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You can light up your workspace and remove extension cords at the same time! It’s here: under cabinet lighting with outlets, the game-changer for kitchens everywhere. You can beautify your countertops with this innovative solution. But you can also charge your small appliances with it.
You can find under cabinet lighting with hardwired outlets. There are also USB port options.
In this guide, I‘ll discuss the exciting world of lighting under cabinets with LEDs. I will also let you know, whether outlets are permitted inside cabinets.
Find out expert tips on installation, including how to hide wires and mark an outlet behind a cabinet. Get your tools ready to turn your kitchen into a functional and stylish space!
DIY under cabinet lighting with outlets
Always take safety seriously when working with electricity.
Before you start any electrical project, turn off the circuit breaker for the area you’re working in. Verify the power is off using a non-contact voltage detector.
Ensure your installation follows local electrical codes – if unsure, contact a licensed electrician.
Last but not least, if you’re uncomfortable with electricity, hire a professional electrician.
Under cabinet lighting with outlets Installation Steps
You’ll need to decide where you’ll install the under cabinet lighting with outlets. It would be helpful if you want to use Wiremold for this purpose.
Plan the power source:
Decide how you’ll power the outlet strip. You can do it two ways:
Extend from an existing outlet: You have to make a hole in the wall, find and tap into the existing outlet’s wiring, and then extend it to the new outlet strip.
Install a new dedicated circuit: If your current circuits can’t handle the additional load, you’ll need to run a new line from your breaker box. It’s best to hire an electrician for this.
Mounting process: Decide whether you’ll mount with screws or strong double-sided tape.
Make sure the outlet strip has mounting holes. You’ll need to predrill small pilot holes, then screw it in.
You need to clean the mounting surface well. Press the outlet strip firmly into place with double-sided tape (like 3M VHB tape).
Wiring (if extended from an existing outlet):
Open the existing outlet’s electrical box. Locate the hot (usually black or red), neutral (white), and ground (green or bare) wires.
Wire up your new outlet strip from the existing outlet box (use Wiremold if desired).
At the newly installed outlet strip location, strip the insulation off the ends of the new wires.
The new wires need to be connected to the corresponding wires inside the existing outlet box. Match your colors (black to black, white to white, ground to ground).
Read Also: Is It Safe To Cover LED Lights? You Might Be Surprised.
under cabinet lighting with outlets Wiring (if adding an existing circuit):
There’s a lot more to this than that, so it’s best done by an electrician. You run a dedicated line from the breaker box to the outlet strip, install a new outlet box, and connect the hot, neutral, and ground wires.
How do you hide wires under cabinet lights?
The simplest way to hide wires for under cabinet lighting with outlets is to use wire clips or channels. These clips attach to the underside of your cabinets, allowing you to tuck wires neatly inside.
For a more polished look, try wire molding (also called raceways). Paintable covers mount to the cabinetry and hide the wires.
You might be able to conceal the wires behind the cabinet if the cabinetry doesn’t reach the wall fully. You just have to drill a small hole and thread the wires through.
Last but not least, if you’re ambitious and have wooden cabinets, you can use a router to create a shallow channel on the underside to hide the wires.
Read Also: Home Interior Decorative Lights: 101 Ideas To Transform Your Space
Are outlets allowed inside cabinets?
In most cases, the local electrical code is the deciding factor for cabinet outlets. Generally, appliance-specific cabinets can have outlets, but regular storage cabinets rarely do.
You might need safety measures like GFCI outlets or interlock switches to cut power when the door closes even when allowed. A closed cabinet with appliances plugged into it.
For safety, check your local codes and consult an electrician.
How do you choose under cabinet lighting that has outlets and USB ports?
If you want under-cabinet lighting with outlets and USB ports, you should:
Color temperature: under cabinet lighting with outlets
- Warm white (2700K-3000K): Creates a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. Suitable for general mood lighting or warmer kitchens.
- Cool white (3500K-4100K): Mimics natural daylight, making it suitable for task lighting and showing colors more accurately
- Daylight (5000K-6500K): Very bright and blue-toned. Promotes focus and alertness, useful in workspaces.
Brightness: under cabinet lighting with outlets
Higher lumens mean brighter light. Consider the space size and your desired illumination level. You can control brightness levels with dimmable options.
Color Rendering Index (CRI).
It measures how well colors look under light. A higher CRI (80+) means colors are more natural and vibrant. It’s important in kitchens where you want your food to look good.
Read Also: Simple DIY Steps: How To Connect An Electrical Outlet With Night Light
In conclusion, you have completed the under cabinet lighting with outlet installation. Your kitchen will now be brighter, have outlets readily available, and look better.
If you have any questions about electrical work, consult a qualified electrician.
You can turn on your lights, plug in your appliances, and bask in the warm glow of your hard work.
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