How to Install Under Cabinet Lighting

Under cabinet lighting involves mounting LED strips or puck lights beneath kitchen cabinets, connecting them to power, and installing a switch or transformer for control.

1. Map Your Lighting Strategy First. Measure the length of cabinets where you want lighting. Map out where lights will go, avoiding areas with plumbing or electrical obstacles. Decide between hardwired or plug-in installation based on available outlets and your comfort with electrical work. For LED strips, you'll need continuous runs. For puck lights, space them 12-18 inches apart for even coverage.
2. Gather Your Tools and Materials. Select between LED strip lights for continuous illumination or puck lights for focused spots. LED strips are easier to install and provide more even light. Purchase the appropriate transformer or driver, mounting hardware, wire nuts, and electrical wire if hardwiring. Get a dimmer switch if you want adjustable brightness.
3. Kill the Power Before Starting. Shut off power at the breaker if you're hardwiring. Clear out cabinet contents and clean the mounting surface. If installing plug-in lights, locate the nearest outlet. For hardwired installations, identify where you'll run wire to connect to house electrical - usually through the wall cavity above the cabinets or through the back of the cabinet.
4. Secure Lights in Place. For LED strips, peel off the adhesive backing and stick them to the front edge of the cabinet bottom, keeping them straight. Press firmly for good adhesion. For puck lights, mark mounting holes with a pencil, drill pilot holes, and screw the fixtures in place. Position lights toward the front of the cabinet to minimize shadows on the counter.
5. Wire Everything to Power. For plug-in systems, simply plug in the transformer and connect the low-voltage wire to your lights. For hardwired installations, run 12-gauge or 14-gauge wire from your electrical panel or nearest outlet to the lighting location. Connect the house wire to the transformer's input side using wire nuts. Connect the low-voltage output wires to your lights according to manufacturer instructions, maintaining proper polarity.
6. Flip the Switch and Verify. Mount your switch in a convenient location - either on the wall or under the cabinet. Wire the switch between the power source and transformer for hardwired systems, or use a plug-in switch for cord-connected systems. Turn power back on and test all lights to ensure they work properly. Check that any dimming functions operate smoothly.
7. Hide Wires and Finish Strong. Tuck all wiring neatly behind or inside cabinets. Use cable staples or wire management clips to secure loose wires. Make sure all electrical connections are properly enclosed in junction boxes or the transformer housing. Replace cabinet contents and enjoy your new lighting.