The type of under cabinet lighting you choose will depend on a few factors, such as the size and shape of your cabinets, the amount of light you need and your design preference. LED lights are a popular choice because they are energy-efficient and long-lasting, but they provide a cold, bright light.
Halogen lights are also an option and they provide a warm light, but they are not as long-lasting as LED lights. Xenon lights are a good choice if you need an even brighter light, but they also use more energy than LED lights.
Puck lights and tape lights are simple and easy to install, but they don’t provide as much light as LED, halogen or xenon lights. You may also want to consider rope lights for added drama or for accent lighting.
Whichever type of lighting you decide on, make sure it’s compatible with dimmers so you can adjust the amount of light depending on your needs.
Should under cabinet lighting be warm or cool?
The answer to this question will depend upon the application and the desired effect. Generally speaking, warm lighting is more commonly used in residential settings as it creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
It is typically warmer in hue, ranging from yellow to reddish tones. Cool lighting, on the other hand, is more often used in commercial spaces as it has a brighter and more professional feel. This type of lighting typically has a bluer, crisper tone and is suited for task lighting.
In regards to under cabinet lighting, it can be either warm or cool to achieve different effects depending on personal preferences. Warm lighting will create a gentle, inviting atmosphere while cool lighting can provide a more functional and useful task lighting.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to user preference and the desired outcome.
What are the LED lights for under kitchen cabinets?
LED lights under kitchen cabinets can be used for a variety of purposes, from providing bright and consistent light for food prep activities to setting the mood for an intimate dinner party. LED lights are energy efficient compared to other types of lights, which makes them ideal for use in the kitchen.
They also last longer and produce less heat than traditional lights. LED lights are available in a variety of colors, allowing you to create whatever look you prefer. They can be used to accentuate particular areas of a room or to make an entire room appear brighter.
LED lights are also great for task-oriented tasks like food preparation and entertaining, as they provide bright and even lighting in specific areas. Lastly, LED lights offer improved illumination levels, helping to reduce eyestrain and keeping your kitchen well-lit no matter what time of day or night.
How many lumens should under cabinet lighting be?
The amount of lumens needed for under cabinet lighting depends on the amount of light needed on the countertop below. Generally, for task lighting and for visibility of what is on the countertop, about 120-140 lumens per foot is recommended.
For ambient lighting that is more decorative and used less frequently, around 50-100 lumens per foot is recommended. When trying to decide exactly how bright you want your under cabinet lighting to be, consider the type of activity that will be taking place in the area.
For instance, if you are using the area for a lot of food prep, then the higher lumens will be best since it will provide the most visibility and light. If the area is mainly used for decorative purposes, then the lower lumens may be better since it will create a softer illumination.
How do you calculate under cabinet lighting?
Calculating under cabinet lighting can be a bit tricky, but with the right information, it can be done fairly easily.
First, you need to measure the length of the cabinet, then determine how many linear feet of light you will need. To do this, measure the length of the cabinets in inches and divide that number by 12.
This gives you the length in linear feet.
Next, you need to determine the wattage of your under cabinet lights. Make sure you know what type of illumination you’re looking for before purchasing the lights – whether you prefer warm, neutral or cool white tones, or RGB color-changing lightstrips.
The more powerful the bulbs, the higher the wattage you’ll need – this means higher energy consumption too, so be sure to compare wattage versus brightness.
You also need to consider the type of light you’ll be using. To make sure you’re getting the most efficient light, opt for LED – it produces far less heat than incandescent and any other bulb type, and it’s more energy-efficient.
Finally, you need to take into account the number of lights you’ll be using. For a consistent, even lighting effect, plan to install one light every 24-36 inches of your cabinets. This will ensure the lights are adequately spaced in between while still providing enough illumination to your space.
Once you’ve calculated the above, you can then finalize the purchase of your under cabinet lighting. For help on installation, you can always ask a professional installer to lend their expertise in the process.
What is the wattage for under cabinet lighting?
The wattage for under cabinet lighting can vary greatly, depending on the overall power output needed for your particular cabinet. Generally, a range of 8-12 watts per foot is the recommended wattage for a single bank of lights.
In a typical kitchen, it is typical to have 8-12 feet of lighting. Therefore, the recommended wattage for under cabinet lighting in a kitchen is 80-144 watts total; however, your wattage may be lower or higher depending on your exact needs.
Additionally, there are retrofit LED panels available which require less wattage, typically 5-8 watts per foot, for a total of 40-96 watts. It is important to consider your overall power needs when choosing your under cabinet lighting.
Are under cabinet lights worth it?
Under cabinet lights are definitely worth it! Incorporating ambient light into the home can be achieved with a variety of options, but under cabinet lighting is one of the most popular. The main reason is that it adds a functional touch to your kitchen area in addition to providing an aesthetically pleasing ambience.
Under cabinet lighting can be used to create an eye-catching design element, add visibility to dark spaces, and bring light to areas of your home where you may need extra illumination for tasks like reading recipes or comfortably working in the kitchen.
The additional light helps to keep your space safe, making it easier to maneuver around late at night, and has the added benefit of making your home look more inviting. Another great thing about adding under cabinet lighting is that it comes in a variety of styles, colors, and sizes, making it easy to find something that perfectly fits your kitchen’s design.
How many lumens do I need in kitchen?
The amount of lumens you need for your kitchen depends on the size and your personal preferences. Generally, for a normal-sized kitchen, you should aim for about 500 to 700 lumens per square foot. However, if you want a brighter light in your kitchen, you should opt for 800 to 1000 lumens per square foot.
For tasks that require precise lighting, such as detailed food preparation, you should consider using brighter lights with up to 1500 lumens per square foot. Additionally, the type of bulbs you choose can impact the number of lumens you need.
Incandescent bulbs are typically the least efficient and require more lumens than LEDs or fluorescents. Therefore, if you are looking for a bright light, make sure you pay attention to the lumen output when selecting your lights.
Where do LED strips go under cabinets?
LED strips are a flexible, energy efficient option that can be used to provide accent lighting to almost any space. When used under cabinets, it can provide a useful illumination source which is both discrete and effective.
Depending on the type you choose, they can be stuck, fastened, or hung under the entry of the cabinets. Rigid strips are recommended for flat surfaces and cabinets, as they provide better coverage. For curved surfaces and angled corners, you can use a flexible strip.
When installing LED strips make sure to use the correct power source, to ensure the strip remains safe and secure. Make sure that it is also backed up into a wired power strip if not hardwired in to prevent tripping.
All wiring should be concealed underneath the cabinet or be neat and tidy. Lastly, when mounting the LED strips underneath the cabinets, make sure they are out of reach of people and pets, as LED strips can be quite hot and can cause burns.
How do you wire LED lights under cabinets?
Wiring LED lights under cabinets requires a few steps, but it’s not a difficult process and can easily be done with the right materials and some careful attention to detail. To begin, you’ll need to turn off the power to the circuit at the circuit breaker.
Next, you’ll need to measure the length of LED light strip and create a custom under-cabinet wiring plan to ensure the power and ground lines are in the proper locations.
Once the wiring plan is determined, install the LED strip and cut it to size as needed. Connect the power and ground wires to the LED strip and then the other ends of the wires to the power source and ground.
If the LED lights are Bluetooth-enabled, depending on the product, the app will have instructions on how to connect the LED strip to your phone or other device.
Finally, you’ll need to install the LED light strips to the inside of your cabinets, using adhesive strips or mounting clips. When mounting LED lights, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Once everything is installed, make sure the power switch is off and then turn the power back on to the circuit. Once power is restored, you can test the LED lights to make sure that they are working properly.
Following these steps will make wiring LED lights under cabinets much easier and help ensure that you’re doing it as safely and efficiently as possible.
Do under cabinet LED lights need a transformer?
Yes, under cabinet LED lights typically need a transformer. While LED bulbs don’t use as much electricity as incandescent bulbs, they still need a transformer to step down the voltage to be compatible with their electronics.
Many LED lights have special voltage requirements which can only be achieved with the use of a transformer. This is particularly important when running LED lights on a dimmer switch, as the dimming process requires a specific voltage.
LEDs that are not attached to a transformer can become damaged as a result of incompatible voltage. Additionally, LED strip lights may require a transformer to properly power all of the LED bulbs on the strip.
In some cases, you may be able to plug an LED light into a wall outlet without a transformer, but it is always important to double-check the voltage requirements of the LED lights and their compatibility with the outlet you are plugging them into.
Can you daisy chain under cabinet lights?
Yes, it is possible to daisy chain under cabinet lights. This is a common type of lighting setup for kitchen cabinets and can be achieved by connecting several lights with electric wiring and connecting them one after the other in a chain.
However, it is important to note that daisy-chaining is not recommended for LED lights as it may cause them to malfunction. It is important to consult an electrician to get the proper wiring connections before attempting to daisy chain the lights.
Additionally, make sure to properly secure the wiring in the ceiling or walls and look into the applicable electrical codes in your area to ensure the installation is compliant with local regulations.
Is under cabinet lighting low voltage?
Under cabinet lighting can be either low voltage or line voltage. Low voltage lighting uses a transformer to reduce the voltage to a safe level, typically 12 or 24 volts, while line voltage lighting runs directly off of a standard 120 volt outlet.
Line voltage lighting is often easier and less expensive to install and is commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms. Low voltage lighting generally requires a bit more installation effort, but it allows for much more flexibility and is becoming increasingly popular.
Low voltage lighting gives you many different options for installation, such as recessed lighting, track lighting, and other applications. If you are looking for a safe and efficient lighting source for your kitchen or bathroom, look into low voltage under cabinet lighting.
How do you wire a low voltage indoor light?
Wiring a low voltage indoor light depends on the type of light you are installing, as there may be differences in the number of wires between ceiling, pendant, and wall sconces. Generally, however, the same steps apply.
The first step is to shut off the power at the circuit breaker and turn off any switch plates that may be connected to the light. Test the wires with a voltage tester to make sure the power is off and then use a voltage detector to verify that there is no current passing through the wires.
Next, match the wires from the light fixture to the wires in the wall. Most fixtures should come with instructions on what type of wire to use. If the fixture wires are different than those in the wall, you may need to splice and connect the correct type of wire.
Make sure to use wire nuts and electrical tape to secure the connection and test the wires with a multimeter to make sure no current passes through them.
After wiring the light, you will need to connect the wires in the wall to the transformer. Most low voltage lighting systems use transformers to step down household current from 120 volts to 12 volts.
The wiring instructions will depend on the type of transformer you are using, but typically you need to connect the black lead from the transformer to the hot wire from the light and the white lead from the transformer to the neutral wire from the light.
Finally, mount the light fixture and secure it to the wall or ceiling with the appropriate mounting hardware. Once everything is in place, turn the power back on, check your work, and you should have a working low voltage indoor light.
Why can’t under cabinet lights be on a dimmer?
Under-cabinet lights are typically low voltage, meaning they can’t be connected directly to a wall switch or dimmer meant for regular voltage lighting. This also means that LED and fluorescent lamps cannot be connected to a dimmer, because these types of lamps require a specific voltage to operate and a dimmer voltage can cause them to flicker, hum, or not work at all.
Most under-cabinet lighting runs on 12 volts, and requires a transformer to convert the power from what comes from a wall switch to something that is low voltage and still capable of dimming. These transformers vary in cost and complexity, and require additional wiring to convert the power properly.
Therefore, although dimming capabilities are desired, they are often not possible with under-cabinet lights because of the complexity and cost of achieving it.