I love my kitchen, I really do - it's just so dark over the countertops, which makes food preparation a bit dangerous. I've been looking into DIY under cabinet lighting options over the past couple of months and I think I've found a suitable option for our kitchen. Since we only have one overhead light, that space underneath the cabinets is too shadowy for us to safely use the cutting board. There's also the general aesthetic appeal that comes with additional countertop lighting, particularly if your counters are granite, stone or corian. They just look infinitely better when they are highlighted! Low voltage under cabinet lights (like these Kichler Under Cabinet Lighting Fixtures) are preferable, as they are practically invisible, fitting perfectly underneath the cabinets. Here are some important things to take into consideration when thinking about installing under cabinet lighting in your kitchen.
Under Cabinet Lights in Remodeled Kitchen
Plug-In Under Cabinet Lighting:
If you're looking for a simple solution for under cabinet lighting, there are plenty of inexpensive plug-in options for you. Simply attach the fixture to the underside of the cabinets and plug them into a nearby outlet. Most of these fixtures should have of a built-in switch that you have to turn on and off each time. There are downsides with this under-cabinet lighting solution, the main one being that you take up valuable outlet space. If your kitchen is anything like mine, outlet space is a valuable commodity. A toaster, blender and coffee maker all permanently reside there and having to choose which one to unplug each time would just be a nuisance. You could use a power strip but that both takes up space and is unattractive. That being said, plug-in fixtures are probably best if you only have a small counter surface that requires light.
Hard-Wired Under Cabinet Lighting:
Hard-wired under-cabinet lighting is definitely more attractive, given that there are no exposed wires and you likely have a dedicated wall switch that controls the fixtures. The downside is that the installation is considerably more complicated. This is where having a general knowledge of electrical work comes in handy, so if any of this makes you uneasy, spend the extra cash and have it professionally done by a licensed electrician.
One thing to consider before installing the under cabinet lighting is how far apart you space each light. Experts recommend placing one light for every 30 inches of counter space, as you don't want any shadowy spots along your countertop. It's also important to consider the size of the transformers that you are using. Make sure and match the number of under cabinet lights to the transformer. The more lights you plan to have, the bigger your transformer will have to be. Having enough air space around the transformers is also crucial. Since a transformer is converting a regular alternating electrical current into a direct low-voltage current, the result is heat. This heat needs to somehow dissipate from the transformer. An overheated transformer is a serious fire hazard. Along the same lines, never hide the transformer in a wall or ceiling space that gets covered up with drywall or paneling. Transformers must be clearly visible or easily accessible for servicing.
Now if I haven't completely scared you off, here is a basic DIY for installing the fixture yourself. Once you have your plan mapped out, make sure that you carefully read the provided installation instructions and that you follow them closely.
- Turn off the breaker switch for the correct circuit
- Remove the faceplate from a nearby electrical outlet, pulling out the receptacle to expose all of the wiring
- Knock out the back of the electrical box (you can do this easily with a hammer and screwdriver)
- Drill a hole directly over the outlet next to the bottom of your cabinets
- Cut the plug off the power cord for the fixture, making sure to leave about 2 inches of cord on the plug. This will help to determine which wire is neutral (the neutral wire is usually ribbed or otherwise marked in some way)
- Using some draw tape or fish tape, thread the light fixture's wire through the wall and into the electrical box. Thread one fish tape through the electrical box and another to pull the first piece back through the hole in the wall.
- Now attach the cord to the terminal, connecting the neutral wire to the silver terminal and the wire that carries the current, to the brass terminal.
- Finally, you are ready to attach the light fixture to the cabinet bottom.
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Originally posted 2008-10-24 09:36:19. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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4 comments ↓
In the hard-wire case described, where would you put the transformer? Is it OK to be in the wall near the receptacle? Should it be stuck up under the cabinet? Sorry, just having a hard time reconciling the warning about transformer heat w/ the actual installation.
Looks like you’re suggesting modifying plugin lighting to direct-wire. From what I understand this voids all UL listings and will probably not be considered up to code.
I’m also fairly certain that knocking the back out of an outlet box will be frowned upon…
I am a DIYer and this is not the way to do it. First, since you are connecting the Under Cabinet lights to an outlet, the lights will always be on, unless each UC light has a switch. Not all of them have individual switches. Second, it is not code to knock out the back of an electrical box. Third, it is not code to cut off a plug on anything and then connect it to anything but another replacement plug. Fourth, the receptacles above kitchen counters are on a dedicated 20 amp circuit. It is not code to hard wire any lights to that circuit. As far as transformers go, any transformer has to be exposed for replacement and heat dissipation. These transformers have a habit of going bad.
After reading the aricle, I believe I could tackle my self, but I’d rather hire an electrician.
Thanks for a great article!
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