FAQ

Listed below are some of the questions we are asked when preparing for an installation. Please contact us if you need any additional information before, during or after your installation.

Low Voltage Lights

Q: Where do I position the strip light under the cabinet for maximum light?

A: The ideal location is 4 inches back from the front of the cabinet box without the doors. This will cast the 120 degree light to the front edge of the counter top after the light rail is installed. Our SMD task lights are sent with 2 pair of mounting clips.  One set for straight down lighting and the other for turning the fixture 30 degrees.  This will allow you to adjust the amount of light you require in your work area.

Q: What kind of wire do I use?

A: 18/2 stranded 2 wire.  This is a standard lamp cord and is available in the "box" stores, electrical supply houses and hardware stores. The colour of the wire leads on the lights are white so see if you can get white when you buy this.  We stock this wire so if you have trouble finding it please let us know. Many electricians will use low voltage thermostat wire which will work fine.  That is usually the type of low voltage wire they stock in their trucks.

Q: What is the best way to splice the low voltage wire when there are no connectors on the ends?

A: A crimp connector works well and is also readily available in the same stores as the wire. If you would like to purchase a small quantity from us we have packaged them in bags of 12 connectors.

Q: Can low voltage wire be buried behind tile?

A: Yes. A quick and easy way to run the wire is to cut a small groove in the drywall and push the wire in flush with the wall. One coat of drywall tape and mud will seal it all up. We use a cut off jig saw blade that cuts the groove but will not puncture the vapor barrier. A good way to think of it is that you can run this wire anyplace you would run speaker wire.

Q: Why didn't some of the lights light?

A: Most likely there is a crossed wire at the first light that did not light. With a low voltage connection you have to keep the + and - consistent from the LED driver (power supply) to the last light connection. + and - are marked on the end of the strip task lights.

Q: What size hole is needed for the LLC07 low voltage recessed cabinet lights?

A: Drill an 1 3/4 inch hole and the spring-loaded light will snap right in. The optional trim ring adds a very nice finishing touch.  You should drill the hole from the inside of the cabinet to assure a clean-cut.  Use of the trim ring is optional.

Q: Can I use the same LED driver for 2 lighting circuits?

A: No, each lighting circuit needs its own driver if you want to switch them separately.

Q: How do I know what size driver to use?

A: Just add up the watts of the lights you will be using. The HHG50 SMD is 5 watts and the HHG100 SMD is 10 watts. Don't forget to add in the watts from any puck lights you use to the total. The total watts for all the lights on the circuit cannot exceed the total watts of the driver. Our LED constant voltage drivers are available in 10W, 25W, 30W, 40W, 60W and 75W.  All of the drivers we sell are constant voltage units. If you have any questions about this please give us a call at 1.800.677.2698

Q:  You mention in the product description that the SMD Task lights can be trimmed to size to accommodate any size cabinet.  How do I do that and where do I cut?

A:  The SMD strips can be cut at every set of 3 lights allowing you to trim the size by about 1.50" per cut.  Please refer to the cut sheet you received with the lights to be sure the light is in the proper orientation so you cut them in the right place.  There is a small black dot every 3 LEDs which indicate the cut lines.  A basic mitre box and hacksaw is all you need to trim the lights.  If you send your required measurements we will be glad to pre cut them for you and install the end caps. Lights will be shipped with a copy of your plan showing where the cut lights should be installed.  There is no additional charge for this service.

Q:  How do I turn the lights on and off?

A: There are several options for turning the lights on and off.  You could switch the line voltage side of the LED driver which will turn the driver on and off.  The other option is to use one of our dimming options and turn the lights on and off on the 12V side on the driver.  More information is available on the Dimming Solutions page. These lights will not dim using a standard wall dimmer.  Please contact us for any additional information you may require.

Q: Will you assist with the layout of lighting for my new kitchen renovation?

A: We would be glad to design a layout that would work for your project.  We ask that you This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or fax (780.461.1979) a copy of your kitchen plan so we can determine what you will need.  If you send us your plan we will custom cut your lights to perfectly fit your cabinets at no additional charge.