How to get a lack of light under cupboards under control with base unit lights
Is it too dark to cut vegetables on the worktop under the kitchen cupboard? You don't see soup in the pot, but a black hole? And despite the ceiling light being on? Then you have the typical kitchen light problem.
But because thousands of other homeowners have exactly the same problem, there is a convenient, quick solution: under-cabinet lights.
Why is it dark under cupboards (despite the ceiling light)?
This is because the light from the ceiling does not reach under the kitchen cupboard. Especially not if you are standing right in front of it. With your back to the light. This is because you are providing shade with your own body. Because they fall onto the work and cooking surfaces, they interfere with work.
The only solution: Create more light, preferably directly under the kitchen cupboard.
What types of under-cabinet lights are there?
There are two types of under-cabinet lights: light strips and spots.
Light strips
These are popular because they distribute light evenly over a large area** (and therefore illuminate all the hotplates and not just one at a time). They are used in the kitchen as well as above the workbench, for example, or - in the form of mirror lights - in the bathroom.
Important: Note the place of use! In areas that are exposed to moisture (this includes the bathroom as well as the sink), it is essential to ensure adequate moisture protection. This can be found in the "Protection class" field on the product.
You can find the IP code broken down right here:
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Protected against solid foreign bodies ≥ 50 mm |
| 2 | Protected against solid foreign bodies ≥ 12.5 mm |
| 3 | Protected against solid foreign bodies ≥ 2.5 mm |
| 4 | Protected against solid foreign bodies ≥ 1 mm |
| 5 | Dust-protected |
| 6 | Dustproof |
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Protected against vertically impinging dripping water |
| 2 | Protected against dripping water at an angle |
| 3 | Protected against water spray |
| 4 | Protected against splash water |
| 5 | Protected against water jets |
| 6 | Protected against strong water jets |
| 7 | Protected against temporary submersion |
| 8 | Protected against permanent submersion |
Spots
These are usually supplied as a set. Placed next to each other, they also illuminate an area well. Another reason to buy: If the area is not very large, e.g. a small kitchenette in a 1-room apartment, you can use fewer spots.
In many sets, the individual spots are connected to each other via a plug-in connector. This in turn provides the connection to the power grid (either for a power connection or as a plug for the socket). Advantage: You only need a single connection** with such a set (for however many spots from the set)!
Not quite sure whether the selected product works in exactly the same way? Then get in touch with our specialist advisors. They can not only tell you whether everything will work out the way you want it to, but can also look for alternatives if necessary. Interested? Here you will find our contact form.
Are there battery-powered alternatives?
Yes. Under-cabinet lights work either via mains power, with a plug or battery-powered. The advantage of the latter: You do not have to lay any cables in addition to the installation.
And changing batteries is reduced to a minimum thanks to the LED lighting technology used. LEDs save the battery - and still provide brightness on the sink. A nice alternative if you simply don't have a power connection or can retrofit one - in many rented apartments, for example!
How do you install under-cabinet lights?
This can be found in the installation instructions for the respective product. Most products are fastened by means of small screws under the cabinet.
Yes, that means drilling small holes in the kitchen cupboard. If you don't want to do this, you can also try it carefully with high-quality double-sided adhesive tape. Most under-cabinet lights are very lightweight. Good adhesive tape often has sufficient adhesive strength for this. But you'd better keep a closer eye on it, otherwise the light will suddenly come down after all!
Another option: Light strips for wall mounting. Strictly speaking, these are not under-cabinet lights, as they do not hang under the cabinet. But they are still under the cupboard! And the light too.
How do I change the lamp?
Disconnecting wired lights from the power supply behind the cabinet, unscrewing covers: replacing a halogen reflector was and is not always easy.
However, if you want to avoid this in future, use lights with fixed LEDs. You cannot change them either, but you don't have to.
Because the LEDs last up to 30 years** and more if used for a few hours a day (and who really needs more in the kitchen). They are also switch-proof. This means you can switch on your light several times a day without worrying, even for little things like pulling the cork out of a bottle of wine.
How do I switch on the kitchen cabinet light?
Either ...
- in the classic way with a switch on the housing or ...
- with a motion detector.
Do you want to work on the worktop but still have greasy hands and don't want to get your light dirty? The motion detector then switches the light on automatically when you approach.
Another advantage: It also switches the light off again automatically when you are no longer working in the vicinity. This saves electricity, protects the bulbs, increases their service life and is also the only solution for anyone who likes to forget to switch off the lights everywhere.
Lack of sockets in the kitchen - the special convenience tip!
Have you ever not had a socket left for the blender (because your cell phone is charging)? Then we recommend under-cabinet lights with built-in sockets. These are permanently integrated on the luminaire housing and additional electrical appliances can be connected here.
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