LED Cabinet Lighting Installation Checklist
Question: What are your Power Requirements?
Are you installing A. 12V (low voltage lighting) or B. 120V (high voltage, hard-wired)?
A. 12V
Low voltage LED lighting is recommended and preferred for DIY.
LEDs are connected to a low voltage power supply, converting 120V into 12V and 24V, and keeping accidents to a minimum. Low voltage lighting also produces less heat, making for a more comfortable space
1. Do you have direct access to outlets or will you need to hard-wire?
2. How will you run your wire so that it is best concealed?
AdvantageS
Simple for DIY installations with no electrical wiring necessary
Electrical access is not required
Disadvantages
Wire and cords can be difficult to hide
Requires the use of electrical outlets
B. 120V
Please consult or hire an electrician if you are not certified to handle 120V wiring. High voltage wiring is not only dangerous, installation will void warranties if not properly installed.
AdvantageS
Best for concealing wires
Works best with wall dimmers
Electricians/installers are familiar with these systems
Disadvantages
Requires additional planning to route wires through cabinets
Requires direct access to 120V wiring
Not recommended for DIY
Recommended Tools Checklist For Low Voltage 12V Installations:
Cordless drill
Scissors or wire cutter
Wire stripper/cutter
2-wire 18AWG for standard lighting
4-wire 18AWG for RGB
5-wire 18AWG for RGBW
Suggested LEDs for 12V indoor/outdoor installations:
0.5W RD21 ULTRA MINI LED LIGHT
Ultra small LED Recessed light • Power LED technology • Super bright COB LED • Low profile trim • Simple to install • Excellent color quality
Applications: Deck & Step lighting, Landscape lighting, Dock lighting, and Railings.
4W RD10 SCOOP LED STEP LIGHT
2.25 inch recess or surface mounted LED Cabinet Light
Available in 3 Trim colors Surfaced Mount or Recessed.
Applications: Deck & Step lighting, Landscape lighting, Dock lighting.
2.2W RT05 LED STEP LIGHT
Includes LED Light Engine, Gasket, and Screwless Horizontal Trim. Indoor/Outdoor cETLus wet location rated. 3 Year Warranty. Use as a step light, path light, and deck light.
Applications: Deck & Step lighting, Landscape lighting, Dock lighting.
2W RT05 RH LED STEP LIGHT
Includes LED Light Engine, Gasket, and Trim. Indoor/Outdoor cETLus wet location rated. 3 Year Warranty. Use as a step light, path light, and deck light.
Applications: Deck & Step lighting, Landscape lighting, Dock lighting.
Plan your approach:
1
Measure and Equip
Carefully plan and mark your LED lighting locations, paying specific attention to cut-out sizes, depths, and wire routing. Measure distances for space between lights, and determine whether you will be wiring to dimming switch plates, connecting power switches directly, or using wireless remotes.
2
DETERMINE WIRE AND ACCESSORIES.
Estimate the amount of wire needed, and determine the required wire size and capabilities. If LEDs are going Outdoors, you will need the correctly sized and jacketed outdoor wire. If indoors, a standard 18 AWG wire may suffice. Basic LED lighting will be a two-wire (Positive and Negative), while RGB will be a four-wire configuration (Red, Green, Blue, and Negative), and RGBW five wires (Red, Green, Blue, White, and Negative).
3
CHECK LOCAL BUILDING CODES & STANDARDS.
Be sure to check electrical code requirements and regulations for your region, and consult or hire an electrical contractor if unsure, or if hard-wiring is necessary.
4
PLAN LED LOCATIONS AND WIRE ROUTING.
Carefully plan and mark your LED lighting locations, paying specific attention to cut-out sizes, depths, and wire routing. If installing Power Supplies outdoors, they must be housed within regulation boxes, and wires installed underground must be run within appropriate conduit.
DIY Installation Requirements
1.
Selected LED Lights For 12V Indoor/Outdoor Application: 0.5W RD12 or 1W RD12 MINI LED STEP LIGHT, 0.5W RD21 ULTRA MINI LED LIGHT, 4W RD10 SCOOP LED STEP LIGHT, 2.2W RT05 LED STEP LIGHT, 2W RT05 RH LED STEP LIGHT, 1W SQ25 square or 1W RD25 round LED STEP LIGHT.
2.
Correct Wire and Lengths For Application: 18 AWG 2-wire for Standard applications, and/or 18AWG 4-wire for RGB Color Changing LEDs. Trace the line from the Power SOurce to the LED location using string to determine lengths required.
3.
Wire stripper/cutter.
4.
Wire Connectors and/or Marettes (Wire Nuts). Your LEDs should come with the connectors required to attached to the power Supply, however you may also need methods of connecting wire to wire.
5.
Hole Cutting Tool: 2-1/4" Hole Saw for RD10 LED PUCK Lights, 1-3/8" for RD12 Mini LED Lights, and 1-3/4" for RD7 Puck Lights.
6.
Correct Power Supply: 12V Low Voltage Power SupPlY (Driver) Required for RD10, RD21, RT05, SQ25 and RD25.
7.
Corded or Cordless drill.
FYI on DIY LED Step Lighting InstallationS:
12V Low Voltage Lighting is relatively simple to install, and can be performed without accessing 120V wiring. Most applications can be done by connecting a Low Voltage Power Supply with a plug that will connect to any existing outlet. If hardwiring is required, seek out a professional electrician.
Warning:
Pay careful attention to the wire connections, especially if installing an in-line dimmer. The negative (-) and sometimes black wire must connect to the negative connector on a power supply (-) or wire on the LED. Do not let the wires touch each other. If the wires touch while connected to the Power Supply, you will risk possible and irreparable damage to the LEDs and/or Power Supply.