LED Strips for UCL

9 years ago

When using low voltage LED strip lights for UCL, should you put it in a channel with a diffuser or do you just stick the strip directly to the cabinet?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

David
9 years ago
Channel Pros

1. Heat dissipation, especially when higher power strips are used.

2. Structural rigidity, less likely to damage the strip - causing the SMD components to come off, ...

3. A diffuser can be used.

4. More secure mounting through use of screws. Glue strips eventually come loose.

Cons

1. Higher initial cost.

2. Adds some bulk to the UCL.

3. More effort in mounting when screws are used.

Hope this helps
0
mdod
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks David. We used them for a display at my office and my husband just mounted them on an aluminum strip to make them sturdier and aid heat loss but they aren't exposed in that installation. I was worried about having the LEDs exposed: getting banged, dirty etc. Someone on the kitchen forum said it wasn't a problem.

I like the low profile of just the strip. Plus I was worried about light loss with the diffuser. Also do I have to worry about the diffuser yellowing over time?
0
Related Discussions
led bars/led strips or t4 fluorescents ?
Q
Comments (2)
I am using LED strip lights for my cove lighting (40 feet in the kitchen and 56 feet in the living room). I am probably going to use the single density (18 3528 LEDs per foot, about $1 per foot), and two strips -- cheaper than one double-density strip. Similar cheap supplier to Hitlights, LEDwholesalers.com. I'm using a Magnitude 150W dc transformer for the kitchen, and a Technomagnet 300W one for the living room, and magnetic low-voltage dimmers. I'm using the Lutron MFRD-6ND-120 dimmer, which is pricey, but it allows dimming from multiple locations, as well as by RF remote. I didn't have the time/energy to find a cheap LED solution for undercounter, so I am using hardwired GE fluorescent lights, which are approximately $20 per foot. No idea what my contractor is charging for install. I'll be doing the LED strip install, but he will wire up the 3-way dimmers to the transformers and run the low voltage wires to the coves, and the 120V for the UCL fluorescents.
...See More
led strip lighting - ucl
Q
Comments (6)
There are other sources - superbrightleds.com, etc. The low voltage wiring should be 16 or 18 gauge wire. All the interconnecting wiring will be low voltage. Always plan on having low voltage wiring run directly from the transformer(s) to each zone. Daisy chaining should be avoided if possible 1. To ensure that a failure in one section will not result in a major failure. 2. The voltage drop may be too great at the daisy chain end. Another thing - flexible lighting should be handled with care as the LEDs are surface mounted onto flexible printed circuit boards. Flexible LEDs make sense if you intend to attach the strips onto curved surfaces. They only bend in the y axis.
...See More
can new ucl led lights be wired with the over sink led?
Q
Comments (1)
Sure, as long as the dimmer is compatible with both types of lights. Are you sure you want a dimmer? Seems like an application where on/off might be sufficient. (I've been running around the house eliminating the gratuitous dimmers our electrician put everywhere. For some reason, no matter how small or inconvenient it is some members of my household find and use the dimmer slider to turn the lights off, or almost so. With three way switches this means I end up stumbling through the dark to get to the other side of the room to turn the lights on.) Sometimes on/off is much better, I'd think of a kitchen as such a place..
...See More
Help! Do I want to use angled power strips? Do I want UCL? Ahhh...
Q
Comments (10)
You don't have to use the angled plug strips, you can get low profile strips that can be installed under the cabinets and be completely hidden with a small light rail. There is the plug mold type and low profile outlets. I have the latter and they are much more cost effective. I also have outlets low and horizontal in places were the appliances "live" full time on the counter. I do recommend LED cabinet lighting, even in a small area and your 120/130" walls. They make for a great lighting alternative to the overhead lights at night, plus are useful for their primary purpose. (We used InspiredLED and were quite impressed with the service, price and product, and so were my GC and electrician).
...See More
David
9 years ago
The greatest physical abuse will be during the install when mistakes and corrections are made.

Other than that, unless extreme amounts of oil are used, the cabinet undersides (and UCL) should not become dirty and require scrubbing or water based cleaners.

The typical low voltage led bar will be ~ 5 - 6 mm in height or under 1/4".

If you intend to use high output led strips, it would be advisable to have a diffuser to make the points of light less intense.

A plexiglass diffuser will not turn yellow over time.
0
mdod
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks! I'm working on another post with more questions.
0
David
9 years ago
fwiw, did you see the following thread and its predecessor?

LED UCL DIY continuation
0
mdod
Original Author
9 years ago
Yes, David. I've read that and the original (several times and made notes). I have also read just about every LED post in the lighting forum over the past few years and went through a bunch on the kitchen forum over the weekend. There's also a good post by gpraceman55 in the kitchen forum with info on an installing strip UCL My UCL install. There's also an excellent thread about outlets and strip lighting.
0

Related Stories

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Stripping Down Uncovers a 1910 Bungalow's Beauty

By Lucy Call

A first-time homeowner brings out the charm and coziness in her Utah home through determination and patience

Full Story

LIGHTING The Lowdown on High-Efficiency LED Lighting

By Karen LeBlanc Design TV Host & Writer/Blogger

Learn about LED tapes, ropes, pucks and more to create a flexible and energy-efficient lighting design that looks great

Full Story

149

LIGHTING What to Know About Switching to LED Lightbulbs

By Karen Egly-Thompson

If you’ve been thinking about changing over to LEDs but aren't sure how to do it and which to buy, this story is for you

Full Story

240

KITCHEN DESIGN 12 Ways to Light Your Kitchen With LEDs

By Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS, MCCWC

See how to use new energy-saving lights to illuminate your kitchen, light a countertop and add style, too

Full Story

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: LEDs and a Living Wall Color a Minimalist Slovakian Home

By Martin Hulala

Thanks to a modern overhaul, this small Central European apartment is now a testament to efficiency and thoughtful design

Full Story

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Geometric Designs Keep Plants in Line

By Frank Organ

Structure your landscape with strips and blocks for simplicity and a crisp, contemporary look

Full Story

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Historic Israeli Penthouse by the Sea

By Houzz

A surprise discovery led to a stunning backdrop for contemporary furniture and modern, minimalist features in this Jaffa apartment

Full Story

REMODELING GUIDES Quick Fix: Easy Toe-Kick Lighting

By Vanessa Brunner

Here's a cost-effective way to give your kitchen or bath an unexpected glow

Full Story

LIGHTING Houzz Tour: An Indian High-Rise Trips the Light Fantastic

By Mitchell Parker

Surreal colored lighting and an ubercontemporary design make an apartment near Mumbai dance with drama

Full Story

121

HOME TECH Here's a Bright Idea: Smart Bulbs for Better Lighting

By Mike Elgan

Lightbulbs that can change brightness and color with a cell phone command show flashes of design brilliance

Full Story

LED Strips for UCL

Comments (6)

David

mdod
Original Author

Related Discussions

David

mdod
Original Author

David

mdod
Original Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

LED Strips for UCL

Comments (6)

David

mdodOriginal Author

Related Discussions

David

mdodOriginal Author

David

mdodOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

mdod
Original Author

mdod
Original Author

mdod
Original Author