Can Under-Cabinet Flourescent Lighting Cause a Fire?

Safe to Use

• Under-cabinet fluorescent lighting is a safe and effective way to illuminate dark spaces. The website Healthy House Institute recommends the installation of fluorescent under-cabinet lights, particularly in areas such as over the kitchen sink or over countertop areas. Fluorescent lights also last four to 10 times longer than regular incandescent under-counter lights. Lighting Upgrades website states that fluorescent plug-ins are the most popular type of under-cabinet lighting, in addition to being economically priced and easy to install.

Wiring/Transformer Size

• The wiring or transformer may determine if the under-cabinet fluorescent lighting has the potential to cause fires. Ensure that the wiring for the lighting fixture matches the voltage. In addition, it's important that the size of the transformer is adequate to handle the number of under-cabinet lights used. For example, if you're using a small transformer, have no more than one or two low-voltage lights. As you add lights, however, you should increase the size of the transformer to prevent overheating.

Transformer Placement

• The placement of the transformer may also be a contributing factor in the under-cabinet fluorescent light’s potential to start fires. The transformer should be placed where a sufficient amount of air can circulate around it. If not, the transformer will overheat, and potentially ignite a fire. For this reason, the transformer should not be placed in an enclosed area -- like a wall or ceiling -- that may be covered by drywall or any other type of enclosure.

Recall

• The U.S. Consumer Product Commission, along with General Electric, issued a recall of over 9,000 fluorescent under-cabinet lighting fixtures. The recall was issued because of a malfunction in the manufacturing process, which posed an electrical shock and possible fire hazard. The fixtures were part of the General Electric Ultra Thin Line 12-inch and 24-inch direct-wire fluorescent under-cabinet lighting, with model numbers 23039, 27278, 23045 and 27281. Consumers are advised to refrain from touching the fixture and should contact GE Home Electric Products to have a repairman replace the fixture.