Do you have flashy new LED light fixtures installed underneath your cabinets but can’t decide how to hide the wires for a neat and tidy look? If so, you’ve come to the right place! If you’re looking for an easy and effective way to spruce up your kitchen without breaking the bank, consider adding under-cabinet light fixtures – they provide a great ambiance as well as help accentuate your countertops.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different strategies you can implement to conceal unsightly cables in a discreet fashion.
Whether it’s having them dangling from designated spaces or tucked away behind panels and walls, there are plenty of creative options available for homeowners who want their lighting setup to be as attractive as possible.
Don’t let visible wiring ruin your perfect aesthetic—read on for strategies that will help you figure out how to hide under cabinet light wires. Read on to get started on giving your kitchen the modern look you deserve!
Why Do You Need to Hide Under Cabinet Light Wires?
1. Add Style
Under-cabinet light fixtures are a great way to spruce up your kitchen without spending too much money. They also come in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles so that you can easily match them with the existing décor of your kitchen.
But if you don’t take the time to properly conceal the wires from view, they can quickly become an eyesore. Hidden wires can help keep your lighting setup looking chic and stylish, allowing you to improve the overall look of your kitchen.
2. Improve Efficiency
Hiding wires in unconventional places is also a great way to increase the efficiency of your under-cabinet lighting setup. This is because it ensures that no energy is wasted on visible cables that can be seen by guests or passers-by. Concealing them helps to prevent unnecessary heat loss, resulting in improved efficiency and greater savings in the long run.
Required Items
Before you get started on hiding the wires for your under-cabinet lighting fixtures, there are a few essential items that will come in handy. The most important assets to have at hand are:
- Grommets
- Cable ties
- Bungee cords
- Zip ties
- Electrical tape
By purchasing these items in advance, you can save time and money when it comes to covering the wires for your lighting setup. Make sure to take measurements of the area where the wiring will be installed before you head out on a shopping trip so that you know exactly what you need.
10 Steps on How to Hide Under Cabinet Light Wires
Now that you have all the necessary items, it’s time to begin concealing the wires for your under-cabinet lighting fixtures. Here are 10 easy steps on how to hide under cabinet light wires:
Step 1: Measurement
Start by measuring the length of the wire and then cutting off any excess with a pair of scissors or wire cutters. Also, take note of the placement of each lighting fixture and ensure that any wiring will not interfere with them once installed.
Step 2: Grommet Installation
Attach a grommet to your work surface so that it can serve as an entry point for the wires. This is important because it helps to protect the cables from any potential damage or snagging.
Step 3: Locate the Junction Box
Locate the junction box, which is typically installed underneath the cabinet or behind any nearby walls. Carefully pull out the wires from their respective fixtures and connect them to the junction box.
Step 4: Secure with Cable Ties
Secure all of your cables together using cable ties. This helps to prevent any messes or tangles from occurring, as well as increases the safety and reliability of your wiring setup.
Step 5: Separate Wires
To maximize efficiency, separate different circuits in their own bundles with cable ties. Make sure to attach a label to each bundle so you don’t get confused later on.
Step 6: Install Bungee Cords
To hang the wiring from the underside of the cabinets, install bungee cords along its length. This will help to keep everything neat and tidy while also providing extra support for your wires.
Step 7: Zip Tie Wires
To further secure the wiring to the underside of your cabinets, zip-tie the wires along their length. This will help to minimize movement and keep everything firmly in place.
Step 8: Cover with Electrical Tape
To protect your wiring setup from any potential damage or snagging, cover the exposed areas of your wires using electrical tape. This ensures that any rough edges are covered and kept safe from harm.
Step 9: Install Wall Plates
If you’re installing wall plates to cover the junction boxes, make sure they match the existing décor of your kitchen. This will help create a more cohesive and polished look for your home’s interior design.
Step 10: Test Out Your Setup
Once everything is installed, give your wiring setup a quick test run to make sure it’s functioning correctly. Make sure to check all of the lights and their connections before you consider the installation complete.
Following these 10 steps will help ensure you have a neat, efficient, and attractive setup that won’t be an eyesore. Even if you’re not an expert in DIY wiring projects, with the right tools and this guide, you can easily achieve a stunning lighting display.
8 Safety Precautions to Follow
When wiring up under-cabinet lights, it is essential to take all necessary safety precautions. Here are eight ways to make sure you stay safe when wiring up under cabinet light fixtures:
- Always wear the correct Safety Gear. Eye protection, gloves, and protective clothing should be worn at all times while wiring up under cabinet lights. Also, make sure you have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency.
- Disconnect power before wiring. Always remember to disconnect the power before beginning any wiring work, even if you are working on low-voltage lighting fixtures. It is essential to make sure there is no power running through the wires before making any connections.
- Use the proper parts and tools. Make sure you use only parts that are specifically designed for your lighting fixtures, as well as the right tools for the job. This will help ensure a safe and secure installation.
- Avoid overloading outlets. Make sure you don’t overload the outlets with too many devices or fixtures, as this can cause a fire hazard and lead to poor lighting performance.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Read and understand all manufacturer instructions before beginning any wiring work. This will help ensure a safe and successful installation.
- Double-check all connections. Make sure you double-check all connections to make sure everything is secure, and nothing is loose or frayed. Also, check for any signs of corrosion, which could be a potential fire hazard.
- Use the right wiring methods. Sure, you use proper wiring methods as outlined in your local building codes to ensure a safe and secure installation.
- Have an electrician inspect the work. If you are unsure about the safety of your wiring job, it is best to have it inspected by a certified electrician. This will help make sure everything is up to code and safe for use.
Following these eight safety precautions while wiring under cabinet lights will ensure that your installation is secure and successful while also keeping you safe from any potential hazards. With the right preparation and attention to detail, you can ensure a safe and successful under-cabinet lighting installation.
It is also important to practice proper maintenance and safety protocols when using under cabinet lights. Make sure you regularly inspect the wiring for any signs of corrosion or damage, as well as replace any worn or broken parts. Regular cleaning can also help extend the life of your lighting fixtures and ensure they are functioning correctly and safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Will It Take to Finish the Project?
This depends on the size of your kitchen and the type of under-cabinet lights you have chosen. Generally speaking, a full installation will take about 2-3 hours. If you are only installing one or two fixtures, it could be done in an hour or less.
What Tools Will I Need?
You will need basic tools such as wire strippers, pliers, a drill, and a screwdriver. Some under-cabinet lights come with their own mounting hardware, while others require you to purchase mounting strips or brackets separately.
Conclusion
Hiding the wires for under cabinet lights is a great way to make your lighting setup discreet and sleek. With all the options available, it’s easy to find something that suits your décor and lifestyle while still providing enough light to be useful. Whether you pick flexible conduits, crown molding covers, or wire covers, hiding under cabinet light wires can easily become a DIY project if you have patience and the right tools.
The extra effort ensures that the end result is not only functional but also looks great, resulting in an overall enhanced aesthetic for any room you choose to install it in. Thanks for following the steps on how to hide under cabinet light wires along on this journey of transforming ambient lighting into a stunning display!