Choosing the Right LED Strip Lights: How To Install Under Cabinet Lighting Led Strip
Selecting the right LED strip lights is crucial for achieving the desired look and functionality for your under-cabinet lighting. There are several types of LED strip lights available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these differences will help you make an informed decision.
Types of LED Strip Lights
LED strip lights come in various forms, each offering distinct benefits and drawbacks. The most common types include:
- Non-waterproof LED strip lights: These are the most basic and affordable type, suitable for dry environments like under cabinets. They are typically easy to install and offer good brightness. However, they are not resistant to moisture, making them unsuitable for areas prone to spills or humidity.
- Waterproof LED strip lights: These strips are coated with a protective layer, making them resistant to water splashes and spills. This makes them ideal for under-cabinet lighting in kitchens or bathrooms where moisture is a concern. However, they may be slightly more expensive than non-waterproof options.
- Flexible LED strip lights: These strips are highly flexible, allowing them to bend and curve to fit any shape or contour. This makes them perfect for under-cabinet installations, where you might need to follow the curve of the cabinet. However, they may be slightly more delicate than rigid strips.
- Rigid LED strip lights: These strips are more rigid and less flexible, making them suitable for straight lines or flat surfaces. They are typically more durable than flexible strips but may be less versatile for curved installations.
Factors to Consider When Selecting LED Strip Lights
Choosing the right LED strip lights involves considering several factors, ensuring they meet your specific needs and preferences:
- Color temperature: Measured in Kelvin (K), color temperature determines the light’s appearance, ranging from warm white (2700K) to cool white (6500K). For under-cabinet lighting, warm white provides a cozy ambiance, while cool white offers a brighter and more functional light. Consider the overall mood and purpose of the lighting when selecting the color temperature.
- Brightness: Measured in lumens per meter (lm/m), brightness determines the light’s intensity. Under-cabinet lighting typically requires a brightness level that is sufficient for tasks like cooking or preparing food. Choosing a brightness level that is too low may result in insufficient illumination, while too high a level can be harsh and uncomfortable.
- Length: The length of the LED strip light should be sufficient to cover the desired area under the cabinets. Most LED strip lights are available in various lengths, allowing you to choose the right size for your installation. Consider the size of your cabinets and the desired coverage when selecting the length.
Examples of LED Strip Lights Designed for Under-Cabinet Installation
Many LED strip lights are specifically designed for under-cabinet installation, offering features like:
- Built-in adhesive backing: This allows for easy installation by simply peeling and sticking the strip light to the underside of the cabinet.
- Dimmable options: This allows you to adjust the brightness of the lights based on your needs, creating a more customizable lighting experience.
- Integrated power supply: This eliminates the need for a separate power adapter, simplifying the installation process.
Examples of LED strip lights specifically designed for under-cabinet installation include:
- Philips Hue LightStrip Plus: This strip offers a wide range of colors, dimmability, and integration with the Philips Hue ecosystem for smart home control.
- GE C-Life LED Strip Light: This strip is designed for easy installation and provides a bright and even light output for under-cabinet applications.
- Sylvania Ultra Slim LED Strip Light: This strip offers a sleek and low-profile design, perfect for under-cabinet installations where aesthetics are a priority.
Installing the LED Strip Lights
Now that you’ve chosen the perfect LED strip lights for your under-cabinet project, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty of installation. This section will guide you through the process, from attaching the strips to connecting the power supply. Don’t worry, it’s not as daunting as it might seem!
Attaching the LED Strip Lights
The first step is to attach the LED strip lights to the underside of your cabinets. There are a few different ways to do this, depending on the type of strip lights you’ve chosen.
- Self-adhesive strips: These are the most common type of LED strip lights and come with a pre-applied adhesive backing. Simply peel off the protective film and press the strip firmly against the cabinet. Ensure the surface is clean and dry before applying the strip lights.
- Clips: Some LED strip lights come with clips that can be used to attach the strips to the cabinet. These clips are typically made of plastic or metal and can be easily installed with screws.
- Channels: For a more polished look, you can use channels to house the LED strip lights. These channels are typically made of aluminum and can be attached to the cabinet with screws or adhesive. Channels not only provide a clean and professional look but also help to dissipate heat from the LED strip lights.
When attaching the strip lights, ensure they are positioned evenly and securely. You can use a level to ensure that the strips are straight and parallel to the cabinet.
Connecting the Power Supply, How to install under cabinet lighting led strip
Once the LED strip lights are attached to the cabinet, you need to connect them to the power supply. Most LED strip lights come with a power adapter that plugs into a standard wall outlet. The power adapter will have a DC connector that plugs into the LED strip lights.
- Locate the power connector on the LED strip lights. This will typically be located at one end of the strip.
- Connect the DC connector from the power adapter to the power connector on the LED strip lights. Make sure the connector is securely plugged in.
- Plug the power adapter into a wall outlet. The LED strip lights should now turn on.
Securing the Wiring
Once the LED strip lights are connected to the power supply, you’ll need to secure the wiring to prevent it from becoming tangled or damaged. You can use cable ties or zip ties to bundle the wires together.
- Use cable ties or zip ties to bundle the wires together. Make sure the wires are not too tight.
- Secure the bundled wires to the cabinet using screws or adhesive.
Cutting and Connecting LED Strip Lights
If your cabinets are not a standard size, you may need to cut the LED strip lights to fit. Most LED strip lights have designated cutting points that allow you to cut the strip to the desired length.
- Locate the cutting points on the LED strip lights. These will typically be marked with a pair of scissors or a line.
- Use a pair of sharp scissors to cut the LED strip lights at the designated cutting points.
- Once the strip lights are cut, you will need to connect the two ends together. This can be done using a connector that is specifically designed for LED strip lights.
When cutting and connecting LED strip lights, it’s important to take safety precautions. Always unplug the power supply before cutting or connecting the strip lights.
Safety Precautions
When working with electricity, it’s important to take safety precautions to avoid the risk of electric shock or fire. Here are some safety precautions to take when installing LED strip lights:
- Always unplug the power supply before cutting or connecting the LED strip lights.
- Do not touch the electrical components of the LED strip lights or power supply while they are plugged in.
- Ensure that the wiring is not damaged or frayed.
- Do not use LED strip lights in damp or wet areas.
- Keep the LED strip lights away from flammable materials.
