Kitchen lighting upgrade in Charlotte, NC
Our Charlotte team, operating from the Matthews branch, completed a full kitchen lighting and power update for homeowner Rakesh Abbigari on May 23, 2024. Lead technician Ben Lively delivered a clean, code-compliant installation focused on brighter task lighting, stylish accents over the island, and safe, weatherproof outdoor power for everyday convenience.
This Lighting & Ceiling Fans project combined new fixture installs, troubleshooting, and safety upgrades to create a more functional and inviting kitchen for this Charlotte home.
What we installed
- Diagnostic and troubleshooting: Inspected a sensor switch the homeowner attempted to install and resolved the operating issue.
- Island pendants with new switching: Installed three homeowner-provided pendant lights over the island and added a dedicated single-pole switch. We also upgraded a nearby single-gang box to a two-gang box for proper control and space.
- Six recessed can lights: Furnished and installed six recessed cans in the kitchen, removing the existing 4-foot fluorescent and utilizing that switch leg for a seamless upgrade.
- Under-cabinet task lighting: Added two bronze 24-inch Kitchler under-cabinet fixtures—one on each side of the range—neatly tied into the existing counter light for balanced, shadow-free prep lighting.
- Outdoor, weatherproof power: Installed two GFCI-protected outlets with in-use bubble covers—one on the back of the house and one on the back porch—safely fed from bedroom outlets for reliable exterior power.
- AV convenience: Installed a homeowner-provided HDMI cable for the family room TV to keep wiring tidy and hidden.
Along the way, our team added the necessary boxes, standard switches, and NM-B 14/2 wiring to support these improvements while keeping existing circuits organized and safe.
Safety-first workmanship
- GFCI protection outdoors: Weather-resistant outlets with in-use bubble covers help protect against moisture and the elements.
- Clean retrofit practices: Proper removal of the fluorescent fixture and secure reuse of the switch leg to support the new recessed layout.
- Code-compliant wiring: Correct cable routing, properly supported boxes, and secure terminations throughout.
- System testing: We verified operation of all new lighting and receptacles before turning the project back over to the homeowner.
Annual Home Safety Membership – Gold
To support long-term reliability, this project also included enrollment in our Annual Home Safety Membership – Gold, beginning with a comprehensive Home Safety Inspection:
- Panel inspection: voltage readings, bus bar check, and proper bonding/KO sealing
- Site testing of electrical safety devices (surge protection, service disconnects, and more)
- Main service review: meter base condition, incoming feeders, water intrusion, riser/weatherhead, grounding
- Whole-home protection check: Smoke/CO detectors, security systems, and camera systems
- HVAC and major appliance disconnect inspections
- GFCI testing throughout the home
Gold Members also enjoy ongoing member-only perks and support on future service with Touchstone Electric.
Results for this Charlotte home
The finished kitchen now features layered lighting—bright recessed cans for overall illumination, stylish pendants for the island, and focused under-cabinet lighting for cooking tasks. Outdoors, the new weatherproof GFCI outlets provide safe, convenient power for seasonal use. The space feels brighter, more useful, and better protected.
Local pros you can trust
Touchstone Electric’s Charlotte team (Matthews branch) specializes in lighting installation and ceiling fan services across Charlotte, NC. After completion, Rakesh Abbigari shared positive feedback in a post-job review, recognizing the care and professionalism our technician brought to the project.
If you’re planning a kitchen lighting update—pendants, recessed cans, under-cabinet lighting, or outdoor GFCI outlets—our Charlotte electricians are ready to help.
