led strip lights are one of the easiest ways to add elegant, functional illumination under kitchen cabinets, shelves, or work surfaces. They not only enhance the look of your space but also improve visibility for tasks such as cooking, cleaning, or reading.
Installing LED strips under cabinets is simple, cost-effective, and requires minimal tools. In this guide, you’ll learn how to install LED strip lights under cabinets step by step — from choosing the right strip type to wiring, mounting, and finishing — using high-quality products from Keyfine LED.
Not all LED strips are suitable for under-cabinet lighting. Before you start, consider the following factors to ensure the best performance and safety.
Brightness (Lumens): For kitchen tasks, choose 400–700 lumens per foot.
Color Temperature:
Warm white (2700–3000K) for cozy ambiance
Neutral white (3500–4000K) for general household use
Cool white (5000–6000K) for modern, clean lighting
Most under-cabinet LED strips use 12V or 24V DC power. Always match your power supply voltage to the LED strip to prevent flickering or damage.
If installing near sinks or steamy areas, choose at least IP44 waterproof protection to guard against moisture.
You can choose between:
Manual switch control (basic setup)
Motion sensor control (hands-free convenience)
Smart or remote dimming control for brightness adjustment
Keyfine LED offers a full range of dimmable and waterproof strip lights, suitable for all cabinet applications.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| LED strip lights | The main lighting component |
| Power adapter or driver | Converts AC to DC power |
| Scissors | For cutting strips along marked cut lines |
| Measuring tape | To measure cabinet length accurately |
| Cleaning cloth | To clean mounting surfaces |
| Connector clips or soldering kit | For joining strips or turning corners |
| Mounting clips or aluminum channels | For extra support and neat finish |
| Optional: Dimmer, switch, or motion sensor | To control brightness or activation |
Measure the exact length of each cabinet section where the strip will be placed. Leave space for connectors or corners if your cabinets are segmented.
Identify the nearest electrical outlet. Plan to place your power adapter or driver out of sight — inside a cabinet, on the top shelf, or behind the backsplash.
Use a pencil to mark the path where the LED strip will run. Keep it close to the front edge of the cabinet for optimal downward lighting.
For the adhesive backing to stick firmly, the cabinet surface must be clean, dry, and smooth.
Wipe the surface using alcohol wipes or a damp cloth.
Wait until it is completely dry.
Avoid installing on dusty, oily, or uneven surfaces.
Proper preparation ensures the strip adheres securely for years.
Cut the strip only at the designated cut marks, usually indicated with small scissor icons. Cutting in the wrong spot may damage the circuit.
If your cabinet layout requires multiple sections:
Use clip-on connectors for easy joining, or
Solder wires to create clean corners and strong connections.
Always match the positive (+) and negative (–) terminals correctly.
Make sure your LED power supply matches the strip voltage (12V or 24V). Incorrect voltage can lead to flickering or overheating.
Most LED strips come with pre-applied adhesive backing.
Peel off a small section of the adhesive liner.
Press the strip firmly along your marked line, starting from one end.
Continue peeling and pressing gradually — avoid stretching or twisting.
Reinforce with mounting clips or aluminum channels if needed.
If you’re using waterproof LED strips with silicone coating, ensure the adhesive is strong enough or use clips for better grip.
Connect the LED strip to the power adapter or driver, ensuring polarity alignment. Then plug the adapter into a nearby outlet.
If using a dimmer, motion sensor, or smart controller, connect it between the LED strip and the power adapter. Follow the polarity symbols and connection arrows.
Turn on the power. Check for:
Consistent brightness
Proper color temperature
No flickering or dead sections
If any issue occurs, recheck your connections or adapter rating.
Use wire clips, adhesive channels, or cable raceways to hide visible wires for a clean, professional appearance.
For an even glow, install LED strips inside aluminum profiles with frosted diffusers. This softens the light and protects the strip from grease and dust.
Set the ideal brightness level with your dimmer or remote control to suit different times of day or tasks.
Keep surfaces clean — gently wipe with a dry cloth; avoid harsh chemicals.
Inspect connections periodically to ensure stable performance.
Avoid direct water exposure unless strips are waterproof-rated.
Turn off power before replacing or rewiring any components.
Proper maintenance extends lifespan and ensures safe daily use.
At Keyfine LED, we engineer LED strip lights for easy installation, consistent brightness, and long-term reliability. Our under-cabinet lighting products feature:
Strong 3M adhesive backing for secure mounting
High color rendering (CRI>90) for true-to-life colors
Optional waterproof and heat-resistant models for kitchen use
Dimmable and smart control options for convenience
Uniform light output without dark spots or flicker
Each Keyfine LED strip is quality-tested for voltage stability, adhesive strength, and durability — making it ideal for residential and commercial applications.
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