How To Install Hardwired Under Cabinet Puck Lighting

How to Install Hardwired Under Cabinet Puck Lighting

Under cabinet puck lighting is a popular and practical way to illuminate kitchen countertops, providing task lighting for food preparation and adding an attractive aesthetic touch. Hardwired puck lights are connected directly to your home's electrical system, offering a permanent and reliable solution compared to battery-operated or plug-in options. Installing hardwired under cabinet puck lighting may seem daunting, but with the right tools and a basic understanding of electrical wiring, it's a project that most homeowners can tackle themselves.

Gathering Supplies and Planning

Before starting the installation, gather all the necessary tools and supplies. This includes: *

Puck lights:

Choose the desired number of puck lights and ensure they are compatible with your home's electrical system (usually 12-volt DC). *

Transformer:

A transformer is essential to convert household AC voltage to the lower voltage required by the puck lights. Choose one with sufficient output wattage for your desired number of lights. *

Wire:

Use low-voltage wire (typically 18 gauge) to connect the lights to the transformer. *

Junction box:

A junction box is necessary to connect the wires and protect electrical connections. *

Electrical tape:

Securely insulate all wire connections with electrical tape. *

Wire strippers:

Use these to strip the insulation off the wires for connections. *

Screwdriver:

A screwdriver is required to secure the puck lights and transformer. *

Level:

Ensure the lights are installed at a consistent height using a level. *

Drill:

A drill is needed to create holes for the light mounting brackets and to connect the transformer to the electrical panel. *

Circuit breaker:

Identify the breaker controlling the circuit you'll be using for the puck lights. *

Safety glasses and gloves:

Use appropriate safety equipment during installation.

Once you have all the necessary supplies, plan the installation process: *

Determine the location:

Decide where you want to install the puck lights under the cabinets. *

Measure and mark locations:

Measure and mark the locations for each puck light, ensuring they are evenly spaced. *

Plan the wiring route:

Determine the best path for the low-voltage wire to run from the transformer to the lights, considering accessibility and aesthetics. *

Consider the electrical connections:

Determine the location to install the transformer and plan the wiring route to the electrical panel.

Installing the Puck Lights

Begin the installation by mounting the puck lights: *

Mark the mounting locations:

Use a level to mark the desired locations on the underside of the cabinets for the puck lights. *

Drill holes for mounting brackets:

Drill pilot holes for the mounting brackets provided with the puck lights. *

Secure the mounting brackets:

Screw the mounting brackets to the underside of the cabinets using the provided screws. *

Connect the lights to the wire:

Strip the insulation off the low-voltage wire and connect it to the wiring terminals on the puck lights. Use electrical tape to secure the connections. *

Connect the transformer:

Connect the transformer to the low-voltage wire and secure it in a convenient location.

After connecting the lights to the wire, run the wire from the last light to the transformer, securing it along the underside of the cabinets using wire clips or staples. This step requires careful planning to avoid damaging the cabinets or obstructing access to other appliances or wiring.

Connecting to the Electrical Panel

The final step involves wiring the transformer to the electrical panel: *

Turn off the power:

Before working on the electrical panel, turn off the power to the circuit you'll be using at the circuit breaker. *

Find a suitable location:

Locate a suitable location in the electrical panel to install the transformer. *

Connect the transformer to the circuit:

Connect the wires from the transformer to the circuit breaker using wire nuts and ensure all connections are secure and properly insulated. *

Turn the power back on:

Carefully turn the power back on and test the puck lights to ensure they are functioning correctly.

Once the power is turned on, ensure the lights are working correctly and that there are no inconsistencies in brightness or flickering. If any issues arise, recheck all connections and consult the manufacturer's instructions for troubleshooting.