How To Install Hardwired Under Cabinet Puck Lighting Kit

How To Install a Hardwired Under Cabinet Puck Lighting Kit

Under cabinet puck lighting can transform your kitchen, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits. It adds a modern touch, illuminates your workspace, and enhances the overall ambiance. Installing a hardwired puck lighting kit can seem daunting, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, it's a manageable DIY project. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you install your under cabinet puck lighting kit.

1. Gather Your Tools and Supplies

Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials. This will prevent delays and frustration during the installation process.

Under cabinet puck lighting kit: Select a kit that meets your needs in terms of brightness, number of lights, and desired features (like dimming or color changing).
Voltage tester: This tool will help you verify the presence and voltage of your electrical circuit.
Wire strippers: Use these to expose the wires for connections.
Wire cutters: Cut the wires to the required length.
Screwdriver: Secure the mounting plates and wiring connections.
Level: Ensure the lights are installed straight and evenly.
Electrical tape: Insulate the wire connections securely.
Drill: If required, to create holes for the wiring or mounting plates.
Safety glasses: Protect your eyes from debris during drilling or cutting.
Work gloves: Protect your hands while working with tools and wiring.

2. Turn Off the Power

Safety is paramount when working with electricity. Before you start, always turn off the power to the circuit that supplies electricity to the area where you'll be installing the lights. Locate the circuit breaker for the relevant outlet and switch it to the "off" position. To ensure the power is off, use a voltage tester to confirm there is no electricity flowing through the wires.

3. Determine the Placement of the Lights

Plan the placement of your lights carefully. Consider the area you want to illuminate, the size of your cabinets, and the number of lights in your kit. Use a level to ensure the lights are mounted evenly and straight. Mark the positions on the underside of your cabinets using a pencil.

4. Install the Mounting Plates

Most under cabinet lighting kits come with mounting plates. These plates provide a secure base for attaching the lights to the cabinet. Align the mounting plate with the marked location and use screws to secure it to the cabinet. Ensure the screws are long enough to penetrate the cabinet material securely. If necessary, use a drill to create pilot holes for the screws before inserting them.

5. Connect the Wiring

Connect the wires from the lights to the wiring in your electrical circuit. This step requires careful attention to safety and proper connections.

Locate the junction box: The junction box is where the wires from your light fixture will connect to the existing electrical wiring. It's typically located in the ceiling or wall near the cabinet.
Connect the wires: Using wire strippers, expose about half an inch of wire on the ends of the wires from your light fixture and the wires in the junction box. Match the wires based on color: black to black, white to white, and ground wire (typically green or bare copper) to ground wire. Twist the wires together tightly and secure the connection with wire nuts.
Insulate the connections: Once the wires are connected, cover the wire nuts with electrical tape for additional insulation and protection.

6. Test the Lights

After making the wire connections, carefully turn the power back on at the circuit breaker. Test the lights to ensure they are working correctly. If the lights do not turn on, check the wiring connections for any loose or incorrect connections. You may also want to use a voltage tester to ensure the power is reaching the lights.

7. Securely Install the Lights

Once the lights are functioning, secure them to the mounting plates. Most under cabinet lights have a snap-on design. Simply push the lights onto the mounting plates until they lock into place. Double-check that the lights are secure and stable.

8. Enjoy Your New Lighting

Now that your under cabinet puck lights are installed, you can enjoy the benefits of improved task lighting and a more modern aesthetic in your kitchen. Experiment with dimming or color changing features to create the perfect ambiance for any occasion.