skip to main content

recommended direct wire, dimmable, LED under counter lighting

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Hi,

I have looked through this forum and it appears that most of the posts about this type of lighting are older. I am wondering what a current recommendation would be? It seems that Environmental Lights website has been recommended as a vendor and I have seen some recommendations for Phillips EW profile powercore lighting which seems like it would be a good option but I am not clear on if these are dimmable or not. I also am not sure what color would be better 2700k, 3000k or 4000k would be best - or since it's dimmable get the max? If not dimmable what color is best? Any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

David
8 years ago
They are dimmable. There are other lights too (eg - MaxLite, UniLume, ...) The color temp depends on your preference as well as the backsplash. For example, if your general lighting is 2700k, you might be predisposed towards using a similar color temp. Or if your backsplash is crystal acido from Porcelanosa, you might decide to use 4000k.
Lisa G
8 years ago
I plan to use Inspired Led...hardwired & dimmable. They offer a free design service and are wonderful at answering any questions you may have.
Related Discussions
Skip recessed lights, focus on ceilings & under counter lights?
Q
Comments (4)
Well, it looks like I'm going to have to consider low voltage then. Direct wire would be more convenient. I will re-read the LED ucl instructional threads now with low voltage in mind. Are there a couple manufacturers you might steer me too that are reasonably priced, have the aluminum casing, 2700 warm light, and reflect well on most counter tops (not intense dotted lines)? The transformer (think that's what it's called) would be placed in the basement, accessed near the kitchen. davidtay, have you ever heard of a low voltage led ucl transformer interfering with another low voltage system in the same room? The Broan make up air damper for the vent hood, as all universal mua dampers, also requires such a system from kitchen to the basement furnace via low voltage signal. I don't want humming and flickering throughout the kitchen. Any thoughts on this? Thank you.
...See More
UnderCabinet LEDs that give a nice light and dimmable ?
Q
Comments (13)
I do not have mine installed yet, but I did see them turned on when I purchased them. The neutral white ones ares almost twice as bright as the warm white. They would be plenty bright. I was being very particular about the color of the light and decided to give up some brightness for color. I took my granite and stone with me, and I felt that the nuetral white cast a tiny bit of a blue glow on my gold stone. Therefore, I went with the warm white. My thinking was that if it ended up not being bright enough, I could add a second strip of them. (I know $$$, but at this point in a remodel, who's counting anymore!?!) I think is is really your preference and they way you use undercabinet lighting. I have bright recessed cans and pendants over my island, so I wasn't too worried about a very bright under cabinet light.
...See More
countertop lighting - direct wire
Q
Comments (8)
You can also place small switching power supplies under the cabinet. They are often rated 60 watts per supply and come in singles and doubles (two seperate 60 W supplies on a common baseplate). The supplies are about 1 inch high, 2 inches wide and 4 inches long. Each can then run either three 20 W low voltage under cabinet lights or six 10W lights. Pegasus Lighting has a decent selection of lights and power supplies. Avoid 120 V 'puck' type lights. The bulb filaments are very delicate, and the normal vibration of placing dishes in the cabinets will vibrate the bulbs enough to reduce their life, and at about $5 a bulb you really need them to last.
...See More
Under cabinet LED tape lighting recommendations?
Q
Comments (6)
There already is a built-in one-inch light rail integrated into the cabinets (i.e. the underside of the cabinet is about an inch deep). Designer said at the outset when I asked this question in December that we would not need additional light rails because of that integrated rail. I think the issue is really just that the electrician chose thicker LED bars (I did not see them before install). I should have specced them myself, but did not. I know that is on me. In my defense, this is a whole house project that has been going on since November, this is my first major renovation, and I am also in the middle of selling my current home. So tired! Lawrence, to answer your other questions. 2. Hard wired. 3. There are three separate banks of UCLs on separate switches in different areas of the kitchen. The UCLs within each bank are linked together. 4. As currently installed there are wall switches AND switches on the lights themselves. No dimmer. 5. Countertop is honed 6. I am not sure of the light temperature. I think they said around 2800K.
...See More
PRO
ES Lighting
8 years ago
Kichler has a great, versatile product called TaskWork LED Tape Light.

The Kelvin temperature, in this case it is offered in 2700K, 3000K, 4000K, is actually referring to the warmth of the light, not the brightness. 2700K being a warm, yellowish light and 4000K being a cool bluer light. 3000K is a very pleasant, neutral tone used most often for task lighting.

The lumen output is what refers to how bright the light will be. Kichler offers two versions of their tape, a low output offering 100 lumens per foot and a high output with 245 lumens per foot. Either can be put on a dimmable or a non-dimmable driver.

There are also three types of the tape light for uses in different areas of your project. A dry rated indoor tape, a damp rated indoor tape, and a wet rated outdoor tape.

Hope this helps!

ES Lighting

If you have further questions you can contact us directly at contact@eslightingshop.com

Related Stories

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

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

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

DIY PROJECTS Hide All Those Wires in a DIY Charging Station

Keep your gadgets handy and charged with a flexible storage board you can design yourself

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

KITCHEN BACKSPLASHES How to Choose a Backsplash for Your Granite Counters

By Becky Harris

If you’ve fallen for a gorgeous slab, pair it with a backsplash material that will show it at its best

TINY HOUSES Adventure Seekers Hit the Road in a Cozy School Bus Home

By Mitchell Parker

Wood floors, butcher block countertops, custom furnishings and LED lights make life on the road feel like just another stylish day at home

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Counters: Stunning, Easy-Care Engineered Quartz

By Ivon Street Studio

There's a lot to like about this durable blend of quartz and resin for kitchen countertops, and the downsides are minimal

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Counters: Durable, Easy-Clean Soapstone

By Ivon Street Studio

Give bacteria the boot and say sayonara to stains with this long-lasting material that's a great choice for kitchen and bath countertops

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Counters: Sturdy, Striking Recycled Glass With Cement

By Ivon Street Studio

Ecofriendly and full of character, this heat- and scratch-resistant material is a great fit for custom kitchen counters

Sponsored

More Discussions

Foyer light assist!

20

Will this Chandelier light our dining room enough?

10

How can I soften fluorescent lighting in an office that I'm renting?

1

1 large chandelier or 2 medium?

31

Tips for Setting Up Basement Lighting

0