under cabinet lighting

[RK]

Hiya -

Thinking of adding some under cabinet lights in our kitchen. Countertops get pretty dark sometimes. Pretty sure I'm going with either Halogen or Xenon puck-type lights. I have face framed cabinets so I can run wires pretty easily and keep them out of sight.

Did a cursory glance at the store last time I was there, and the light kits I remember seeing all had transformers you plugged in to an outlet. I have one existing fluorescent light over the sink that's switched, and I'd really like to replace it, and run additional lights besides. Is there a transformer kit of some kind I can hard wire in off the line coming in to the existing fluorescent light? Would really prefer to have the under cabinet lights switched in some other way than by a cord switch, and I'd *really* like to be able to put a dimmer on it.

Any other major gotchas with lights like this anyone's come across?

Thanks -

RK

[caughtacase73]

I faced the same problem and went with led. I found a cite on line. Us. Led. Supply. .com. I wanted something controlled by a wall switch, hardwired (no haning cords or cord switches), and dimmable. I was able to get the powerbox that I plugged to an outlet I wired above my cabinets, 3 sections of led lights( total of 13 feet), extra wire, and a wall dimmer switch for $150 shipped. The leds come on a very thin strip of tape. I was also able to get them in warm white not the normal blue white led. I emailed the company and them custom cut my strips and prewired pigtails at the ends I specified. It really turned out nice. Full power is great task lighting and dimmed down makes a great night lite for those midnight leftover runs.

If you want more info let me know. I can email a couple pics if you give me your email or send me one. [email protected]

[CFRay]

I installed Xenon light fixtures on a dimmer switch. No separate transformer. The fixtures came in several lengths,(8",24",32"),and are small enough to be hidden by the cabinet face frame. I wired them in series and was able to light all the countertop areas by routing a wire up and through the back of the cabinet over the cooktop. The fixtures are smooth and flat and can be cleaned easily. The Xenon bulbs are replaceable, they do have a long life, and give a nice light color. LED was not really an option at the time I chose the Xenon. I wanted a dimmable light source and that ruled out florescent. Also the florescent fixtures were too large for that area behind the face frame.

[JohnMickish]

One cheap option is Ikea sells fourescent undercabinet lights for a darn good price. I have two of them in my house. They come a couple of different sizes and have regular plug ins, the ballest is inside the light like normal flurescent lights. They are very slim, hide under the edge and give great light while staying cool.

[PurpleFloyd]

We have been seeing a big increase in the use of linear accent strip lights in the kitchens we have been doing. They offer a great light output and have a very custom look when installed properly. LED tape lighting is also gaining momentum and will probably grow more popular as the price gets closer to traditional lights.

[Tom7227]

I just finished a major kitchen redo in July and spent a lot of time checking out fixtures. IMO the cheaper fixtures just aren't built to last. I ended up using Xenon fixtures made by Kichler bought from Muska Lighting in St, Paul. I spend over $500 for 7 fixtures and they are all hard wired, five from one switch, one from another and I couldn't get the switch wire over to the last one. We have a dark quartz countertop and the effect of the undercounter lights are fantastic. People are impressed with the new cabinets but they oooh and aaaah when the lights are turned on.

Quality LED's would have cost at least half again as much and I couldn't rationalize it either from the 'color' of the light or the energy savings. Maybe I'm a sucker but I went to a shop that sells lighting and listened to what they had to say, did a bunch of on-line research and came up with the best bang for the buck. Just my opinion.

[PurpleFloyd]

There are a myriad of choices in every price point that all work with some better than others for sure.

I have a custom cabinetry business so it is safe to say I run into lighting on nearly every job we do and have done UCL with everything from pucks on Halogen and xenon to fluorescent to LED etc. Heck, we even had a job where they used rope lighting and even did a real custom one from element designs called and Eluma DecoSplash that light the whole back splash.

I would agree that in your budget the choice you made was a good one. And it is good to see you went to a reputable source and avoided the bargain basement option too many people take.