QA

Question: How To Install Lights Under Cabinet

How do you hardwire under cabinet lights?

Then, follow these steps for installation: Disconnect the power. Locate the correct breaker and turn off the power supply to the switch outlet where you’re going to connect the lights. Attach the lights. Cut the wall. Run the wire. Run the cord. Connect the lights. Wire the switch. Cover your work.

How do you hide the cords on under cabinet lights?

One of the simplest solutions to unsightly under-cabinet wires is using a cable protector. You can secure the wiring into one bundle with tie wraps and adhere it to the cabinet’s underside with staples. The wiring length itself should extend directly from the light to the wall.

Do under cabinet lights go in front or back?

When mounting any fixture under a cabinet, position it to the front. If there is a lens, face it toward the backsplash. The bottom-front rail of the cabinet should hide the fixture from your line of sight, whether you’re standing or seated. A plug-in fixture may be used for short runs of under-cabinet lighting.

What kind of wire do you use for under cabinet lighting?

Although wire size ultimately depends on your light-fixture manufacturer’s specifications, 12-gauge wire is standard for most incandescent and fluorescent under-cabinet fixtures. A basic installation requires a 12-2 NM cable.

Do under cabinet LED lights need a transformer?

When installing low voltage under cabinet lights, you will have to take some special measures. You’ll need a transformer to convert your home’s voltage supply to a much Page 11 11 lower number, and if you plan to use any accessories, like dimmers, they’ll need to be compatible with your lighting system.

Can LED strip lights be wired into mains?

Most — if not all — LED strip lights can be powered by the mains power supply.

Do LED strip lights need to be plugged in?

When it comes to led strips, most of them will come with a female 2.1mm connection point ensuring that the connection is seamless. All you’ll need to do is plug in the led strips into your plug-in power supply and you’ll have a working led light. The other option is for those using the hardwired power supplies.

How do you install rope lights under kitchen cabinets?

Rope lights fasten to the tops of cabinets with plastic clips that you secure to the cabinetry with small screws. Once the clips are in place, simply press the rope lighting into the u-shaped cradle that will hold the lighting in place. Plug into an outlet and turn on.

Can you use LED strip lights under cabinets?

Under the Cabinets. If your kitchen has a row of wall cabinets, stick the LED lights along their bottom, or along the kitchen console table. Then adjust the color to whatever you like depending on kitchen decoration style and your preferences, and make the kitchen exude a different aura.

How do you replace LED strip lights under cabinets?

Follow the steps below before you cut any of the lights or attach them to any surface. Lay out all the products to create a mock installation to make sure you have all the supplies necessary. Unroll the LED strip lights from the plastic reel. Attach the uncut lights to the power supply and turn on the power supply.

Where should LED strip lights be placed?

To level up your light design, try installing LED strips in these five places around your home. Under cabinets. As the name implies, under-cabinet lighting illuminates areas underneath your cabinetry. Along toe kicks. Under shelves. Under the bed. Behind computer and TV screens.

How do I choose under cabinet lighting?

For best results, choose a finish that closely resembles your cabinets. To ensure even lighting across the counter, use light bars that closely match the width of your cabinets. If you’re using puck lights instead, place them 8-12″ apart for even light distribution, or space them out further to create pockets of light.

Can Romex be exposed for under cabinet lighting?

Romex wire is designed for in-wall use and therefore is not designed to be seen. It is unsightly underneath cabinets when it is exposed. However, in most applications the light mounted toward the front of the cabinet is a much better option.

What gauge wire should I use for LED lights?

Most people would likely recommend using a solid core 18-gauge wire for your LED lights. The cost difference between this wire size and a much smaller cable is negligible, and 18-gauge is about as big as you can go if you would like your wires to fit into most holders or terminals.

Why can’t under cabinet lights be on a dimmer?

A 300 watt dimmer will be more than sufficient to power your under cabinet lights. Even if you have 12 fixtures at 10 watts each, that is only 120 total watts. This maximum watt capacity for a dimmer typically becomes an issue with recessed lighting where a large room may have a few dozen lights.

How long do batteries last in under cabinet lighting?

Many battery powered under cabinet lights can last up to 100 hours. However, battery life depends entirely on how often the lights are used. If you have your light(s) on 3 hours per day, they may last about one month or approximately 30 days.

How do you connect LED strip lights to mains?

To get your strip light working, connect the transformer / driver to the strip light ( extending the cable with 2 core flex if necessary). Then you connect your transformer / driver to the mains via a plug or direct to the mains and you’re away.