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BruceMc's avatar
BruceMc
Explorer III
Nov 13, 2016

Kitchen Sink switch design, install

All overhead lights in the house with the exception of two have wall switches; the one in the overhead bunk will remain switchless. Here's pics from when I added a switch to the kitchen sink light:

Switch wire ran from light:



Switch block and channel in their rough form:



Test fitting:



Switch block/channel, and matching trim for the other side of the valence nearly complete sans finish:



Install complete - block & channel detail under valence:





While I was at it, I lowered the paper towel holder an inch. I originally installed it with a partial roll; when I installed a new roll, it was pressed so tight against the underside of the cabinet that it would not roll....
  • Nice project.
    Wish you had posted this project earlier this year. Now I have to put on next years list. I have 3 of them to do.
  • I'd been planning this project for some time, and finally got some time to work on it. You might recall my earlier switch installation projects:
    Overhead lights - New switches

    In this particular case, I didn't have a hollow wall to use for the switches. The switch requires a 1" hollow behind it for the wires and connectors. In this case, I used right angle spade connectors.
  • Nicely done---------I need to add a water pump switch to the bathroom.
  • I thought it would be a lot bigger challenge regarding how to route the wire. The back edge of the cabinet has a 3/4 by 1 1/2 inch frame. The wiring is sandwiched in between the floor of the cabinet and the bottom panel that holds the lamp and 110vac receptacle, so I'd have to drill up, then out into the void.
    I know of no drill bit that will make a turn in the span of a little over an inch.
    As it worked out, when I peered into the void through the hole for the 110vac, I spotted another set of wires that was a different color than the one attached to the lamp. Hmmmm. Chasing that wire, I found it exited the void through the sidewall to the outside porch light.
    Bingo!
    With a 5/16th inch spade bit, I drilled up along side the side wall, and into that hole from the bottom, being careful not to drill into the existing wires.

    I couldn't have asked for an easier access point. That's why the wire exits where it does just above the valence bracket.