Project details
Skill
5 out of 5HardInstallation requires expert electrical skills.
Cost
$200 to $400 on average
Estimated Time
2 to 4 hours
Steps for installing under-cabinet lighting
- Go to the main electrical panel and turn off the power to the existing under cabinet lights and outlets.
- Unscrew the old light fixtures from the underside of the cabinets.
- Use a jigsaw to cut a hole in the cabinet back for an old-work junction box.
- Cut a similar hole in the wall directly above the cabinets.
- Push two nonmetallic electrical cables through the upper hole and down into the hole cut inside the cabinet.
- Cut a hole in the kitchen wall for an old-work switch box, then use a fish tape to pull a cable into the hole.
- Push the ends of the cables through the rear of the switch box, then screw the box to the kitchen wall.
- Wire a dimmer switch into the box; be sure the switch is designed for use with LED lights.
- Make the wire connections in the junction box inside the cabinet. Screw a blank cover onto the junction box.
- Make the wire connections inside the light fixtures, then screw the fixtures to the underside of the cabinets.
- Run a new cable to the wall beneath the cabinets, then install the 120-volt outlet strips.
- Make the final wire connections at the outlet strips and test your work.
Tools:
Tools & Materials
- Jigsaw
- Drywall saw
- Screwdriver
- Torpedo level
- Pliers
- Cordless drill/driver
- Fish tape
- Wire stripper