Where do Ottawa under-cabinet lights get their power?

Under-cabinet lights in Ottawa kitchens are typically powered by one of three sources: a nearby dedicated circuit, a tapped kitchen counter circuit, or a plug-in connection to an existing outlet.

The most common setup in Ottawa homes is hardwired under-cabinet lighting connected to the kitchen's general lighting circuit or a dedicated lighting circuit. An electrician runs wire from your electrical panel (or an existing junction box) through the wall cavity and cabinet interior, connecting directly to the light fixtures. This gives you a clean, cord-free look with a wall switch or dimmer controlling the lights. It's the preferred method for new construction and renovations.

The second option is tapping into one of your kitchen's counter receptacle circuits. Ontario Electrical Safety Code requires at least two 20A small appliance circuits for kitchen countertops, and in some cases an electrician can branch a hardwired lighting connection from one of these — though this needs to be done carefully to avoid overloading the circuit with both lighting and appliance loads. Your electrician will assess whether this is appropriate for your specific setup.

The simplest option is plug-in under-cabinet lights, which draw power from an existing outlet — often the ones installed inside upper cabinets, or a nearby counter receptacle. No new wiring is needed, but you may have visible cords and less flexibility with switch placement.

From an ESA permit standpoint, if you're hardwiring new under-cabinet lights — running new wire, adding a switch, or creating a new circuit — that work requires an ESA permit and must be done by a licensed electrician. Simply plugging in a plug-in fixture doesn't require a permit.

On the safety side, never attempt to tap into existing wiring yourself. Kitchen circuits are already loaded with high-draw appliances, and improper connections are a leading cause of kitchen fires. An electrician will also ensure your wiring is properly rated for the fixture type (LED drivers, for example, have specific requirements).

For a typical Ottawa kitchen, hardwired pot light or LED strip under-cabinet installation runs $150–$250 per fixture, including wiring and switch. If a new dedicated circuit is needed, add $300–$600 for that portion of the work.

Want a clean, professional under-cabinet lighting setup? Electrical Ottawa can assess your kitchen's existing circuits and recommend the best power source for your specific layout — reach out for a free consultation.