Installing lights beneath your kitchen cabinets improves your home
functionality while increasing the beauty and the market value. Homeowners looking
to improve kitchen illumination as well as create nice lighting effects can
find satisfaction in installing under-cabinet lighting by themselves. This
complete guide shows you how you can easily mount your under-cabinet lighting
inside your kitchen.
The Benefits of Having Under-Cabinet Lighting in Your Kitchen
1. Enhanced Visibility: This light system enhances
visibility by shining on countertops which reduces overhead light shadows that
improves your tasks when cooking or chopping.
2. Aesthetic Appeal: Under-cabinet lighting brings both
visual charm and contemporary style to kitchens through its ability to showcase
backsplash designs and create relaxing lighting effects.
3. Energy Efficiency: LED under-cabinet installation saves
energy, which leads to lower electricity costs for homeowners.
Where to buy the best Kitchen Under-Cabinet Light
- Jumia
- Amazon
- DownLights UK
- Kitchen Power Pop Ups
- LightSupplier
- AQ Lighting
- Ikea
- CountryLiving
- DownLightDirect
- Lightopia
- Lowes
- Aspect LED
Everything You Need for Your Kitchen Under-Cabinet Lighting Installation
Ensure you collect the below materials and tools before
starting your installation work:
1. Lighting Fixtures: Pick either LED strip lights, puck
lights or linear light bars depending on your kitchen design preferences.
2. Power Source: You should determine whether you want
plug-in or hardwired power sources for their installation. Plug-in lights
provide straightforward installation but hardwired lights deliver a unified
look.
3. Transformer/Driver: This serves as a vital accessory to
convert voltage for lights that need this transformation.
4. Tools: Tools required include measuring tape, pencil,
drill, screwdriver, wire strippers and adhesive mounts or screws used for light
installation.
Installation Process for Your Kitchen Under-Cabinet Lighting
Step 1: Plan the Layout
Use a measuring tool to determine the total length of
cabinet space that needs lighting. Choose the perfect position for the lighting
system to achieve uniform illumination along the countertop surface.
Step 2: Select the Lighting Type
Decide what kind of under-cabinet lighting suits your
requirements before beginning your installation. There are three main
under-cabinet light options:
- LED Strip Lights: Energy-efficient and available in various
colors and brightness levels.
- Puck Lights: These
circular-shaped lighting fixtures generate targeted illumination.
- LED Bar Lights: Straight lighting system that distributes a
uniform beam across flat surfaces.
Step 3: Prepare the Installation Area
Make sure to thoroughly clean the cabinet underside before
starting the light attachment process. Mark down which parts of the cabinets
will receive lights along with the exact locations where holes must be drilled
for wiring.
Step 4: Install the Light Fixtures
i. For Plug-In LED Strip or Bar Lights:
- Mark the Placement: Make markings on the surface using a pencil to
indicate the light positions.
- Attach the Lights: Apply
adhesive backing and mounting clips to keep the lights securely attached.
- Manage the Wires: Install cable clips to maintain a tidy wire
organization that conceals wires from view.
- Plug in and Test: Verify that the lights function properly
by connecting the power supply.
ii. For Hardwired Lighting:
- Turn Off Power: Shut off electricity at the circuit
breaker.
- Drill a Hole for Wires: Drill holes if necessary to guide
wiring through your cabinet installation.
- Connect to Electrical Wiring: Secure the wires to the home's electrical
system with wire nuts by connecting black wires to black wires and white wires
to white wires and ground wires to ground wires.
- Secure the Light Fixture: Fasten the fixture to the
surface by securing it with screws or mounting brackets.
- Restore Power and Test: Verify proper operation by turning
electricity on and testing the lights' performance.
Step 5: Conceal Wires and Make Final Adjustments
- You can conceal wires with wire moldings or raceways to
create a neat appearance.
- Make sure all wiring connections are tight and check for
any light flicker or loose wires.
- Adjust light position and angle if needed to achieve
uniform illumination.
Step 6: Connect the Wiring
Plug-in lights require an outlet connection to function. If
you are not an expert at electrical work then connecting hardwired lights to a
power source through wall-mounted cables will need professional help.
Step 7: Test the Lights
Check that your installed lights illuminate their designated
areas properly after switching them on.
Mistakes to Avoid During and After Installation
1. Inadequate Planning: Inaccurate measurement results in
both inadequate illumination and visible wires. Check all light measurements
twice before going to buy and install the fixtures.
2. Ignoring Electrical Load: When circuits become overloaded
they can activate breakers or lead to fire risks. Check if your current
electrical system has enough capacity to handle the power needs of the new
lighting setup.
3. Improper Placement: The correct distance between lighting
fixtures and backsplashes determines both glare intensity and lighting
uniformity across the countertop surface. The ideal placement should illuminate
the entire countertop surface evenly.
4. Neglecting Safety Precautions: It is essential to switch
off power at the breaker box before commencing electrical work because it
prevents shock-related accidents.
Conclusion
Whether you need to update your kitchen or want better
illumination, following these instructions carefully will guarantee you a
proper under-cabinet lighting setup.
