Under Cabinet Light Bar Installation Guide

Under Cabinet Light Bars are a discrete way to illuminate the darkest corners of any kitchen. The installation should begin by considering the quantity of lights you’ll need, the various lengths needed, how the lights will be controlled, how the lights will be connected, where the power supply will be stored, and what light temperature is desired for the project. While the wall plugs in most residential homes provide 120V AC power, aspectLED’s light bars operate on low voltage (24V DC) power. To operate, you will need a power supply to transform your home’s AC power to DC power. The following equation will help determine which power supply is needed for your project. Watts per fixture x How many fixtures are being installed = Z Z x 1.25 = Minimum size of power supply needed Also consider that our light bars come standard in seven different lengths (6”, 12”, 18”, 24”, 36” 42”) and three different LED light colors; 3000K Warm White, 4000K Cool White, and 6000K Day White. Make sure to select the right color, lengths, and quantities for your specific project needs. Additionally, you’ll need to consider if the system will be wired in series or parallel. If wired in parallel, you’ll need light bars with wire leads on a single end. If wired in series, you’ll want the wires on both ends. Depending on your specific system design and layout, you could also use a combination of the two approaches. How you’re planning to control the lights is another major decision to be made early in the planning stages. Your preference for a standard wall switch, remote control, or app control will impact your system’s layout, as well as the other accessory products you’ll need for basic functioning. Use the wiring diagrams in the below drop down to aid your system design and product selection. Now that you know how your system is designed and what equipment is needed to operate it, it’s time to figure out where you’ll be installing your system accessories and electrical wiring.

Most LED power supplies, controllers, and accessories are not in-wall rated and may require servicing in their lifetimes. Because of this, you should always install your system accessories in accessible locations. Common storage locations include closets, utility storage areas, cabinets, attics, or basements - anywhere the physical equipment is within reach. When choosing your location(s), keep in mind that you’ll likely be running electrical wires between multiple light bars and your other system components. AC line access, material obstructions, physical distances/voltage drop, and visibility of wiring should be considered at this step. Additionally, the specific details about the power supply (dimmable v. non-dimmable) and control type (switch v. remote v. app) chosen for your system will also dictate where the equipment can and should be installed. Dimmable power supplies are usually installed between the controls and the light bars. Whereas non-dimmable power supplies are installed between the AC line access and the controls.

Start by laying out your light bars below the cabinets where they will be installed. Next, cut any extra lengths of extension wire you will need for long gaps between each light bar length. Then run the wire from your light bar run(s) to your controls and power supplies, trim the wire to final lengths, and strip the wire end. If needed, you can use a drill to run your wire from one location to another. Finally, choose a connection method below to connect your system components and bring your system to light. Make sure to consult a Voltage Drop & Wire Sizing Chart to determine the proper gauge required for any extra distances you need to run between your light bars. IMPORTANT! Using the incorrect wire size will damage your products! IMPORTANT! If installing wiring in a wall or ceiling, always use in-wall rated wiring.

Before making any connections, always double check that the polarity is correct by matching the red (+) and black (-) wires or strip connections. Incorrectly wiring the product will cause damage and void product warranties. Light bar systems can be wired and connected by the following methods:

• Wire nuts
• Lever Nuts like WAGO Splicing Connectors
• Mini Low Voltage Terminal Junction Box

After confirming that the voltage of your power supplies and light bars match, connect the positive (+) and negative (-) output wires from the power supply to the wire leads on the light bar or controller. Double check all connections, then turn on the power to your circuit. If you experience issues, see the trouble shooting guide below or contact our Customer Support team at 888-503-1317 or via e-mail at [email protected] .

Now that everything is connected and working properly, it’s time to mount your light bars and system accessories. Under Cabinet Light Bars are typically installed centered left-to-right and closer to the front edge of the cabinet. This positioning will provide uniform light on the below counter or surface. Light bars arrive with 2-5 mounting clips to support the fixture. We recommend using a #4 ½” screw along with the mounting clips if installing light bars under wooden cabinets. Most power supplies and controllers are designed to be mounted out of the way using mounting screws included in their packaging. Finally, you’ll want to conceal any exposed wiring using conduit or cable raceways.

You’ve successfully completed the installation process. Now you can take a moment to sit down and enjoy your favorite beverage while giving yourself a pat on the back for a job well done.