Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - kitchen cabinet lighting wiring?

Currently, I have a florescent light bar on top of my cabinets that is controlled by an outlet light switch.

The light bar, on top, is not 'plugged in' to an outlet on top of my cabinets. Instead, a black wire comes out from the wall and plugs directly into the light bar.

So my question is: Can I cut this wire and then hook an outlet up to it? I want to install halogen lighting in place of it.

Assuming that this is a properly wired light, and that you properly wire the receptacle then the answer is yes.

I'm assuming that the light is properly installed -- after all, it works and has been working for several years with no issues.

So, once I install the outlet on top -- should I just go with a plug-in halogen light bar? Or should I actually direct-wire the halogen light bar? What are the pros/cons?

Also, under cabinet lighting. I have an outlet that is not hooked up to a switch -- it's always on. I'd like to build a switch off of this outlet to control some under cabinet lighting. For these lights, I'd like to direct-wire them to hide wires, clean install, etc. Do I need to install a transformer for a project like this? And if so, where do I place the transformer so it's out of view, but still in a safe location?

Or should I just tap into the newly created outlet up top, and run the wires through the cabinet? And just use the plug-in transformers for puck lighting?

You have no convinced me, nor do I think you know, if the lights are properly wired. What else is on the circuit they are one? Is the cable that comes out of the wall NM-B cable?

I have no opinion on hardwired lights verses plug in ones.

You cannot run hard wired lighting on any circuit that serves the kitchen counter top receptacles.

Not too sure what is on the circuit -- I will have to check when I get home. I do, however, know that the above cabinet lighting (three florescent bars) and the ceiling kitchen light, are on the circuit. But, I'm not sure if others are on it as well.

How can I determine if it's the NM-B wiring? I'm assuming I'd have to splice it to determine it? The wire is more flat than round, and is about a half of an inch wide.

So, I'm assuming that I'll have to run the under cabinet lighting through the cabinets to the receptacle up top.

Thanks for all the help -- I truly appreciate it. I'd rather research and learn first before I diving into something.

Go to one of the big box stores and look at NM-B wiring. They sell it in rolls in various lengths or by the foot. Compare it to the cable exiting the wall. Or better yet, read the markings on the cable itself.

If you buy undercabinet lights with a cord and plug they can be plugged in anywhere. it is only hardwired lights that need to be wired to sdome circuit other than a receptacle circuit serving the counter.

Will do. Thanks again for the help.

Looking at the other two light bars, there are two wires coming out of the wall and into the bars. Of course, this makes me even more confused now.

All the wires have been painted over by the previous home owner. Unfortunately, I cannot read the wire labeling.