Kitchen Electrical Plan

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Hi there,

We're looking for some help with lighting and electrical planning and have a first round draft from our architect. Hoping to get some good input from people here. Our ceilings are only 8 ft. tall. Floors are a dark grey and we'd probably go with a glossier light or white finish on the cabinets. Top cabinets are denoted by the dotted line that cuts through the counter space. This is a full rip out and rebuild so we still have flexibility in how cabinets get designed and haven't bought any appliances or counter tops or ANYTHING yet.

A few things I've noticed and have read from other posts include the following (keep in mind I've seen a drawing like this before today so complete amateur over here)

Recessed Can lights should be directly over the counters for better task lighting
No outlets on the island at this point - should we have two? One on either end?
Where is the switch and the power for the garbage disposal in the sink going to go?
No lights under cabinets which I think we need because I like to see what I'm chopping
3 pendants seems to be ok based on the length but would your 2 cents
Seems to be missing power for the Dishwasher

Another detail he recommended were 110V high efficacy luminary for the recessed light (whatever that means)

Featured Answer

Anna S

8 years ago

Yes to under-cabinet lighting - and ask what color temperature they, and all other lighting, should be. The color temperature dramatically effects the way every color in your kitchen looks.

Most people I know find their kitchens too bright.

I would avoid halogen which, in my experience, ultimately damages the socket because of the heat they generate.

Here are some articles I saved - I just finished a kitchen redesign. Maybe they'll help. No idea if proremodeler is right. Lighting is tough.

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/get-your-homes-recessed-lighting-right-stsetivw-vs~12520025

https://www.proremodeler.com/recessed-kitchen-lighting-reconsidered
https://www.proremodeler.com/right-way-light-kitchen

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

oliviag55
8 years ago
go led, with attention to Kelvin / color.
yes, you need at least two outlets on the sides of your island. you can use an airswitch for the disposal. with the trash and Deb arrangement, you could counter mount it. mine is face mounted on the sink base , and I like it there. out of sight, easy to use. no cleaning issue, and not another pockmark in the counter.
your island is quite large. can you accomplish the top without a seam??
Related Professionals
Owensboro Home Remodeling · Chambersburg Home Remodeling · Elgin Home Remodeling · Belleville Kitchen Remodelers · Joplin Bathroom Remodelers · Oxnard Bathroom Remodelers · Erie Interior Designers & Decorators · Queens Interior Designers & Decorators · Victoria Furniture & Accessories · Syracuse Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Rome Interior Designers & Decorators · Topeka Interior Designers & Decorators · Bartlesville Interior Designers & Decorators · Dodge City Architects & Building Designers · Idaho Falls Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
PRO
Edmond Kitchen & Bath LLC
8 years ago
They did the easy "grid" pattern with the can lights. See that in most new homes. We like to place can lights (or LED wafers) so they evenly illuminate the face of the cabinets in addition to providing functional lighting on the counters. And you are correct - placing as drawn will create shadows - they should be over the countertops.

LED undercabs are very efficient and will add to the functionality of the space. We like to use dimmable WAC or TRESCO brands. Bright for use, dim for dinner party. Place the switch for these in the same area as general room lighting so all switches are in one place.

Yes - outlets on the island. If you don;t have a spot for a full size plug, look at the angled plugs that tuck up under the counters from Task Lighting (see island below).

As Olivia said, use an air switch mounted behind sink on your counter to activate disposer. This will plug under sink into the same outlet as the dishwasher. We like to add LED lighting under the sink as well. Always dark down there....Best of luck!
User
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Your KD should be supplying you with a lighting plan. Cabinet sellers don’t do proper designs.
Danielle Ferraro
Original Author
8 years ago
Wow, thanks everyone. We're definitely leaning towards the LED lights with special attention paid to the Kelvin. Hadn't thought about lights on the faces of cabinets or under the sink. Also, never heard of an air switch so I'll need to do my research there. The plan left out a plug for the dishwasher so we'll need to make sure he scopes that in.

In regards to the island size and getting a single piece, we are leaning towards manmade quartz that mimics marble. Haven't shopped for the countertop yet though so hoping this won't be a problem.
Kim
8 years ago
Disposal air switches that are placed on an island are fabulous- very unobtrusive, take up a teeny-tiny space, and conveniently located.
Danielle Ferraro thanked Kim