Goal: I want to add some under cabinet lights in my kitchen and control them all from an in wall dimmer switch.
Problem: I have 3 outlets in my kitchen. One is a GFI outlet, but the other two are on the same circuit. I was assuming I could just add the dimmer switch by tapping off one of the normal outlets for power. I have done this before (in a bedroom) and in that case, the outlet had an empty set of top lugs that I could use to tap off of. However, in the kitchen all the outlets (GFI and normal) have connections at all 4 lugs (white and black on bottom lugs – white and black on top lugs).
Question: Can I/ How do I tap off of one of the normal outlets to add my dimmer?
Best Answer
Well, to stay complaint with code you cannot do this. You cannot tap off a kitchen receptacle circuit for lighting. Is it done, yeah, I'm sure it is. Is it correct or code complaint, no, not at all. You need to find another circuit to take power from.
BTW, the fact that the screws are all used on the receptacles does not mean anything.