How to Install Under Cabinet Lighting in Your Kitchen | The Family Handyman

The best time to install wiring for undercabinet lights is during a kitchen remodel, before the walls are covered with drywall. But if you want undercabinet lighting and aren't planning any major renovations, don't despair. The wiring plan we show in this article is designed to work in almost any kitchen, and can be installed without visible damage to the walls. And since we're using the inside of the base cabinets to run wires, you don't even need access to a basement or attic.

The National Electrical Code requires that plastic-sheathed cable (commonly called Romex) be protected in areas where it's subject to abuse. Since we're running the cable in the back of cabinets where pots and pans could bump it, we've chosen to be safe and run the cable inside a flexible steel conduit (called “flex”). We'll show you how to cut and install flex and then how to pull the cable through it. If you can run the plastic-sheathed cable high in the cabinets or behind drawers, you may not need conduit. Ask your local electrical inspector which method is acceptable.

Even though the wiring is simple, you'll still have to tie in to a source of power to provide 120 volts for the lights. We'll tell you how to locate a suitable circuit. But if you're uncomfortable with this part of the job, consider hiring an electrician to bring power to the junction box (Figure A), and then complete the remainder of the wiring yourself following Figures A and B and the photos. In either case, check with your local building department to see what type of electrical permit and what inspections are required.

Expect to spend a day running the flex, pulling in the plastic-sheathed cables and installing the lights. In addition to standard hand tools, you'll need a voltage tester, a wire stripper, a hacksaw and a drill with both 1/2-in. and 1-1/8 in. spade bits. If you plan to mount the switch in a tile backsplash like ours, buy a glass bit for cutting the switch hole. Otherwise, a sharp keyhole saw (Photo 2) will work for cutting the hole for the new switch as well as the access hole in the back of the cabinet. All these tools are available at a hardware store or home center.

Figure A: Undercabinet Wiring

The horizontal runs of wiring are hidden in the backs of the lower cabinets. Vertical runs to the lights are fished through the stud cavities.