FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Safety of “puck” lights used atypically

TOOS | Posted in General Discussion on August 2, 2007 12:04pm

I put 4 recessed can lights in the kitchen I’m remodeling, but it was still dim over the sink.   I was going to add a fifth, but there is a joist spang in the middle, so I decided to try a shallow surface-mounted fixture instead.  The guy @ HD said “puck” lights, which I had never heard of, fit the bill.

They do sort of resemble hockey pucks, since they’re discs about 2 1/2-3″ across and 1″ deep.  They use 120 volt, 20 watt small halogen bulbs.  They are meant for add-on undercabinet lighting, and are supposed to just be plugged into a receptacle.  The cords are ordinary ungrounded, 16 ga. lamp wire with 2-prong plugs on the end.  Since the pucks are all plastic, I guess the mfr. is relying either on double insulation or that the thing will be plugged into a GFCI.  The pucks are sealed, so there is no way to remove the stock wire and substitute Romex.

I had planned to just lead these 16 ga flexible lamp cords through the ceiling and put a regular box in the attic, switching to Romex there.  But when I read the instrux, it specifically stated that they should not be led through holes in walls or ceilings and not hardwired, just plugged in.  They recommend 2 ways of mounting under cabinets; either recessed or just strapped to the bottoms with 2 screws; no boxes at all.

They warn about the heat, but seem OK with recessed mountings.

So my questions are: (1)  If I do lead them through a hole in the ceiling to a box in the attic, is there some danger of fire or of the insulation deteriorating from heat?  (2)  Is their ungrounded state, and not being plugged into a GFCI, going to be a problem?  (3) Has anybody got a better solution than puck lights?  Some other form of surface-mounted fixture?  I want something compact and bright and not low voltage, just line voltage.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. ZEEYA | Aug 02, 2007 04:58pm | #1

    Toos

    I've attached a couple of pictures of pucks under cabinets

    the cabinet against the wall I installed a receptacle inside it then drilled a small hole  thru inside  all the cabs, then installed puck wiring inside small round wire mould and just plugged into the receptacle it seemed like the only for me to do it like you said you can't run the lamp wire inside the wall.  The HO didn't like the wire showing under the cabinets so I covered the bottoms and remounted pucks

    hope this helps you

     

    zeeya

  2. DanH | Aug 02, 2007 05:28pm | #2

    It's a code/UL thing that regular "lamp cord" can't be permanently installed. Ie, it MUST be plugged in, vs cutting off the end and splicing to romex, and plug-in point must be easily accessible. In addition, the wire must not be subjected to possible abrasion (eg, from running through holes in things).

    So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
  3. User avater
    rjw | Aug 02, 2007 05:32pm | #3

    There are far more varieties of puck lights than the big boxes have.

    Go to a good lighting store

    Using the one's you found the way you described is amateurish workmanship, IMO.


    May your whole life become a response to the truth that you've always been loved, you are loved and you always will be loved" Rob Bell, Nooma, "Bullhorn"

    "We Live"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kuBgh0VCqI&mode=related&search

    And Annie Ross's "Twisted" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lqivrCIRGo&mode=related&search=

     

  4. IdahoDon | Aug 02, 2007 09:55pm | #4

    If there is a joist in the middle of where the light is to go simply use two small cans on either side.  Cans eve smaller than 4" are available to order from any good lighting store.

    Puck lights are a poor substitute for what you need.

    The electrical regulations are what prohibits a plug in cord from running through walls, not an electrical issue specifically.  A box made to hardwire the flex cord to romex is available and would solve the wiring problem, but that still doesn't make a puck light suitable for what you need.

    Good lighting

     

    Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.

  5. sapwood | Aug 02, 2007 11:57pm | #5

    Install a small surface mounted pendant light over the sink. This can be attached to one of those pancake boxes. A puck light will probably not illuminate anything at sink level as it will be too far away.

  6. JohnSprungX | Aug 03, 2007 02:31am | #6

    > They use 120 volt, 20 watt small halogen bulbs. 

    20 watts, even if you could focus it perfectly, won't be anywhere near enough.  The best suggestion was to go with two cans, set symmetrically, to avoid the joist.   Put them far apart as you can (up to the next outboard joists) to get a more even illumination. 

     

    -- J.S.

     

  7. Dave45 | Aug 03, 2007 05:19am | #7

    I doubt if puck lighting would be very useful over a sink.  I have four puck lights mounted under the upper cabs in my kitchen and they're great for low-level lighting with the morning coffee or a little additional task lighting.

    I had a similar situation and just installed another can light right over the sink.  It made a huge difference in how clean the dishes get. - lol

    1. TOOS | Aug 09, 2007 10:21am | #8

      You've convinced me.  I took back the puck lights and found 2 nice 3" recessed lights which I will install on each side of the joist.

       

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Podcast Segment: Repairing an Old Home While Maintaining Its Integrity

Learn about different approaches to making updates and repairs to older homes with historic charm.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 684: Masonry Heaters, Whole-House Ventilation, and Porch Flooring
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Repairing an Old Home While Maintaining Its Integrity
  • Tools and Gear for the Moms Who Get it Done
  • An Easier Method for Mitered Head Casings

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 81%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data