How to Install LED Under and Above Cabinet Lighting Hooked to a Wall Dimmer Switch

LED under cabinet lighting install. Learn how to add LED under and above cabinet lighting running from a smart dimmer switch to your kitchen to improve its appearance, provide task lighting for your counters, and significantly improve the ambiance of your space!

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Note: if you're not completely comfortable doing electrical work, then call an electrician!

Disclaimer: The following contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of the links, I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you) that I can use to feed the platypus. And it’s always hungry.

Materials I Used:
(most products will be available at your local home improvement store)
Joint Compound

Tools I Used:
(in order of appearance in the video)

- As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Chapters:
0:00 Intro and Example Setup
1:06 Adding a Dimmer Switch and Electrical Wiring
5:06 LED Strip Light Connection Demo
6:44 LED Strip Lighting Install
9:27 Differences for the Other Cabinets
12:48 Additional Design Considerations
14:23 Let There Be Light - Goodbye!

[jonhansen]

This is by far the most concise & professional installation I have seen presented here on YT for under cabinet lighting. I'm a retired electrician who has installed quite a few of these myself and it is encouraging to see someone present this in way that is both easy to understand, yet done well.

[KellyConcepts]

Dude - thanks for showing the LED driver here and how to set it up. NO ONE else actually shows how to use your basic wall switch to hook these up. I'm using your Amazon links and you have a new subscriber. Thanks!

[wileecoyote]

Wow, I wish all instructional videos were like this. Simple, to the point and most of all 100% how you should actually do it. Having been in Audio / Visual installation, interior rehab and currently an Industrial Electrician I can say that you did everything exactly the way I would do it. Actually you did some things better than I would do it, sometimes I get cheap.

[dylanogden]

You would be amazed by how difficult it is to find a simple explanation of DIY LED wiring. Most videos are manufacturers telling you how to use their kits, and text descriptions from distributors like Bird Dog assume you already know the parts and where you should put them. This is the first practical example I've found, and it's really helped me put the pieces together. One touch I loved was showing your struggles with the outlet box. That's the sort of situational info that is actually very important to a project, but that every DIY video in the world leaves out because it's assumed to be too specific. So, thank you!

[mokdumoknonsharrall]

I love how you cut the access holes at 45s and then re'patched them. I hope i remember that the next time i do any drywall work!

[aprilrud]

This is the best detailed description for hardwired switch for led lighting I have found in 2 years of searching! Thank you.

[ItAintMeBabe]

Absolutely a freakin fantastic explanation! Thank you so much. Especially the beginning, where you laid out the parts and showed how they worked. Thanks once again.

[WhozYourBuddy]

Finally! Bill I can't begin to thank you enough for this straight-forward and simple video! I have been searching, and searching and searching for someone showing how to hard wire LED lighting strips to a wall switch and just about gave up until I stumbled upon your video. You ROCK! 🤘🏽

[GeekyDad]

This was exactly the inspiration I needed! I've built all sorts of LED projects, mostly automotive focused, over the years. Plus, I spent many years in low voltage world doing custom A/V, HT, automation and then into the Data Center world. We're finally about to kick off a big home reno project and our Kitchen it's getting gutted, bye bye 1971 cabinets. I was looking for a little inspiration and you nailed it, even down to having similar cabinets, colors, and the fact you've got it tied into a smart switch. Your install is very clean and reasonable for most anyone to tackle. Great job!

[mckee]

This is one of the best DIY videos I’ve ever seen. It helped me to realize that it is nothing. I should be doing myself, but it also gave me a standard of measure for when I do have a contractor coming to complete this project for me. Thank you for being simple and thorough and clear in your communication.

[manotgodowoda]

Installed to replace a failing fluorescent fixture under my desk hutch. This fixture was easy to install and gives me the flexibility of 2 brightness levels and 3 color temperatures. Sturdy aluminum housing and slim design. Very well made.

[brianwebster]

Best instructional video on the internet! I've searched this topic multiple times. Your instruction, as well as reference material and parts list is unmatched. Thank you so much.

[wallboi]

This video was so fantastic, I've clicked so many where I expected to finally get an in-depth explanation only to be disappointed. I loved the summary right up front explaining the fundamentals, and every description was so precise, backed up with video demonstration. Bravo!

[JTOTHEW]

Its about time...I have watched dozens of videos on this...First one I can use...Thank You...

[jonathanblackburn]

Sweet job, thanks for the stacked, overstuffed info dump. One of the best electrician DIY videos I’ve seen.

[littlsuprstr]

I have to say thank you. You organized all the information and footage in a comprehensive and comprehensible way. Bravo!

[Dclampingsquare]

Best led wiring instructions available anywhere

[eltonnoway]

I've watched a lot of these "LED Cabinet and/or LED Niche lighting" How-To videos seeking information and this one was the most complete, answered all my questions, was easy to follow and all without unnecessary technical detail or annoying background music. Perfect! Thank you! -TIP to anyone considering doing this... If you can solder as shown at 5:33, it's a better option than using the click latch "locking connectors" which tend to be hit or miss in regards to getting a perfect connection. Many times you have to latch and unlatch the connectors or wiggle the wires in order to determine which of the connectors you installed has a flaky connection and preventing your light strip from lighting.

[neilmeiskey]

Great job! I am familiar with installing low voltage LEDs and you describe everything very well!

[ClemFandango]

Wow this was a great video. Thank you for making this! Lots of clear instructions on breaking the led into smaller strips and running cables. I will be referring back to this as I try this project myself