Hardwired under cabinet lighting also called direct wire refers to the lighting under your cabinets that is directly connected to the main power supply of the house. It requires the assistance of a certified electrician, who can come and make the necessary installation. The end result is a very professional and streamlined look as there are no wires or cords to be seen. If you are in the process of renovating your kitchen, then you should look at hardwired under cabinet lighting. It adds the necessary brightness needed to perform tasks in the kitchen without compromising on the design and aesthetics of your home.
The Litever under cabinet LED light is our top pick for hardwired under cabinet lighting. The pack includes all the components required to install and hardwire the light easily. The power adapter comes with a US plug which can be cut off by a licensed electrician and hardwired onto a 110V power supply and switch. Mounting can be done through the adhesive mounting or screwed on. The kit also includes self-adhesive wire holders that can hold the wire running around in place and give a very clean and polished look.
The Lightbar comes with a diffused cover that ensures that the light is soft and uniform. There are no LED dots and glaring which can irritate the eye. The lights are very bright and can be dimmed to your required level of brightness using the rotary LED dimmer. This is the only dimmer that can be used with these light bars and existing wall dimmers will not work. The rotary dimmer is a step-less dimmer which means that you can dim and brighten the light as high and as low you want depending on the mood and task required.
This light gives a very sleek and clean look and provides great value for the price.
Pros:
High intensity brightness perfect for task functions.
The LED Puck Lights from AIBOO are the best-hardwired option as they provide a lot of ease in the installation. They can be linked together in a series connection and a parallel connection without needing a distributor that is normally required for a parallel connection. This makes it easier to install these lights. Users are not confined to using only the 10 lights available in this puck. If the space that you want to illuminate is larger, you can order more puck lights and link them to the same connection. These puck lights can be hardwired or plugged in. You should go for the hardwired option as it can give off a polished look.
The puck lights have only 0.32-inch thickness making them almost invisible under the cabinet. You will not be able to see them from far and can only see the illumination underneath. One issue to take note of is that all the puck lights should give off a uniform light and you shouldn’t get spots of uneven brightness. This can happen if one of the lights does not have the same level of brightness as the other puck lights in the series. However, if this happens you should change the puck light that doesn’t have the same level of brightness as the rest of the lights.
These puck-lights come with 10 different brightness levels, and you can choose the brightness depending on the task you are doing. The brightness can be changed with the help of a wireless remote and the magnetic nature of this remote means that you can stick it on the refrigerator. This ensures that the remote will not get lost easily and you don’t have to look for it all the time. The color temperature is 6000K, which is a cool white color, and a higher CRI makes these lights good for task functions.
The HARRRRD LED Bar can only be hardwired under your cabinets and doesn’t have any plug-in option. The installation may be a bit difficult for the user as the instructions provided are not very user-friendly. It would be better to get the help of a certified electrician to complete the whole installation. The light fixture only has one full-size centered knockout at the back, giving it very little space for the wiring. An electrician would be able to counteract it and install the lights properly. You are able to combine two LED bars together to get additional lighting which is an added advantage, especially if you have a larger under cabinet area.
These light bars have a lot of advantages. It is a good size for under cabinet lighting and gives considerable light. The brightness of 1250 Lumen is good for the kitchen and the dimmer option allows you to adjust the brightness depending on the tasks you are performing. The higher CRI is helpful for prepping food as you can see the true colors. The frosted covering is helpful in providing a warm, diffused light around the area.
The HARRRRD LED light is the best budget hardwired under cabinet light. At the price, it provides great value and a lot of features. This LED light fixture can only be hardwired. The help of a certified electrician would be useful for the installation of these lights. However, a handy DIYer would be able to attempt it themselves. The instructions for assembling and disassembling the fixture have been provided. The metal cover is tightly closed over the fixture, and it takes a few tries to release the tabs and open them up. However, once this is figured out the remaining installation is quite simple. The light also has an aluminum frosted cover that allows the bright light to be diffused uniformly and reduces glare and spots. However, a bit of glare is still present.
The light comes in two color temperatures soft light and cool light. This gives a lot of flexibility in its use. Both the colors are towards the whiter light and are more applicable for task lighting. The light itself may be too bright and cannot be toned down for accent lighting. However, the high CRI makes it perfect for the kitchen especially when working and preparing the food.
Pros:
CRI greater than 90
5-year warranty
2 color options
Good value for money
Frosted cover helps to minimize the glare and spotting
This smart lighting kit from Black + Decker is a premium choice due to the flexibility in installation, the number of choices, and the quality of light provided. The setup is simple with a few easy steps. It can be connected to the main power or hardwired by a professional. Most DIYers will find it easy to complete the installation especially with the adhesive provided. The 6 bars can be attached in a continuous or a split configuration depending on the choice and space availability.
The brightness level can be customized with the help of Alexa. The Alexa set up is simple, and all the custom light modes can be created within the App. The lights can also be configured to voice and motion sensors. Though the motion sensor is not too strong, you have to be near it for the light to detect the motion.
Pros:
Hands-Free control making it easier to operate
Compatible with Alexa.
Custom light modes and adjustable brightness.
Easy installation
Motion sensors
Voice activated
Cons:
Motion sensor is not very sensitive, and you have to be close for it to sense the hand motion.
The LED under cabinet dimmable lights from LAIFUNI makes use of smart technology to provide bright illumination with a lot of features. Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, Echo, and IFTTT, you can use the remote, WIFI, and the app to control the lights. This gives a lot of flexibility in the use of the lights, turning them on and off, changing the brightness, and selecting the various colors. The built-in mic is an added bonus, as you can enhance the aesthetics and mood by connecting the lights to soft, calming music.
The LED light bar uses 12V DC power, making them energy-efficient and cost-effective. The frosted cover gives off a softer light ensuring that it doesn’t produce a sharp and glaring light. Installation of the light is simple as it can be done through mounting tapes or screws. However, it is advisable to get a professional electrician to hardwire the light system.
This LED light bar from GetInLight is the best dimmable under cabinet hardwired lighting. These lights can only be hardwired, and it is advisable to take the help of an electrician to complete the setup as the instructions and setup may be a bit difficult for a novice. While installing the lights it is important to read the instructions and watch the video before starting. These lights have many knockouts for easier installation but there are only two screws that hold the light in place. Be careful to look after these screws and to fit them in properly to ensure that the light bar stays firm. Once hardwired under the cabinet, this light fixture with its thin profile gives a clean and sleek look.
The light fixtures have an aluminum casing that minimizes the glare and spots, giving off a uniform, soft light. It comes in a cool-white color which is perfect for task lighting in the kitchen. The high CRI allows for detailed work and the brightness of the light can be dimmed with the help of a wall-mounted LED dimmer. It is compatible with many different dimmers which increases its flexibility in use.
Pros:
CRI greater than 90 showing the true color of all objects.
Rust proof and durable aluminum case.
High intensity and reliable lights.
Adjustable Brightness
Energy-efficient and cost effective.
Cons:
Installation can be confusing for someone not knowledgeable about electric work.
Buying Guide: What to look for while buying Hardwired under cabinet strip lighting?
Hardwired under cabinet lighting is a major purchase due to the fact that it is a more permanent fixture and is a costly process. You need to focus on a few factors when making such a purchase.
What is the Voltage of the light fixture being hardwired?
It is important to check if the under-cabinet light fixture voltage is compatible with the main electric voltage of your home. If the light runs on the line voltage, which is 120 volts in America, then the under-cabinet light can be directly wired to the main power supply. However, if the light runs on the low voltage it needs to be connected to a driver which lowers the voltage of the main power supply from 120 volts to the desired amount.
What is the available space and placement of the under-cabinet light fixture?
In the case of hardwired under cabinet lighting, it is important to consider the placement and available space before purchasing the light fixtures. The installation of such lights is harder and the areas where the lights are connecting to the main power line need to be measured carefully. If a new under cabinet lighting system is being installed, then you have the flexibility of adapting the wiring according to the chosen light fixture. However, if the wiring is in place already, then ensure that the light fixture will fit the available space and is compatible with the previous wiring system.
Can the under-cabinet light be dimmed?
Hardwired under-cabinet lighting can use a considerable amount of energy when switched on. There are times when a bright light is not necessary. It is better to invest in under-cabinet lighting that has the dimming capability. Dimming the light have the advantage of saving energy. It also enables users to control the brightness and opt for low lighting for a warmer ambiance.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can under cabinet lighting be hardwired?
Ans: Yes, the most professional way to install under cabinet lighting is to hardwire them to a wall switch. This ensures that there are no unsightly wires hanging around and gives a clean and sophisticated look. You will be able to operate the lights through a switch on your wall. All functions such as turning them on and off and dimming them will be done through a switch.
What kind of under cabinet lighting is best?
Ans: There are many options for under cabinet lighting. The type of lighting chosen will depend on the needs, preferences, and compatibility. LED lights and fluorescents are preferred due to their low heat-emission and energy efficiency. This makes them perfect for use in the kitchen as it doesn’t get hot while prepping the food. The brightness of the light is another factor that is also considered when purchasing under cabinet lighting.
How many lumens are needed for under cabinet lighting?
Ans: Lumens refers to the brightness of the light. Under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen requires a higher lumen to be able to perform tasks and prep food. It is good to have a light fixture that produces at least 250 lumens per foot for adequate brightness.
Can I replace halogen under cabinet lighting with LED?
Ans: Yes, it is possible to replace the halogen lights with LEDs. However, it may cause some problems. Since the wattage and voltage requirements of both these light fittings may differ, it is better to have an electrician check the fittings and circuits to make sure that they will be compatible with the LEDs.
Scott is a very nice guy with an electric obsession. He is an electrical engineer and a workshop owner in Chicago downtown. He is also a father of 3 child. From childhood he has been an electronics friendly child and always loved to be busy with repairing something.
