Do your kitchen counters feel dark, even with the main lights on? Bright, even lighting under your cabinets makes a huge difference. It helps you see while you chop vegetables, and it makes your whole kitchen look modern and clean. But when you start shopping for LED under cabinet lighting that needs to be hardwired, things get complicated fast. You see terms like “low voltage,” “driver placement,” and “color temperature,” and suddenly, your simple upgrade feels like a wiring nightmare.
Many homeowners worry about drilling holes, connecting wires safely, and choosing a system that won’t flicker or fail after just a few months. Choosing the wrong setup means wasted time, extra cost, and a messy-looking installation. You want that professional, seamless look without hiring an expensive electrician for a small job.
This guide cuts through the confusing jargon. We will break down exactly what you need to know about hardwired LED lighting—from choosing the perfect brightness to installing it correctly and safely. By the end of this post, you will feel confident picking the best system for your home.
Top Led Under Cabinet Lighting Hardwired Recommendations
- White Select Bright Select – Compatibility with in-wall LED dimmer gives user control over brightness while you can select which white color you want: 2700K soft; 4000K bright; 5000K daylight to ensure aesthetically appealing appearance
- Easy Installation – Includes mounting hardware for hardwired installation while push-in connectors allow fast and easy install
- Worry-Free – Limited-lifetime offers peace of mind
- LED Lights – Long-life, energy-efficient LED technology eliminates need for replacement bulbs
- Choose Your Size – Also available in 12in. (45366), 18in. (45367), 36in. (45369), and 48in. (45370) options
- 13 Selectable CCT: Choose from 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, and 5000K to suit any mood or setting. With a 90 CRI, R9 over 50 rating, and polycarbonate diffuser, our wired under cabinet lighting provides accurate colors and uniform lighting.
- Efficient and Powerful: These 9W direct wire under cabinet lights deliver 612 to 648 lumens at 120VAC providing bright lighting with lower power. Our 18” hard wired under cabinet lights are also dimmable up to 5% using standard TRIAC or ELV dimmers.
- Effortless Installation: Easily mount these hardwired under cabinet LED lights with their direct-wire design and surface-mount hole. Our LED under cabinet lights have multiple knockouts for multidirectional wiring or daisy chaining.
- Flexible Application: Our hard wired under cabinet lighting for kitchen, shelves, or workspaces is the perfect task or accent lighting. This direct wire LED under cabinet lighting’s 1-inch low-profile and gloss white finish presents a clean, professional look that complements any space.
- Lighting You Can Trust: At NICOR, we’re always looking for ways to make your light better. When you choose a NICOR product, you can rest assured you’re getting a product that has been tested to the highest standards available. Our commitment is to be a leader of reliability, innovation, and excellence because we understand just how important you are.
- Side-Emitting Design, Glare-Free Lighting: Unlike traditional cabinet lights, the TORCHSTAR under cabinet lighting features a side-emitting structure that delivers smooth, glare-free illumination. Perfect for food prep, reading recipes, or any close-up task, without harsh shadows or bright spots
- Wide Light Panel for Full Coverage: Featuring a 2.8-inch wide panel and 120° beam angle, these under counter lights spread light evenly across your entire workspace, eliminating dark corners and delivering smooth, shadow-free coverage
- Ultra-Thin Body, Hidden from View: The body is just 1 inch thick, and the LED panel is less than 1/3 inch. It tucks neatly under cabinets—only the glow is visible. These cabinet lights are a perfect fit for modern, minimalist kitchens
- Hardwired & Plug-In Installation Options: Install your cabinet lights your way. Hardwire for a sleek, seamless appearance or plug in for quick setup—both power options are included with each under cabinet lighting kit
- Multiple Lengths and Linkable Flexibility: Available in 5 sizes for cabinets ranging from 12 to 42 inches, these under-cabinet lights can be linked together for easy customization to fit any layout. Use the in-line connectors or jumper cables to create the perfect run. Note: This item is the 20.5-inch fixture, which fits 24-inch cabinets. Max Linking Load 480W
- 【Material】Aluminum alloy & Plastic lamp body. 18inch, 15watt, 998.4lm, 120 Volts.
- 【Eye-protection】Anti-glare optical design, UGR<16, CRI>92, R9>90
- 【3 Color Temperature&Dimmable】3 color temperature: Soft White-3000K, Cool White-4000K, Daylight-5000K. On/Off Switch included on each fixture. 100-5% smooth dimming capability (Compatible with most LED dimmers, LED dimmers and ROMEX cables not included).
- 【Easy to Install&Linkable】Just screw it to the cabinet. Can easily link 2 or more fixtures together by using ROMEX cables.
- 【Wide Application】Great hardwired under cabinet/counter lights for kitchen, wine cabinets, bookcases, wardrobes, shelves, closet, cupboard, garage, storeroom, pantry, basement, stairs, hallway, etc. Creating a bright environment and increasing the quality of lighting when working in the room.
- White Select Bright Select – Compatibility with in-wall LED dimmer gives user control over brightness while you can select which white color you want: 2700K soft;4000K bright;5000K daylight to ensure aesthetically appealing appearance
- Easy Installation – Includes mounting hardware for direct-wire installation while push-in connectors allow fast and easy hardwired install
- Worry-Free – Limited-lifetime offers peace of mind
- LED Lights – Long-life, energy-efficient LED technology eliminates need for replacement bulbs
- Choose Your Size – Also available in 12in. (45366), 18in. (45367), 24in. (45368), and 48in. (45370) options
- Brilliant Illumination- Illuminate your space with an impressive 2760 lumens of 3000K radiant warm white light, perfect for enhancing visibility and creating a cozy ambiance while only using 36 watts of energy. Non-Dimmable.
- Effortless Integration- Seamlessly integrate our 72” hardwired LED strip light in your cabinetry for a sleek and modern lighting solution that enhances the aesthetic appeal of your space. Showcasing 90 CRI for proper color rendering.
- Stable and Lasting Installation- Designed for longevity, the hardwired connection ensures secure and permanent installation, providing consistency. Easily install this cove light to a 120V (direct line voltage) power source and attach to cabinets with the provided screws and mounting clips.
- Compact Size- The dimensions of this fixture are 96”L x 0.6”W x 0.26”D making is sleek and flexible for tight spaces like cove lighting or under bathroom cabinets for floor lighting. The light is 72" with a 23" hardwire cord.
- Indoor or Outdoor Use- Suitable for both indoor or outdoor use this hardwired light strip is versatile for use in outdoor kitchens and railings as well as kitchen cabinets, counters, living rooms and more. Non-dimmable.
- TORCHSTAR StableShine Series - 75lm/W Super Cost-Effective CRI90 Cabinet Light
- Completed Accessories: All the needed accessories are included in the package. Accessories for TORCHSTAR classic series and rotatable series under cabinet lights are compatible with each other. You can buy it with confidence and don't have to worry about the adaptability of accessories
- Hardwired & Plug-n-play Installation Options: In order to facilitate the existing wiring and power arrangement in your home, we have designed two power connection methods, so you can easily connect to the power and use
- 9-48inch Width Wall Cabinet Universal Compatible: We have thoughtfully designed three different product sizes(8"/12"/22") which can be easily connected to each other. You can choose different products to connect together based on your cabinets dimensions
- Seamless & Jump Cable Two Connectabe Ways: With the included accessories, you can achieve seamless connections, ideal for straight long cabinet lighting. You can also connect multiple lights using jump cables, making it easy to light the corners of your cabinets without additional plugs
- 【Material】Aluminum alloy & Plastic lamp body. 12inch, 10watt, 666.7lumens, 120 Volts.
- 【Eye-protection】Anti-glare optical design, UGR<16, CRI>92, R9>90
- 【3 Color Temperature&Dimmable】3 color temperature: Soft White-3000K, Cool White-4000K, Daylight-5000K. On/Off Switch included on each fixture. 100-5% smooth dimming capability (Compatible with most LED dimmers, LED dimmers and ROMEX cables not included).
- 【Easy to Install&Linkable】Just screw it to the cabinet. Can easily link 2 or more fixtures together by using ROMEX cables.
- 【Wide Application】Great hardwired under cabinet/counter lights for kitchen, wine cabinets, bookcases, wardrobes, shelves, closet, cupboard, garage, storeroom, pantry, basement, stairs, hallway, etc. Creating a bright environment and increasing the quality of lighting when working in the room.
The Essential Buying Guide for Hardwired LED Under Cabinet Lighting
LED under cabinet lighting is a fantastic upgrade for any kitchen or workspace. It brightens your counters, reduces shadows, and looks very modern. When you choose a hardwired system, you get a clean, professional look because there are no messy wires showing. This guide helps you pick the best system for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on these main features to ensure you get a high-quality product.
- Brightness (Lumens): Lumens measure how much light the fixture puts out. For kitchens, you usually want between 300 to 500 lumens per 2-foot section. More light is better for chopping and reading recipes.
- Color Temperature (Kelvin): This sets the mood. Measured in Kelvin (K), look for 3000K for a warm, yellowish light, similar to old incandescent bulbs. Choose 4000K for a crisp, white light, which is great for task lighting.
- Dimmability: A dimmable light lets you change the brightness. This is very useful. You can have bright light for cooking and soft light for relaxing evenings. Make sure your chosen light works with a compatible dimmer switch.
- Color Rendering Index (CRI): CRI tells you how accurately colors look under the light. A high CRI (90 or above) is best. This means your food will look its real color, not washed out or strange.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used determine how long your lights last and how they look.
Good quality fixtures often use **aluminum housing**. Aluminum handles heat well. LEDs create some heat, and good heat dissipation keeps the lights working efficiently for many years. Plastic housing can become brittle or yellow over time.
Look at the diffuser, which is the cover over the LEDs. A good **acrylic or polycarbonate diffuser** spreads the light evenly. This prevents you from seeing harsh, individual bright spots (called “hot spots”) from the individual LED chips.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality varies widely between brands. Pay attention to these details.
What improves quality:
- Long Warranty: A 5-year warranty suggests the manufacturer trusts their product.
- Low Profile Design: Slim fixtures hide easily under cabinets, offering a cleaner look.
- Easy Wiring Access: While hardwiring requires an electrician, easier access to the junction box speeds up installation.
What reduces quality:
- Flickering: Cheap drivers (the electronic part controlling the power) can cause lights to flicker, which causes eye strain.
- Poor Heat Sinks: If the metal housing feels very thin, the lights might fail sooner.
- Non-Dimmable Options: If you buy a light that claims to be dimmable but doesn’t work well, it lowers the user experience significantly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Hardwired LED lights are primarily used in three areas.
Kitchens: This is the most common spot. Bright, high-CRI lighting helps you safely prepare food. Many people install these lights on a wall switch so they turn on instantly when entering the kitchen.
Workshops/Garages: If you have a workbench under a shelf, these lights provide focused, shadow-free light, making detailed work much easier.
Display Areas: In a living room or office, low-level, warm (2700K) lighting can beautifully highlight artwork or decorative objects on shelves.
The main benefit of hardwiring is reliability and aesthetics. The power comes directly from your home’s electrical system, so you never need to change batteries or plug/unplug cords. This offers the best, most seamless user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is hardwiring difficult?
A: Yes, hardwiring connects the lights directly to your home’s electrical wiring inside the wall. Most people hire a licensed electrician to do this job safely and correctly.
Q: Can I connect different lengths of light bars together?
A: Many systems allow you to link multiple fixtures together using small connector wires or direct plug-ins. Check the product description to see if they are “linkable.”
Q: What is the difference between a bar light and a puck light?
A: Bar lights are long, thin strips that provide continuous, even light across a wide area. Puck lights are small, round fixtures that usually come in sets and create focused pools of light.
Q: Do I need a special switch for dimming?
A: Yes. If you buy dimmable LED lights, you must use an LED-compatible dimmer switch. A standard dimmer switch might cause buzzing or flickering.
Q: How long do hardwired LEDs typically last?
A: Quality LED fixtures are rated for 30,000 to 50,000 hours of use. If you use them for four hours every day, they could last 25 years or more.
Q: What does “low profile” mean?
A: Low profile means the fixture is very thin. It sits close to the bottom of the cabinet so you cannot easily see the light strip when standing in front of the counter.
Q: Can I use these lights outdoors?
A: No. Unless the product is specifically rated for outdoor use (IP rating), these indoor fixtures should stay inside where they stay dry.
Q: What is the best color temperature for a modern kitchen?
A: Most modern kitchens prefer 3500K to 4000K. This color range offers a clean, bright white light that makes stainless steel appliances look sharp.
Q: If I want to replace old fluorescent tubes, can I use these LED bars?
A: Yes, many hardwired LED kits are designed specifically as replacements for older, bulkier fluorescent under cabinet fixtures. They usually offer better light quality and use much less energy.
Q: Do I need a junction box for hardwiring?
A: Yes. Hardwired lights require a junction box where the home’s wiring connects to the light fixture’s wiring. This is usually included or required for the installation.