In this how to install under cabinet lighting guide we will cover how to install the hardwire capable type of under cabinet lights as though your doing a new kitchen remodel. If your putting up under cabinet lights on existing cabinets then get the corded kind of lights, and wire staple the wires under the cabinets to get close to a plug. Always use a licensed electrician for rough wiring, and always refer to local codes for the correct connections.

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If there is not already a detailed kitchen lighting plan then I usually Draw the cabinets on the drywall before they are installed. Be very accurate when drawing the plan. When you can step back and look at the plan on the wall then it becomes more clear where and how many under cabinet lights will be needed, usually spaced between 1' to 3' apart.

The drawing on the wall will also help your electrician to know exactly where to poke out the wiring. The height of the wire should poke out of the wall just above the bottom of the cabinet, but under the bottom shelf (figure 1).

After all the rough wiring is done, the drywall is repaired and painted, and all the cabinets are installed, then the under cabinet lights can be installed. On the cabinets there is an option of light rail which is a decorative trim that goes on the bottom of the cabinets to help hide the under cabinet lighting fixtures (figure 2).

Start preparing the under cabinet light by taking out the knockout where the wire goes in (figure 3). In this example we are using the bar style lights. If the lighting fixture is mounted against the back of the cabinet then remove the knock out on the back of the fixture. Since there is no exposed wiring no protection will be needed (figure 4).

If you want to mount the light towards the front of the cabinet which would give more working light, then the exposed wire will need protection like flex cable (figure 5). If using flex cable then use special flex cable clamps for the fixture knockouts (figure 6). Make sure the mounting screws are not too long and poke through the bottom of the cabinet, if they are then you will have to buy some shorter screws at a local hardware store. Refer to the wiring instructions for your specific light for the wire connections, and always observe local codes.

A good quality under cabinet light will have knock outs for linking from under cabinet light fixture to other light fixtures. If you want more than one light to come on when the switch is thrown then some linking will need to be done. Since there is exposed wire when linking under cabinet lighting fixtures the wire will need to be protected (figure 7).

installing your own under cabinet lights really is an easy task as long as you have a high quality easy to install fixture. Spend a little more for a decent hardwire capable fixture from a good manufacturer like Alico, or Kichler, and you'll never have to worry about changing them out in the future.