Umair Gaines
Commercial electric puck lights are a great way to illuminate your space without the hassle of cords. Hardwiring these lights is a more involved process than simply plugging them into an outlet, but it's worth the extra work for a sleek, cord-free look. To hardwire your puck lights, you'll need to connect them to an electrical circuit. This can be done by tapping into an existing outlet circuit, such as the countertop outlets in your kitchen. It's important to exercise caution and follow safety precautions when working with electricity, and you may want to consult a professional electrician. With the right tools and knowledge, hardwiring commercial electric puck lights can be a rewarding DIY project that enhances your lighting setup.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Installation options | Plug-in or hard-wired |
| Hard-wired installation process | Connect to an electrical circuit, typically by tapping into an outlet circuit |
| Required tools | Electrical cable, electrical tape, screwdriver, wire strippers, needle-nose pliers, nylon NM cable lock connector, etc. |
| Safety precautions | Turn off the power before starting work |
| Lighting options | Fluorescent, halogen, LED, or battery-operated |
| Lighting control | Dimmers can be used to control brightness and colour |
| Installation location | Under-cabinet or built-in desk with cabinets |
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What You'll Learn
Hard-wiring vs plug-in systems
Hard-wired and plug-in systems are two ways of connecting electric appliances to power sources. While some larger appliances are designed to be plugged in, smaller appliances are almost always plugged in instead of hardwired. This is because it's easy to plug them in and out and they can be moved from one place to another without much hassle. Plug-in devices are designed so that you can start using them as soon as you bring them home and connect them to a power source. They come with cords that connect them to wall outlets. However, hiding the electrical cord can be difficult and unsightly.
Hard-wired appliances, on the other hand, are connected directly into the electrical framework of the home. They run on a dedicated circuit, which means their wires are spliced directly into a junction box to permanently connect them with the electrical wiring in the home or office. Hard-wired appliances must be installed by electricians with the skill and experience to perform the work safely. This means they cost more to get up and running than plug-in versions.
While plug-in devices have a less expensive and easier installation, hard-wired devices have fewer wires, making for a cleaner, more organised look. It is less expensive to switch from plug to hardwire than vice-versa. However, if you want to move a hard-wired appliance, you'll have to call an electrician to undo the process safely.
To decide between hard-wiring and plug-in systems, it is important to consider factors such as cost, ease of installation, aesthetics, and the need for professional help.
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Connecting to an electrical circuit
To hardwire commercial electric puck lights, you will need to connect them to an electrical circuit. This can be done by utilising the countertop outlets in your kitchen and tapping into the outlet circuit.
Firstly, turn off the power at the main panel and identify the kitchen circuit that provides power to the outlets above the countertop. You can do this by plugging a receptacle tester into the outlets; the three lights on the tester will not light up when you turn off the correct breaker. Once you have identified the correct circuit, turn it off.
Next, remove the outlet cover and outlet from the junction box. This will give you access to the wires inside. If your fixture has a light shade or lens cover, remove it by sliding it off or unscrewing it. Examine the fixture for a round indentation or a rectangular plate covering an area along the back. If there is a plate, remove the screw holding it to expose the electrical wires.
Now, you can begin running an electrical wire from light to light, leaving about 12 inches of cord at each opening. At the last light, there will be a 12-inch long cord hanging out. Continue this process until you reach the first light after the switch, which should have one cord coming from the switch box and one leaving for the next fixture.
Separate the wires and strip about 3/4 inch of insulation from them. Then, connect the wires with wire nuts. The black fixture wire connects to the dark or brass-coloured wire on the electrical cord, while the white wire connects to the silver-coloured wire.
Finally, wrap the switch with electrical tape, covering the terminals. Screw the switch back into the box and install the switch cover. Turn the power back on and test the lights.
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Stripping and connecting wires
First, ensure you have the correct wire type for your project. Using the wrong wire, such as lamp wire instead of electrical wire, can be dangerous and may lead to serious injury or fire. For hardwiring under-cabinet lights, you will typically use a 12/2 nonmetallic (NM) electrical cable.
Next, you will need to strip the insulation from the wires. Use a suitable tool such as NM cable and wire strippers to remove about 1/2 inch of insulation from the ends of the wires. Be careful not to damage the wires themselves. At this stage, you should also separate the wires—black, white, and possibly green or bare—as they will need to be connected to different terminals.
Now, you can start connecting the wires. Bend small hooks into the ends of the wires using needle-nose pliers. Then, hook the black wire around the copper terminal screw (brass terminal) on the side of the original outlet. Connect the white wire to the silver-colored terminal, and if there is a green or bare wire, connect it to the grounding screw. If the grounding screw already has a wire attached, you will need to use a short length of new wire to connect the pigtail wire, the original wire, and the new wire feeding the fixture, using a wire nut.
Finally, secure the connections with electrical tape. Wrap the tape around the switch, covering the terminals, and then screw the switch back into the box. Remember to turn off the power at the main panel before making any electrical connections.
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Securing the cable
Before beginning any work, ensure that you have turned off the kitchen circuit that provides power to the outlets above the countertop. This is a crucial safety measure. You can confirm that the power is off by plugging a receptacle tester into the outlets; the lights on the tester should not turn on.
Now, you can start securing the cable. First, remove the outlet cover and the outlet itself by unscrewing them. Then, using a screwdriver and hammer, knock out the circular indentation at the back of the fixture to expose the electrical wires. Untwist the locknut from a 1/2-inch two-screw NM cable clamp and insert the threads through the knockout hole you created. Secure the cable clamp by tightening the screws.
Next, you will need to feed the electrical cable through the wall. Start by bending the end of a stiff wire into a small hook and then bending a length of 12/2 non-metallic (NM) electrical cable around the hook. Secure the cable to the wire with electrical tape. Pull the stiff wire through the junction box, bringing the cable down through the wall and out of the box. This will allow you to pull the cable through the wall.
Once you have pulled the cable through, slide a nylon NM cable lock connector onto the end of the cable protruding from the junction box. Snap the connector into the knockout in the junction box to secure the cable in place. Now, remove the exterior NM sheath from the cable to expose the individual wires. Strip about 1/2 inch of insulation from the ends of these wires using wire strippers.
Finally, you can connect the wires to the outlet. Bend small hooks into the ends of the stripped wires and hook the black cable wire around the copper terminal screw on the outlet. Connect the white neutral wire to the silver terminal and the bare or green wire to the grounding screw. If there is already a ground wire attached, you will need to pigtail the wires together using a wire nut.
Always be cautious when working with electrical systems, and if you are uncomfortable with any part of the process, consult a qualified electrician.
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Testing the lights
- Turn on the Power: Once you have completed the wiring process, restore power to the circuit you are working on. This can be done by turning on the kitchen outlet circuit breaker.
- Inspect the Lights: With the power on, carefully observe each of the lights you have installed. Ensure that all the lights are illuminated and functioning as expected.
- Check for Any Issues: Look out for any potential problems, such as flickering lights, uneven brightness, or loose connections. Ensure that the lights are securely fastened and that the wiring is neat and tidy.
- Test Different Settings: If your puck lights have adjustable features, such as dimming or colour-changing options, test these functions to ensure they work correctly. This will allow you to confirm that you have full control over the lighting effects.
- Observe for Heat: While it is normal for lights to generate some heat during operation, be cautious of excessive heat. Carefully touch the lights and surrounding areas to ensure they are not becoming too hot, which could indicate a problem.
- Final Adjustments: If you notice any issues during your testing, make the necessary adjustments. This may include tightening connections, checking for loose wires, or adjusting the positioning of the lights.
Remember, safety should always be a priority when working with electricity. If you are unsure about any aspects of the testing process or encounter any problems, it is best to consult a qualified electrician for advice or assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
You can hardwire commercial electric puck lights by following these general steps:
- Turn off the power at the main panel.
- Remove the cover plate on the outlet and gently pull the outlet away from the box.
- Expose the electrical wires by removing the light shade or lens cover from the LED under-cabinet light fixture.
- Connect the wires.
- Wrap the switch with electrical tape, covering the terminals.
- Screw the switch back into the box and install the switch cover.
- Turn the power back on and test the lights.
Hardwiring under-cabinet puck lights provides a luminous, cord-free lighting solution that can brighten your work surfaces and last up to 20 years. It also eliminates the difficulty of hiding electrical cords, providing a sleek and tidy appearance.
It is recommended to use a 12/2 nonmetallic (NM) electrical cable for hardwiring puck lights. Do not use lamp wire in place of electrical wire as it could cause safety hazards such as injury or fire.
While it is possible to install hardwired puck lights as a DIY project, it is a more involved process than a plug-in system. If you are comfortable working with electricity and can take the necessary safety precautions, you may be able to install them yourself. Otherwise, it is advisable to consult a professional electrician.
If you are looking for alternative lighting options, you can consider plug-in puck lights or battery-operated "hockey puck" lights. These options may provide more flexibility in terms of installation and the ability to control the brightness through dimmers. However, it is important to note that hiding the cords for plug-in lights can be challenging.
