Installation of LED strip in the kitchen under the cabinets - tools and materials

Combined lighting allows you to divide the room into zones. LED strip for kitchen under cabinets is a practical and aesthetic choice. Soft dim light creates a cozy atmosphere, the device does not take up free space. The backlight is easy to install, you can install it yourself.

Pros and cons of LED lighting in the kitchen work area

LED strips have become a popular trend when choosing apartment lighting. Economical and attractive devices make the interior original and functional. Many products have appeared on the market at an affordable price. Ease of installation allows you to install them without the involvement of specialists. The advantages of LED strips will help you to establish yourself with the choice of lighting the working area in the kitchen:

• low power consumption;
• long service life;
• safety of use - no voltage will harm a person, there is no threat of fire;
• the workspace is fully illuminated;
• the ability to choose the color of the LEDs, adjust the intensity of work;
• even glow without flicker.

The main disadvantage of the device remains its high cost. The savings in electricity costs will gradually offset the investment.

Another disadvantage is crystal degradation. Over time, it fades, brightness disappears. The process is accelerated by poor heat dissipation. Manufacturers recommend placing strips in an aluminum profile. The last point - it is impossible to replace a burnt out LED. The device has few disadvantages, the advantages are more convincing.

Criteria for choosing an LED strip

A good design solution is to mount the LED strip in the kitchen in the lower part of the wall cabinets. It provides directional light without shadow or glare. When choosing a lighting device, its main characteristics are taken into account:

• The number of diodes per meter. Density of installation of dies 30, 60, 120, 240 pieces per 1 m. They can be arranged in 1 or 2 rows. The brightness of the glow depends on the number of diodes. Densities of 30 and 60 pieces are suitable for backlighting. Full lighting will be provided by a device with 120 diodes.
• Crystal size. The luminaire is assembled from small and medium-sized LEDs. Their dimensions are indicated in the marking. The most popular models are SMD 3825 (3.8 × 2.5 mm), SMD 5050 (5 × 5 mm). Large crystals give more light at the same density per meter.
• Security class. Flexible printed circuit boards are covered with an insulating layer that protects against dust and moisture. Security classes are determined by a numerical code after the letters IP. The higher the value, the more airtight the strip is coated. For lighting in the kitchen under cabinets, where contact with moisture is possible, products with a degree of protection IP54, IP55, IP65 are recommended. When mounting a strip in an aluminum casing with glass, it is possible to use IP33 tape.

Color variety

According to the color of the luminous flux, ice strips are divided into two main groups:

• Monochrome SMDs give one bright color. It can be white, red, blue, or green.
• Multicolor RGB - the board contains several colored crystals that create illumination according to a given program. The change in brightness and built-in effects comes from the controller signal.

For a classic interior, LEDs with warm light are recommended, a high-tech kitchen will look great with a cold spectrum. If an RGB tape is installed, you should be prepared to change the natural color of food and ready meals.

The lighting devices are sold in lengths of 5 m. They are wound on bobbins. All the main characteristics are indicated in the product labeling.

How to choose a power supply and other circuit elements

To connect the strip lighting, you need to buy a 12 or 24 V power supply. The voltage of the devices must be the same. The second important characteristic is power. The exact value of the indicator for the converter is calculated by the formula: the length of the lighting device multiplied by the specific power of 1 meter. The manufacturers indicate the required indicator on the reel. Add 20-30% to the result. The reserve will allow the unit to function normally, and not at the limit of capabilities.

The converters are manufactured in a housing with a different degree of protection against moisture:

• sealed - with solid aluminum or plastic walls;
• unsealed - with a perforated body, they are installed away from moisture.

When choosing a multi-color ribbon, a controller must be installed. The most convenient is the model with a control panel. When installing multiple luminaires, you will need an amplifier. The glow intensity is controlled by a dimmer. The control block is optional.

Connection methods and diagrams

Basic schemes for connecting lighting under kitchen cabinets:

• A strip up to 5 m long attaches to the power supply. If desired, a dimmer is installed between them.
• Illumination over 5 m is divided into parallel branches. Amplifiers are included in the circuit.
• Colored ribbons are equipped with four wires, three for color, one for power. They are connected to the controller, through it to the power supply.

When connecting flexible boards, observe the polarity. The cutting points are indicated by the manufacturer.

Choice of cable cross-section

It is better to connect the lighting device with a copper wire. Its cross section depends on the backlight power. An acceptable option is 0.75 mm2. To obtain accurate data, there is a formula: S = (2xIxpxL) / ΔU, where

• S - cable cross-section;
• I - current strength, calculated by dividing power by voltage;
• L - wire length;
• p - resistance of the metal, taken from the reference book;
• ΔU - permissible voltage drop.

Calculations can be done using online calculators on various Internet resources.

Tools and materials

The set of tools depends on the selected backlight setting method. If it will fit into the groove, you will have to use a hand-held cutter to cut the hole. Standard set of tools:

• scissors;
• soldering iron;
• solder with rosin;
• heat shrink tubing or insulation;
• screwdriver and self-tapping screws (for fixing the profile).

Materials for work:

• LED Strip Light;
• Power Supply;
• dimmer (optional);
• connector (for multicolor tape);
• aluminum box.

It is recommended to pay attention to the quality of used consumables and basic elements.

Backlight mounting

Before starting the main work, preparation is carried out. Experienced installers provide some advice:

• The tape must not be twisted and bent; cutting and soldering are performed in the turning section. The device is used with a temperature not exceeding 260 ° C.
• It is advisable to use the soldering method when switching the strip, and not the connectors. The connection is more reliable, and current losses are reduced.
• Do not mount the backlight on an unprepared surface. The bottom of the cabinet is wiped from dust and degreased.
• Do not immediately press firmly while gluing the base.If the installation flaws, it will be difficult to tear off the strip.
• Select a location to place the power supply unit with ventilation and subsequent access to it.
• The high-power tape is placed in an aluminum profile, which helps to dissipate the generated heat.

Before installing the backlight on a kitchen set, it is necessary to determine the installation method. It can be external or built-in. In the first case, the strip is glued to the surface of the cabinets, in the second, you will have to cut the channel. It is also important to choose a location. The created effect, the location of the shadow, depends on the direction of the light flux. The installation process is divided into stages:

1. Installation work begins with laying the wires. They are usually hidden behind cabinet walls. A hole is drilled in the right place for removal. The power supply is connected to the cable and installed in a permanent place, for example, on the side wall of the cabinet.
2. The aluminum profile is cut into pieces of the required length and holes are drilled for fasteners and wire.
3. The flexible board is divided into segments. The ends are freed from the coating, soldered to the wires of the power supply. The switching point is protected by a heat-shrinkable tube. It is heated with a building hair dryer.
4. The backlight box is screwed with self-tapping screws. The inner surface is degreased with a solvent.
5. The base of the LED strip is freed from the protective coating. The strips are glued to the profile.
6. From above, the luminaire is closed by a diffusing shade.
7. Electrical connection and check.

When installing a colored tape, the controller is attached to it first. We'll have to solder not 2, but 4 wires. The controller is connected to the power supply. The wire is secured with screw clamps. All terminals on the block are labeled to avoid polarity reversal. Tape illumination adheres well to the surface of the cabinets. Low-power flexible boards do not require the use of a box. This option is simpler and cheaper.

You can make the original backlight with LED strip yourself. The modern version of kitchen lighting will add zest to the familiar interior.