Proper Selection And Installation Of Under Cabinet Lighting

A single overhead light and some degree of lighting from the outside are often the main sources of illumination for most kitchens

. However, this is often insufficient, especially when outside light is hindered due to season, weather, time of day, or a combination. The best way to resolve this issue is to install additional lighting to the bottoms of overhead cabinets, which are generally positioned above working countertops.

You can purchase under cabinet lighting in either various length strips, or puck fixtures. Strip fixtures can be easily installed and will either plug into a wall outlet, or be hard wired into a wall switch. These will provide a great deal of light the entire length of the counter work space.

If you don't require full under counter light then puck lights are ideal because they come in packs of two or more and can be positioned where they will illuminate specific areas. These usually come in kits that provide wire fittings which snap together, with the last fixture in the string being plugged into a transformer, which is then plugged into an outlet.

You also have the option of choosing between fluorescent, halogen, or LED bulbs for strip fixtures, and halogen, LED, or Xenon bulbs for puck fixtures. Fluorescent lighting provides an inexpensive soft glow, while halogen produces a light closely resembling sunlight. Xenon and LED lighting are comparable to fluorescent lighting, cool to the touch and longer lasting.

Follow these instructions for installing your under cabinet lighting fixtures.

1.Plug in your fixture before anchoring. Turn it on and move it around to various locations in order to find the best position that will provide optimal illumination to the below area. You should also check how the cord will need to be run underneath the cabinet and fastened in order to properly reach the nearest outlet.

2.Once you establish where you want to anchor your fixture, hold it firmly against the bottom of the cabinet. Use a number two pencil to mark the existing holes.

3.Drill pilot holes in the center of your pencil marks, replace the light fixture to match up with the holes and insert screws to anchor the fixture. NOTE: Check the thickness of your cabinet bottoms and the lengths of your screws. If the screws are too long and will penetrate the bottom cabinet panel then either use shorter screws, or place one or more washers to prevent this.

4.Plug in, turn on and test your light. If the actual glare of the bulb is visible, you may need to install a valance to the underside of the front edge of the cabinet. The idea is to hide the fixture from sight, as well as keep the glare from interfering with work.

by: Barry Wax

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