Comprehensive Guide: How to Properly Install LED Strip Lights Under Counter and Cabinet | Hitlights

Are you considering installing LED strip lights under your counters or cabinets? 

This step-by-step guide will provide you with all the necessary information to complete the installation successfully. As a reminder, safety first always. So, let's get started!

Table of Contents:

• Selecting the Right LED Strip Lights and Power Supply
• Testing the LED Lights
• Taking Measurements and Making Cuts
• Preparing the Strip-to-Power Connection
• Connecting Two Lengths of LED Strips
• Testing and Mounting the COB Lights

Step 1: Selecting the Right LED Strip Lights and Power Supply

Before you begin the installation process, it's important to choose the appropriate LED strip lights and power supply for your project. Here's a breakdown of the essential factors to consider:

LED Strip Lights

For under counter lighting, we recommend using our Premium 24V COB LED Strip Light. These lights feature 2560 bright LED chips and are perfect for accent lighting installations. The Premium 24V COB Warm White variant, with a color temperature of 3000K, creates a comfortable atmosphere and promotes relaxation. We suggest going for a brighter option than anticipated to ensure optimal task lighting. Additionally, consider adding a dimmer for greater control over brightness.

Power Supply

To determine the suitable power supply for your project, we have a helpful chart available on our website. As an example, if you're using 1 reel (16.4 feet) of the COB lights, which consume 3.048W per foot, the total power requirement would be around 49.9W. It's advisable to choose a power supply with an additional 20% capacity to account for various factors. In this case, a 100W 24V EZDim unit would be an ideal choice.

Step 2: Testing the LED Lights

Before cutting or installing the LED strip lights, it's crucial to test them to ensure they function correctly. Follow these steps:

1. Lay out all the products to create a mock installation and verify that you have all the necessary supplies.

2. Unroll the LED strip lights from the plastic reel.

3. Attach the uncut lights to the power supply and turn on the power.

4. The strips should light up. If they don't, double-check your connections.

5. Ask yourself important questions: Are they bright enough? Will you need a dimmer? Is the color perfect for your application? Are all the LEDs lighting up and functioning properly?

6. If everything is working as expected, proceed to the next step. In case of any issues, feel free to reach out to us for assistance.

Step 3: Taking Measurements and Making Cuts

To ensure a precise fit, take careful measurements of the counters or cabinets where you plan to install the LED strips. 

1. Prepare the COB lights. 

2. Using sharp scissors, cut the strips to the desired length. 

3. Use the cut lines clearly marked and evenly spaced, allowing for accurate customization.

Step 4: Preparing the Strip-to-Power Connection

To connect the first section of lights to the dimmer and power supply, you'll need to add a length of low-voltage extension wire. Follow these steps:

1. Cut the low-voltage wire to the appropriate length.

2. Strip about an inch of insulation from the wires at the end of both the LED strip and the low-voltage extension.

3. Connect the positive and negative cables by twisting the exposed wires together and using wire nuts to secure the connection.

Step 5: Connecting Two Lengths of LED Strips

If you need to go around a corner or extend the length of the LED strip lights, you'll need to connect two cut sections. This can be done using a strip-to-strip solderless connector. Here's how:

1. Peel back a half inch of the tape.

2. Align the positive and negative sides correctly.

3. Clip the two lengths of strips into place using the strip-to-strip connector.

Step 6. Testing and Mounting the COB Lights

Temporarily connect the full length of the lights to the power supply using a 2-way terminal block or wire nuts. 

1. Make sure the lights turn on and function properly.

2. Mount the dimmer to the wall using the backing tape or using the aluminum channels.

3. Wire the power supply into the dimmer by connecting the black wire to the negative (-) slot and the red wire to the positive (+) slot in the bottom housing of the dimmer. Use a flathead screwdriver to secure the connection.

4. For stronger hold, you can also use heavy duty mounting tape to back up the COB lights and the aluminum channel

5. Turn on the power supply and adjust the dimmer to the desired brightness level for your under counter LED lighting.

It's important to note that while these instructions provide a general guide, it's always recommended to consult an electrician if you don't have advanced knowledge of electronics or working with electricity. Additionally, make sure to follow any specific instructions or guidelines provided by the manufacturer of the LED strip lights you are using.

You can also check out this blog as to “How they installed their Kitchen Under Cabinet Lights” 

If you have any additional questions or concerns, contact us today at ( 1 (855) 768-4135) or email us at customerservice@hitlights.com and experience our culture in delivering exceptional service every step of the way.