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1UNDER CABINETLIGHTINGHow to properly light your countertops and cabinets. We explore theterms, features and products to find the best solution for your home.Published by Yale Appliance LightingBUYINGGUIDE

Under Cabinet LightingOverviewKitchens are the toughest room to light.Under cabinet lighting solves many of the problems though. It’s task lighting and effectively illuminates your counters.Under cabinet lighting can also be used on top of cabinets for effective ambient lighting or in cabinets for accentlighting.You’ll learn how to buy the right under cabinet product in terms of color temperature. You’ll also see the different bulbtypes, but at this point you should really be considering LED for efficiency.Photo credit: Anne Fougeron via Houzz2

3AppliancesTable of ContentsClick the circles to move between sectionsWhat’s NewNew products and trends to considerKelvin ScaleThe Kelvin Scale determines thequality of light by color

44 Elements of LightingProper lighting layouts require the 4lighting elements to be consideredTypes of LampsThere are more lamp types than everbefore, each with their own qualitiesLighting SystemsIt’s important to choose the rightproduct for your unique applicationHow to BuyHow to choose the perfect productsfor your application at the right price

5About YaleProud to be family ownedsince 1923

6WHAT’S NEWWe discuss new products and trends in the industryPhoto credit: Fuse Architecture Design/ Houzz

W h a t ’s N e wLARC6 LED7LARC6 is a fancy name for a new shielded LED undercabinet lighting system.It’s 300 lumens per foot and only 3/8” tall, so it will fitnicely under any cabinet. The LARC6 can be joinedwith other light bars.The LARC6 is also one more powerful at 24 volts. It’sdesigned for longer runs without drops or dimmerbulbs.Best Under CabinetLightingPhoto credit: Courthouse Contractors / Kitchens & Baths via Houzz

8KELVIN SCALEThe quality of light and different applications for eachPhoto credit: Mitchell Barnett Architect / Houzz

Kelvin ScaleQuality of LightThe Kelvin Scale plots light quality on a scale from 0-5,000degrees Kelvin. Each type of bulb will have a different ratingdepending if it’s fluorescent, halogen or incandescent.DaylightA very blue light, good for distinguishing darker colorsCandle LightMakes everyone look good, most closely emulated byincandescent bulbsNotePurchase under cabinet lighting rated at 2,700-3,200 degreesfor best effectsColor Temperature inLED Under CabinetLighting9

Kelvin ScaleQuality of LightIn modern kitchens with lighter countertops and backsplashes,a cooler color LED closer to 3,000K may be best. This tends tomake white look whiter and crisper.10

114 ELEMENTS OFLIGHTINGWhen designing a kitchen layout there are 4 elements todiscover: Task, Accent, Decorative and Ambient lightingPhoto credit: Echelon Custom Homes / Houzz

Kitchen Lighting4 Elements of LightingThere are 4 elements to proper illumination: Task, Accent, Decorativeand Ambient. Under cabinet lighting can accomplish 3 of the 4elements.Task LightingMost common task fixtures are recessed, track and under cabinetlighting. These are used as intense light for work spaces.Accent LightingHighlights objects. Under cabinet accents and qualifies,because it accents well and illuminates the countertops.Decorative LightingChandeliers, flush mounts, semi flush, pendants and sconceswhich personalize the room or area.Ambient LightingAmbient is the most overlooked lighting element, yet itprovides the main environmental lighting. Under cabinetfixtures can be used on top of cabinets or soffits.12

134 ELEMENTS OF LIGHTINGUnder cabinet lighting is not just used for cabinets. When used properly, it can provide illumination for any space.Photo credit: LOCZIdesign/ Houzz

14TYPES OF BULBSFluorescent, Incandescent and LED are the most popularare the most popular and have their own advantagesPhoto credit: John Maniscalo Architecture / Houzz

Types of Light15The Original Energy SaverFluorescent is the original under cabinet light. It wassimply a shop light and Alkco was the mainmanufacturer in the 1970s.Fluorescent was improved by designing the chassis tobe 1” so it wouldn’t hang below the reveal of thecabinet. Fluorescent is not used much due to its poorquality of light.

Types of LightThe Best Quality of Light16Halogen was the first good color rendering light(incandescent) for under cabinet applications.Despite its excellent color, it is energy efficient andemits 300 degrees of heat, so it can melt the peanutbutter inside your cabinet.Photo credit: Epic Development via Houzz

Types of LightThe Halogen Alternative17Xenon gas allows the bulb to last much longer and likehalogen bulbs it’s also energy efficient. Only 10% of itsenergy gives light and the rest is heat emission. Therefore,you have the same problems as halogen except with alonger life.Photo credit: Pillar Custom Homes via Houzz

Types of LightThe Energy EfficientAlternative18LED offers unbelievable energy efficiency with the colorrendering of an incandescent. It is more expensive, but willpay for itself in reduced energy costs after 2-3 years.LED should be considered for most of your kitchenapplications.Photo credit: 2Go Custom Kitchens via Houzz

19LIGHTING SYSTEMSApplications of under cabinet lighting installationsPhoto credit: Robert Legere Design / Houzz

Fixture TypesPuck Lights20Pucks are available in LED and low voltage. Typically,pucks are higher wattage.Pucks are best for accents rather than under cabinetapplications and typically cost 20- 26 in low voltageor 50 for LED.Bulb TypesCan be LED or low voltage halogenLED Pucks vs. LEDStrips for UnderCabinet LightingScallopingShadows can develop because of the puck shape.Some people don’t mind but it’s worth considering.Photo credit: West Coast Homes via Houzz

Fixture TypesUnder Cabinet Strips21Strips are the most common for under cabinet fixtures.They’re available in 8”, 12”, 18”, 24” and 32” sizesdepending on the manufacturer. Look at the LARC6. Itilluminates at 5 watts per foot and is only 3/8” tall.Sections can be joined together easily and is 24 volts.SizesDesigned to fit inside the widths of cabinets. Multiplesizes can be combined to accommodate differentlengths.LED Strips vs. LEDTape Under CabinetLightingPopularStrips are the most common under cabinet solutionand available with many bulb options.Photo credit: Tarallo Kitchen & Bath via Houzz

Fixture TypesFlexible LED Tape22LED tape is the newest, and perhaps greatest, undercabinet solution devised yet. LED tape consists of LEDdiodes on a clear, tape-like roll. It can be installedpractically anywhere and provides even, consistentlight. LED tape comes in 3’ or 16’ rolls and cost 50 350 per roll, plus a transformer. The LED diodes mayreflect off polished surfaces.EfficientLED technology means you aren’t changing bulbsevery year. LED tape can last up to 22 years (at 3hours/day).ConvenientPhoto credit:Interior Design via HouzzFlexible tape allows easy installationforLMKapplications.

Fixture TypesLegrand Under CabinetSystemLegrand is the most interesting LED under cabinetsystem. This system can provide light as well aselectrical outlets, wireless speakers and iPad cradles.It’s entertainment as well as lighting. Also a bit morestylish by allowing you to save your backsplash fromelectrical cutouts.LightingMove LED lighting around where you need it, it’smodular.Legrand vs. LED TapeUnder CabinetLightingEntertainingConnect your smartphone to a Bluetooth speaker andplay your tunes.23

24Fixture TypesInstallation TypesNew ConstructionOld ConstructionInstallation is simple until the walls are closed. Planaccordingly.You can’t easily or affordably switch between pucks, strips, LEDtape or Legrand in older construction.Also, most older dimmers can’t dim LED. You’ll have to switchto LED compatible products. Legrand dimmers work withevery bulb source.

25BUYINGSTRATEGIESHow to choose the right products.Photo credit: Kitchen Masters, Inc. / Houzz

Under Cabinet LightingBuying Strategies26We are in the midst of a revolution (yes, the term isappropriate) as low voltage and halogen give way tonewer, more energy efficient LED. While theincandescent options were once popular, LED is theonly light source actually improving. Manycompanies such as WAC, Nora, Tech Lighting, GM andLegrand are racing to the market with newer, betterproducts.There are lots of options to consider when selectingunder cabinet lighting. Make sure you know thelengths of your cabinets and the amount of light youdesire over your work space.Photo credit: Barbra Bright Design via Houzz

Under Cabinet LightingBuying Strategies27Color is also an important factor, as low voltage andhalogen accent browns and earth tones better. LED isbetter for whites, blues and grays. There have beengreat leaps in creating more color variation within theLED color temperature spectrum, so you could find aLED light that is similar to an incandescent.You should really be considering LED lighting. Thereare a ton of good options, but be sure to check theKelvin rating before you purchase.LED tape has great versatility, but the bulbs areexposed. The new LARC6 strips are really thin andare shielded so only light is shown.Photo credit: Steding Interiors & Joinery via Houzz

Under Cabinet LightingBuying Strategies28Legrand is more of an all-purpose solution with undercabinet lighting, sound system and electrical socketsincluded.But the fact that your backsplash is uninterrupted withsockets or switch plates is appealing as well.Under cabinet lighting is incredibly versatile. It can beused to accent and highlight items. It can provide taskand safety lighting, even ambient lighting. It’s a greatinvestment for your kitchen project and relativelyinexpensive to buy.Photo credit: Case Design/Remodeling via Houzz

Buying StrategiesWisdom of CrowdsBuy where you’re comfortableThere are tons of stores and products, but a limitednumber of consumers. Check review sites like Yelp,CitySearch, Google and the Better Business Bureaubefore you purchase.Remember, any store can sell an appliance; the biggestissues are shipping and service.29

30ABOUT USProud to be family owned and operated since 1923.Photo credit: Laura Burton Interiors / Houzz

31About UsThe Yale DifferenceSalesBrowse our two15,000 sq. ft.showrooms guidedby our sales staffwith 269 years ofcombinedexperienceDeliveryInstallRepairWe bring theproducts right intoyour home, not justto the curb. Everydelivery includesremoval of the oldapplianceOur professionalinstall team can hookup your newdishwasher or reconfigure yourcabinets to accept anew wall oven20 service techs onthe road every daybacked by our YaleWarranty. Service isthe largestdepartment at Yale

Under Cabinet LightingAbout UsSince 1923Family owned and operatedsince 1923. Now with twolocations.Yale has been based in Boston for over 90 years and operates two showrooms; in Boston and Framingham. We operate the largestindependent service and repair department in New England with 50 people and 21 service technicians. Our sales staff has anaverage of 7 years experience, and our staff chef can help you learn to use your new appliances.32

33VISIT OUR STORESNow you can schedule a free, private showroom visit to go over the needs of your project.Choose a time that works for your schedule to visit our Boston or Framingham, MA showrooms.Schedule a ShowroomAppointment

34Under Cabinet LightingContact UsShowroomsBoston296 Freeport StFramingham215 Worcester RdContact UsSocial m/MyYaleYouTube.com/yaleappliance

Ambient Lighting Ambient is the most overlooked lighting element, yet it provides the main environmental lighting. Under cabinet fixtures can be used on top of cabinets or soffits. Task Lighting Most common task fixtures are recessed, track and under cabinet lighting. These are used as intense light for wor