Under counter kitchen lights

GBX · 30-04-2019 3:57pm #1

Im looking around at some under counter lights. New build with prewired block (?) under the kitchen cabinet. Im seeing a lot of the different lights and I notice quite a few come with a plug, could the plug be stripped back and hard wired into the connector block thats already there or do I have to get specific light fittings for this?

*** I wont be fitting them - I'll be asking somebody with more electrical experience to do that - Im just looking for ideas ** thanks

This is it · 01-05-2019 1:03am

I installed two sets from different manufacturers in the last few weeks and neither had a plug top. Both had the connector one end and stripped cable the other, two core with no earth. But yes, if needs be, take the plug top off and wire it direct

01-05-2019 6:52am

Nowadays most people use 12 volt LED lighting that comes on a roll, it sticks in place just like sellotape. This is cost effective solution provides high quality bight light. This can be cut to length and can follow the shape of your kitchen units.

images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQFwARxxOBRTib9ceKT732XO7R9Zn1GX6jevwTnMRXnjDSC9P4v

images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQFwARxxOBRTib9ceKT732XO7R9Zn1GX6jevwTnMRXnjDSC9P4v

Stoner · 01-05-2019 2:53pm

Agree with the above.

However I've had the tape and it was good. I know there's different grades of LED so get a powerful one if you need it

I have robus led light strips in my kitchen now. About 100watts I find them great, there three years, loved the plug and play leads particularly feeding the joiner cables around difficult bits in the kitchen.

The lights I have now are very powerful and we needed it. Many of the LED options are there for visual reasons rather than practical. We changed counter top to oak so they darkened up a bit and the extra kick from the LEDs strip light was needed.

GBX · 05-09-2019 11:07pm

Revisiting this. Never got the kitchen lights. Would this be a simple install

https://www.ie.screwfix.com/lap-fc2w5c-led-striplights-cool-white-5m-16-3w.html

This is how the kitchen is wired

https://photos.app.goo.gl/EJ1SUTMrzDp2wftV7

meercat · 06-09-2019 3:55pm

GBX wrote: »

Revisiting this. Never got the kitchen lights. Would this be a simple install

https://www.ie.screwfix.com/lap-fc2w5c-led-striplights-cool-white-5m-16-3w.html

This is how the kitchen is wired

https://photos.app.goo.gl/EJ1SUTMrzDp2wftV7

The led driver is built into plug so may not be suitable if you plan to cut it off

GBX · 06-09-2019 3:57pm

Thanks - would either of these work with the current wiring?

https://www.ie.screwfix.com/sylvania-led-linear-under-cabinet-batten-cool-white-10w-900mm.html

https://www.diy.com/departments/colours-minidoka-white-mains-powered-led-under-cabinet-light-ip20/3663602761518_BQ.prd?rrec=true

funkey_monkey · 06-09-2019 4:43pm

GBX wrote: »

This is how the kitchen is wired

https://photos.app.goo.gl/EJ1SUTMrzDp2wftV7

Is that wire live? Not sure that wrapping it in electrical tape is suitable even though it may be switched off.

What length of worktop are you wanting to illuminate? Does the underside permit you to line up a number of the battens to provide suitable coverage?

How much illumination do you require? We have the LED strips and whilst they provide good illumination directly underneath they will not be as bright as the battens. The LED strip vs a single batten has little difference in terms of cost. However, for long runs the battens will get exponentially more expensive.
Be aware too that the light effect from battens may be different to that for LEDs. LEDs will give a length of continuous light whereas if your battens are sufficiently spaced then they will present a series of concentrated beams. Depends on the effect you desire and also how your kitchen lends itself to installation of battens.

As an aside, if you require strong lights then maybe for that taks turn on the main lights to supplement LED strips? We only use it for 'mood' lighting and to allow us to to get into kitchen a grab some food/make a coffee in the evening without having the harshness of the main light.
If you have a long run for the lights and/or do not require bright illumination I'd opt for the LED strip. For a short run or good illumination the batten is the best bet.

Remember, for LED strip lights you will also need a driver:

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https://www.ie.screwfix.com/aurora-constant-voltage-led-driver-12v-16w.html
2107T_P&$prodImageMedium$

meercat · 06-09-2019 5:38pm

GBX wrote: »

Thanks - would either of these work with the current wiring?

https://www.ie.screwfix.com/sylvania-led-linear-under-cabinet-batten-cool-white-10w-900mm.html

https://www.diy.com/departments/colours-minidoka-white-mains-powered-led-under-cabinet-light-ip20/3663602761518_BQ.prd?rrec=true

Yes. Either of them would be suitable

GBX · 07-09-2019 11:28am

The length of cabinets is 215cm. It would be to supplement the main kitchen lighting for when we are cooking/chopping etc
Was thinking of 2 X https://www.ie.screwfix.com/lap-ykt5bf1-l90-t5-led-linear-linkable-cabinet-striplight-white-12w-912mm.html connected.

Would these be a straightforward fit to the wiring already in ?

meercat · 07-09-2019 7:11pm

GBX wrote: »

The length of cabinets is 215cm. It would be to supplement the main kitchen lighting for when we are cooking/chopping etc
Was thinking of 2 X https://www.ie.screwfix.com/lap-ykt5bf1-l90-t5-led-linear-linkable-cabinet-striplight-white-12w-912mm.html connected.

Would these be a straightforward fit to the wiring already in ?

Yeah. Easy job

Under counter kitchen lights

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