Upgrading Under Cabinet Lighting: Tips and Insights

General
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Upgrading under cabinet lighting has been a project I’ve been thinking about for a while. After years of using halogen lights, the heat they generate and the occasional transformer failure have made me realize it’s time for an upgrade. I want to share my experience and some tips for anyone considering a similar project.

The Current Setup
I have 10 puck lights on the left side of my kitchen and 8 on the right, all connected via standard house wiring. The transformers are mounted under the cabinets, and the switches are GE Z-Wave. While this setup has worked well, the heat from the halogen bulbs and the occasional transformer failure have been issues.

Requirements for the Upgrade

  1. Smart Control: Full control via SmartThings/WebCore, with the ability to turn off at the switch.
  2. No Internet Delay: Lights should turn on immediately when switched, without waiting for SmartThings to communicate.
  3. Warm Tone: A warm, incandescent-like color temperature.
  4. Existing Wiring Compatibility: The ability to connect sections together using the existing house wiring.
  5. Optional Color Changing: While not essential, the ability to set colors via WebCore would be a nice addition.

Considerations

  • LED Replacement: Replacing the transformers with newer LED versions could solve the heat issue and improve efficiency.
  • Smart Lighting: Exploring smart lighting options that integrate seamlessly with my existing setup without requiring internet-based delays.
  • Color Temperature: Ensuring the new lights have a warm tone to match the current ambiance.

Tips for Others

  1. Research Compatibility: Ensure any new lighting system is compatible with your existing wiring and smart home ecosystem.
  2. Heat Management: Look for LED solutions that generate less heat to avoid overloading transformers.
  3. Testing: If possible, test a few new lights before a full upgrade to ensure they meet your expectations.
  4. Professional Help: If rewiring or complex installations are needed, consider hiring a professional to ensure everything is done safely and efficiently.

I’m excited to tackle this project and look forward to sharing my progress. If anyone has experience with similar upgrades or recommendations, I’d love to hear your thoughts!