Under Kitchen Cabinet Lighting
Author: Marcy Tate Installing under cabinet lighting in your kitchen has so many benefits and will really help highlight and light up your kitchen. Under cabinet lighting is also great for workshops such as those in the garage or basement. Not only will the lights help to make your work clearer and easier, but will also serve as an extra light source in areas that lack natural light.
There are many benefits to under cabinet lighting including:
1) Energy-Efficient- Using the lower wattage under cabinet lights can save energy versus using the main kitchen lights.
2) Choice in Bulbs- Energy efficient bulbs are the bulb of choice for many who install under cabinet lighting. Energy efficient bulbs used for under cabinet applications include fluorescents, halogens, LED, and xenon bulbs. Each bulb has their own specific advantages and disadvantages. The best bulb for your cabinets will depend on your specific lighting needs. Make sure you to consult with a reliable electrician to find out which is best for you kitchen cabinets.
3) Eliminates shadows
4) Makes jobs safer and easier
5) Adds a unique style and distinction to your kitchen
6) Fairly easy to install- You could make it into a do-it-yourself project.
7) Most cabinets have an area underneath where the lights can be installed.
Other Useful Tips:
1) As a general guide, install one 12 inch lighting fixture or 3 puck lights for every 4 ft. of counter top. Read more below about the different types of light fixtures.
2) Install the lights toward the front of the cabinet so that they will highlight the surface the most.
Three Under Cabinet Lighting Types: Strip Lights, Puck Lights, Linear Lights
Strip Lights: These type of fixture are rectangular and work well with fluorescent bulbs. They are great at providing diffused light to the kitchen. While this fixture type is the most popular for under cabinet lighting, you should be aware that it could end up being bulky if it uses a transformer.
Puck Lights: These round fixtures got their name from their round hockey puck- like size and appearance. These lights are best for highlighting counter tops and back splashes. Puck lights work with LED, halogen or xenon bulbs.
Linear lights: Linear lights are the least common under cabinet lighting and tend to be the most expensive. The linear lights contain very small bulbs along a cable and can be used with halogen , xenon or led bulbs.
About the Author:Marcy Tate is a content writer for Networx.com and has been working in the home improvement industry for over 12 years. Find a reliable electrician to install under cabinet lights for you. The professional electricians at Electricians Networks can give you a free quote over the phone or on line for any of your electrical needs
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