Installing Undercabinet Xenon Lights

While an overhead light gives you the illumination you need to make it from the refrigerator to the stove, it may not be enough light to read a cookbook or chop vegetables. Small xenon lights installed under the upper cabinets provide task lighting on the counter. Installing them was once a major project, but newer under-the-counter lights are easy to install. There are several varieties, each slightly different.

Most kits include a number of lights, a transformer to power them, and a length of lamp cord to connect them. You can position the lights as close together or far apart as you want -- just position the lights and transformer, then cut the wires to fit. Some transformers are small enough to simply stick underneath the cabinet with double-face adhesive. Others need to be attached with screws. Like the lights, the transformer is wired only after it is in place.

Checklist

Time
About 30 minutes to install the light system

Tools
Flathead screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, pliers, wire cutters, hammer, drill bits and drill

Skills
Basic wiring, drilling holes

Prep
The lights need to be near a 120-volt outlet.

Materials
Lighting kit