I think we might go with 4 inch LEDs. The 6 inch ones end up close to those other light sources and not where needed, or I'd be using an extra one with close spacing and risk cooking in a stadium!

I'd suggest trying one on either side of the sink, center one on that first lower and base your spacing on that with a third one down near the range. Then one on either side of the fridge. They would be 24-36 inches from the wall. And maybe a ceiling fixture or fan/light in the middle.

See how that looks. It's often easier to revise once you have something to look at.

I'm still going in circles with the UC lights. I have a quote from environmental lights online for their dimmable bars with drivers in the light bars (max light?). I need to call and have them walk me through it as there is no diagram, just a list. It is a little less than the local store options.
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raee_gw zone 5b-6a Ohio
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks, a2gemini

Williamsem, that is good info about how far the cans cast light. Seems maybe that a single 6" can by the stove would be good? I might be able to use the existing box with one of those Cree LEDs at that spot, come to think of it. I need to measure where it will be in relation to the new layout.

I'm going in circles about the UCL too; I just discovered today that there are different kinds of LED ucl, with different wiring and component requirements. I have to talk to the electrician to find out which would be easiest and least expensive.