Modifying an lamp chord

[atgcpaul]

I installed some IKEA undercabinet lighting in the kitchen. This special chord has an in-line switch but each of lights has its own switch so the chord really just kills power to the whole set of lights.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30121411/

Anyway, the chord is super long and I want to shorten it rather than tie it up. The switch doesn't easily pop open with a screwdriver and I think if I do get it open, I will trash the housing. Is there anything special about the switch? Is it even necessary? We will ALWAYS leave the switch on because each light has its own switch.

I was thinking about cutting the chord shorter and leaving out the switch. I would solder the two ends together and cover the splice with electric heat shrink tubing.

The back of the switch says it's rated for 3A. I can buy this 3A replacement switch from HD for almost $4, but the chord was just $5.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-3...-00W/100201339

Maybe I'm being overly cheap.


Thanks,
Paul

[Bill in Buena Park]

Paul,
I would say that the IKEA cord shown is a matter of convenience - to be able to turn all the lamps on at the same time, if the individual lamps are left in the on position. If you remove the switch, you are simply limited to having to operate each light individually. But my question to you is - why the splice? Why not just cut the cord to remove the switch, and wire the remaining cord to a new plug? Just me maybe, but I wouldn't be comfortable with heat-shrink on a splice as sufficient insulator between the hot and neutral. One of our electrical folks should weigh in on the splice.

[atgcpaul]

Paul,
Why not just cut the cord to remove the switch, and wire the remaining cord to a new plug?

Cuz I hadn't thought of that?

OK, that sounds like a much better option and will give me an excuse to visit HD tomorrow.

The plug is at the far end of the run and we are more apt to just turn one light on as needed rather than the whole strip. However, I suppose wearing out the switch on the chord isn't as big a deal as the switch on the fixture.

Paul

[atgcpaul]

I was discussing this with the wife this morning and all she had to say was, "Well, it would be nice..." so after using some cable anchors and zip ties, it's done. You can see the switch about half way down the front. From the front, it's all hidden behind the face frame. No cable mods were needed.

I have one more to install and that one needs to have the chord cut short and the new plug end added, but first I've got to expand a 2 gang box to a triple. Wish I had done that when I first put that double gang in.

[RAFlorida]

Bill gave you some good

advise about the plug. It'd be the best route to go.

[atgcpaul]

We will ALWAYS leave the switch on because each light has its own switch.

Boy was I wrong! The main kitchen switch is across the room and these new lights are much closer. For a quick kitchen snack (not helping), I will just flick on the new lights. I located the chord lamp switch behind the junction of two cabinet stiles so it is very easy to locate. Now I ALWAYS leave all the lights on and just switch them all on/off with the chord switch. I was finding I was still fumbling around for the switch on the light.

[capncarl]

If you leave them powered up all the time you may consider cutting in a Christmas light remote control. I picked up several 3 device remote control units for nearly nothing that we use to turn on patio lights, love them.