An Example of a Typical Installation Using LED Flex Strip (Triple Bright), and an Electronic, Dimmable Driver From Magnititude Lighting Converters
In this video project I take you through the installation of an LED tape light system of under cabinet lighting. One of the most important considerations here is to use a good quality voltage driver. The tape light I chose is excellent, and provides very good light in a nice color spectrum; however it is very intense at full power (4.4 Watts/ft). This is great for task lighting, but you would want to have the means to dim it down for other applications, such as accent lighting. That’s why I chose the E-series dimmable LED voltage driver from Magnitude Lighting Converters. The dimmer switch is the Diva series from Lutron.
Factors To Consider With Under Cabinet Lighting
As with most projects, safety and planning need to be the first steps. Under cabinet lighting can be tricky, especially making sure it is installed correctly, discreetly, and that it provides the desired effect of functional task and accent lighting.
Once I had a good investigative look at the situation, I determined how I would run my low voltage wire between the cabinet sections, and where and how I would get my power to feed the dimmer switch and the LED voltage driver. There were some fairly significant challenges, but for the most part, not too difficult of an installation.
My Installation Process and Potential Obstacles
The location I chose for the switch was in a 45 degree pony wall that separates the hallway from the open concept kitchen/dining room area.
A two-gang outlet with the switch for the existing lights above the island, and a 3-way switch for the dining area light are in that wall, and there was room to cut in a box to house the new Lutron Diva dimmer switch in the same stud space.
I had easy access to get my power from the supply for the island light switch, and just behind this wall is where I had a perfect location to hide the voltage driver in a corner dead space beside the first bank of cabinets. That’s where I started the low voltage run of strip lights and inter-connecting cable.
The biggest obstacle was a corner pantry separating the first and second bank of lighting. My pre-planning found that I had access from the basement in the utility room so I could fish cable down, over, and up on the other side of the pantry with my low voltage cable. It was a bit challenging as part of the fishing had to happen through the adjoining basement bedroom, and that had a finished drywall ceiling.
Here is the video of the entire installation:
Once my installation was complete, I used some plastic surface raceway to hide my splices, and to cover access holes that I had to drill inside the cabinets to facilitate the installation.
This project turned out excellent, and the desired effect of brilliant task lighting and pleasing accent lighting was achieved.
Do you have any questions about under cabinet lighting or its installation? Feel free to share your experiences, thoughts or questions below.
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Terry Peterman, The Internet Electrician®
