T5 Fluorescent Under Cabinet Lighting - need help

16 years ago

After reading about the "improved fluorescent" light on this forum I would like to use it in our kitchen remodel. However,after doing my own research to find a product I find I am confused about the technology and not sure what to get. My electrician, though good, is not a help. Also there is no store near me where I can see the differences in the light.

My kitchen remodel is in progress. I will be using a frosted glass backsplash and a polished dark countertop(Lagos Blue Ceasarstone). I am concerned about reflection but figure there is not much I can do about it and it will be a problem no matter what type of lamp I use.

I have incandescent recessed light in the ceiling (not halogen). I need a 22" unit and a 46" unit for under the cabinets.

Juno and ALKCO were recommended products in previous posts. What I don't understand is the technology of the lamps vs. the fixture. e.g. If I look at ALKCO's LINC or Little Inch fixture, there are 3 different types of lamps - Standard, Premium, and High Output. Is the fixture the same for all these and only the lamp varies or does the fixture have to be different for the Premium T5 and different for the High Output T5? And by the way, which one would be better for my application. Are the HO and Premiums too bright??

ALKCO and Brodwax are the only companies that I have seen so far which do distinguish among the T5 lamps. That further confuses me - would a a fixture like the Juno UFL22 and UFL46 work just as well with the right lamp for my application? Am I limited by the fixture? Will all T5s fit into all fixtures made for T5's?

In a prior post David recommended using a lamp with a CRI above 82 and a CT of 3000. Just as an aside would a 4100K lamp work better with the glass backsplash rather than the 3000K?

To further compound all of this, the ALKCO seems to be very difficult to get unless you are working with an architect - I'm not. It also takes 2-3 weeks to order and I am running out of time.

Brodwax's Inch light does not seem to use the High Output lamp - I think only the standard. The Super Sleek does have the High Output lamp but a very small lens which could be a problem with reflection. Also seems to require a special box to hardwire rather than direct line volt connect.

I hope this post has made sense and would really like to get this resolved. I feel like I am spinning my wheels and am tempted to take the contractor's recommendation of Xenon and be done with it!

thanks,

carol

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Comments (8)

bignick
16 years ago
The high output (HO) lamps require a HO ballast. I haven't researched, but I bet your HO lamp choices are very small compared with the standard lamps. And if this is a residential kitchen, HO may be too bright.

Alkco is nice stuff, but aimed toward the commercial market. That's why they're harder to get; you'll probably have to order them from an electrical supply house and wait.

If you want to use T-5 lamps, you can get any standard T-5 fixture. If you don't like the lamp included, you can always buy lamps with the specs you want. See link below. The link also sells T-5 fixtures under "low profile undercabinet lighting".

Here is a link that might be useful: Variety of T5 lamps
DavidR
16 years ago
The color temperature (4100K vs 3000K) doesn't really have anything to do with reflection or glare. That defines the warmth of the light.

A 3000K fluorescent lamp is similar in light color to a 100 watt incandescent lamp. A 4100K is your basic cool white, like an office fixture, though if its CRI (color rendering index) is in the 80s at least it won't be as drab as the old fashioned cool white lamps.
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cam06
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks bignick and davidr for the replies. This is a residential kitchen so the HO lamp is probably too bright. ALKCO does sells the "Little Inch" fixture with standard T5 bulbs. I just saw them listed on Lighting Fixtures and Ceiling Fans website. Will call tomorrow re:availability.

Also saw the Juno UFL22 and UFL46 at this website..

http://electricsupplieson-line.stores.yahoo.net/juliuf3421wt1.html

It comes with a high-efficiency (HE) lamp. How does that look for my needs?

Also, must admit that I have started looking at the Kichler Xenon Series II strips. Things seem to be more straight forward and they are readily available at Bellacor with free shipping included! I know Xenon is cooler than halogen but just how hot are they?
bignick
16 years ago
The Juno or Alkco will be fine. Heck, even the GE fixtures from Home Depot I used in my house will work fine also. The term "high-efficiency" in this case is referring to the fluorescent lamp. They're all considered "HE".

Before you commit to the xenon, try to see an actual installation. The lighting should be even, but the reflection on the countertop will be spotty; you'll be able to see the hot spot of each lamp. With fluorescent, everything will be even. Not saying one is better than the other; just different.
cam06
Original Author
16 years ago
I know I'm obsessing but what do you think of this light by WAC?

Here is a link that might be useful: WAC fluorescent light bar
bignick
16 years ago
The WAC is fine also. At this point, there's nothing to make one stand out more than the other. Although I notice the WAC is available in different finishes. If they will be visible, that's something to consider.
dailofan
16 years ago
Does anyone know what the efficiency of xenon vs fluorescent lighting?
Jon1270
16 years ago
Xenon, while somewhat better than standard incandescent, is no match for fluorescent in terms of efficiency.

T5 Fluorescent Under Cabinet Lighting - need help

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