Installing Under Cabinet Lighting

www.electrical-.... Step-by-step instructions on how to install under cabinet lighting in your kitchen. Demonstrated by Terry Peterman, the Internet Electrician. Learn how to easily add beautiful task lighting to your kitchen. Visit www.electrical-... to view the complete article with pictures and wiring diagram.

[@theinternetelectrician]

The lighting will be all the more effective if the countertops are a lighter color. This type of lighting is always beneficial to minimize shadows. A built-in dishwasher is usually just sitting on the floor and kept from sliding around by 2 metal tabs at the top front of the the unit, fastened to the underside of the counter-top with small screws. Remove those and carefully slide the unit out. There should be enough slack in the water line and the electrical cable or cord to bring it forward.

[@stevemarsh4583]

Thanks for choosing a real life problem where you had to feed the cables from one area to another, rather than just the one cupboard, where there just happens to be a socket above the cupboard already. Very helpful.

[@ubaldodesantiago4479]

Hell yeah brother

[@Gyva02]

Nice wiring job but I think those lights are horrible lol...

[@theinternetelectrician]

It's just the video shot. They look way better than the video makes it seem.

[@Dathan]

This is a very informative video. Can't have too much light in a kitchen. Great job and thanks for sharing.

[@DA-rf7zj]

Nice job, Terry. Thanks for the effort. Much appreciated.

[@theinternetelectrician]

Thanks for watching. I hope you subscribed and clicked the notification bell? That way you'll know when I publish another video. Working on the editing of a new release right now!

[@marionake5618]

All the work you done and never cussed once . Better man than me .

[@theinternetelectrician]

Oh man, I should save the out-takes on some of these videos! I'd have to put an 'R' rating on it however! I swear like a sailor a lot!

[@micahc.8444]

So you do know that MC is supposed to have a connecter when entering a box??? Viewers, it is not legal to run the MC into the 2 gang box as shown.

[@theinternetelectrician]

I was concerned about that as well, but the issue is not with entering the box without a connector, but with having a means to properly ground the metal sheath of the MC cable. That is accomplished in the junction boxes at the fixtures.

[@micahc.8444]

Terry Peterman - Grounding is doable at either locations with the correct connector. The fact that the MC is not fastened to the two gang with a approved method is where I would have the biggest issue. There is no protection from chaffing and nothing to keep the MC in place. Not to sound rude, but this is a hack install and should be treated as such. I've been doing this as my job for 20 years and the correct way would have been to either use romex and fish it around under the floor or through the toe kick area of the cabinet, or simply tap power from the kitchen receptacles and fish up to the lights and use the switch on the light fixture itself. I have to make sure my customers are safe and that I have done my job safely and correctly. The last thing I want is to have the house burn down because I was careless, didn't know what I was doing and/or I cut corners.

[@theinternetelectrician]

Thank-you for your input Micah. I have been doing electrical work since 1981 so I do have some experience myself, and rest assured that I do what is safe and correct where humanly possible. The MC cable is held fast by the box clamps and I used anti-short inserts to prevent any chafing of the conductors. You have to weigh the options and do what you can to do the best installation possible given the circumstances and I used MC cable only because it was going to be exposed in a few places. When I do these videos I always know that I'm opening myself up to criticism such as this from fellow "professionals" but the risk is worth the reward. I try not to dwell on the negative comments and take the feedback into consideration as I approach 6 million KZbin views on my channel, and the 90% positive to negative feedback that I receive.

[@richardcosetta1420]

I’m with Micah, hack install, yes I am an electrician also. Absolutely no need for mc cable here. Romex would have saved you the embarrassment of doing an illegal mc termination. Obviously no permit pulled here as it would have failed inspection.

[@DemYankee300]

Terrific job. Very informative. The only fishing experience I had was when I hard-wired all the cable in my house through the attic and down into the walls. I used an adjustable pole for that. I'd be interested in actually seeing you do something on the correct and incorrect way of fishing down the walls, maybe showing how you would hide the wires across studs.

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

Terry, you did a very good job explaining what to do, well done video. Thanks

[@jameswaymyers6359]

You did a great job but the bx cable is over the top and unessnessary. You also demonstrated the incorrect method of cutting bx cable. But like I said great job on fishing that cable through the walls it would have taken me all day to do what you did.

[@theinternetelectrician]

James Waymyers I used BX because of the fact that the cables were going to be exposed in certain areas, albeit not in places where it's likely to be exposed to physical damage. When I do my videos, I always have to look at where I might expose myself to criticism, and thought I would be less exposed by using BX than not. The method I used to cut the BX is the way I was taught back in 1981. I've never been called out on that in 34 years, but I'm always open to better ways of doing things. I'd welcome a lesson on stripping BX!

[@vansonmafeet734]

Does the under cabinet light have to be hooked up to a switch? Can it be hooked up to a regular power outlet then controlled by the on/off switch of the light?

[@theinternetelectrician]

Yeah, no problem. Just not as convenient, but sometimes it's the only (or easiest) option.

[@michellebeard612]

Great video. Have a kitchen very similar to this that I'd like to install lighting for. Your video really provides an excellent example of what needs to be done. Thanks!

[@maybethistimenow]

Great job. Thanks for all the work in providing such good instruction.

[@arunrai8006]

Awesome video. Very well explained.

[@danb5453]

Why in the world would you use MC cable in a plastic box? I know here in the states we have whats called NEC that would forbid that.

[@HawesEA]

Actually unless something changed in the new 2014 code, what he did is in fact allowable under code. You will notice that he uses a grounding conductor that is attached to the MC Cable connector that is attached to the plastic box, bonding it to the ground. The plastic box was used for aesthetic purposes, and the MC cable because of the possibility of being subjected to physical damage under the cabinets.

[@theinternetelectrician]

HawesEA Thanks HawesEA I just left that last comment alone because so many people like to jump in and criticize without knowing the facts!

[@RicardoBDC]

Hi Terry - great video. I have some Xenon puck lights for under counter lighting. The bulbs blow out frequently and are very expensive. I want to replace them with LED pucks. I see a small black wire going thru the back of the cabinet. How do I determine if a transformer is involved? Can I do a straight replacement?

[@Protrainer77]

Great work! This is really a great video. Thanks

[@dj6769]

I think it’s a good safe job no matter how it’s done there’s always someone who needs to make it known how much they know by slamming your work.

[@theinternetelectrician]

D J thanks!

[@franny5295]

You know what, after watching how much skill and frankly art there is to this, I'm gonna pay an electrician to install my lights. At this point, I don't feel any reservations about paying him. I believe in learning how to take care of my own stuff but I also believe in knowing when to bail. I'll stick to changing ceiling fixtures.

[@Christoferespinoza]

Awesome video! Thanks a lot for sharing.

[@fredalfred5469]

Christofer Espinoza

[@daikaiju20]

Terry did this project help with lighting the stove top which has that dim light above built into the microwave hood? I need to mount some kind of under cabinet lights to help improve insufficient light coming down from new microwave hood. It's only one 30 watt incandescent bulb. Great video!!!

[@theinternetelectrician]

It did help out allot for the lighting over the stove top! Maybe a suitable LED lamp with higher light output would be a good idea to replace that 30W incandescent bulb. I'm going to try that when I get back to Arizona.

[@mjoygreen6592]

the struggle @ 13:00 would have been informative

[@pentearmacaco]

Since i have the drywall off due to tile replacement, can i just run around with romex out to the junction boxes under the cabinets? are the led connectors standard or unique to each manufacturer?

[@pentearmacaco]

One of the best videos on this!

[@county582]

Damn, timber frame houses must be a dream when renovating, no chasing or rooting a block wall

[@brmelectric]

Enjoyed your video. Question if I may. what cable clamp did you use for bx cable entry into existing 2gang sw box. thanks.

[@micahc.8444]

Brian Moore - There is no connector.... 👎

[@jackendbox1]

I like the way you used MC cable instead of NM-B cable. A lot of guys would use the NM-B cable but it's not right. Good job brother.

[@theinternetelectrician]

Thanks Jack. I've had some negative comments about the MC from holier than thou electricians. Mostly on proper grounding, but when I explain that it's all done properly with the bonding of the sheath, etc, they back off.

[@BOHICA_]

Raise your hand if you just learned what a garburator is.

[@theinternetelectrician]

Canadian eh!

[@jenko701]

Great ,clean job , I guess you used bx because of the exposed bit above the cabnet . Is that right .

[@ColoradoNewHomes]

Nicely done and take a bow! I'm fairly skilled for a homeowner, have done this sort of thing a time or two, and still learned a half-dozen important things that will ensure a better project this time around for impending under cab lighting install. But I'm with Gyva: tone of lights on the vid is a bit harsh. May have just been that way on camera. Wonder if I can get them in a warmer 3000 Kelvin range?

[@kathymorrison2772]

Great! Love your details. Good camera shots. Really appreciate sharing your thought process as you go along. Thanks!

[@jiggs49us]

It never ceases to amaze me how all the "professionals" come out with their comments when someone like Terry does a competent and safe install. I swear that anyone that is a "licensed" electrician or plumber will not condone ANY DIY job due to the fact that they think their income is in danger. Please don't push the "well if you have a fire or a leak you should have known better and called in an expert" line either.

[@theinternetelectrician]

Fritz Campbell, thanks!

[@michaelsdepot6859]

Good video. You answered my questions better than the manufacturer!

[@vince6829]

Nice job!! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@MrRahimhosein]

Wow awesome job. It seems difficult to route all the wiring but you made it look do-able. I am going to do this to my kitchen now. Thanks again. I will get my electrician friend to check the wiring before it power it up though haha.

[@brendanlynch2138]

MC, NOT BX!!!!! And why are you putting metal shielded cable into a plastic romex box??

[@michaelkoons8725]

Your Awesome. Nice job!!

[@robertkat]

You need to update undercabinet lighting. All obsolete. This is 2020.

[@theinternetelectrician]

Robert Kattner you do understand that Elvis is dead, but his music is still around?

[@leahkohman3881]

Terry Peterman 😂

[@liyev]

Thanks for the video.

[@Padredimitry]

Very good job! And very good fishing! I believe, that was the worst part?

[@rocketrider1405]

did these lights not require a transformer to convert 120 v to 12 v ? Thanks !

[@erhall55]

Would like to see the fishing process itself. That is the one of the expressions of art in your profession.

[@theinternetelectrician]

Yes, you are correct, but sometimes there is too much cursing and swearing in the process to keep it a PG rated video! :-)

[@EmmaDee]

If we can drink, smoke and cuss on this channel, then I’m subscribed.

[@kraabell]

Great attention to detail! Great video!

[@pisgahlite]

Thanks Terry, very helpful. I now understand where to run my rough in wiring for undercabinet lighting on an upcoming kitchen remodel.

[@denislamarche4656]

Inside the walls!

[@bernardoprovenzanno9487]

Good job..very professional..I know you caught a little hell.but you didn't break a sweat..😓😎

[@bgregg55]

now, if they only had an RF-controlled version you could install them on any available circuit & save a ton of install hassle.

[@dannys2290]

they do make RF switches. I picked up one from Amazon. basically wired hot directly to bulb with the relay. the switch can be mounted anywhere and requires no wiring or batteries.

[@bgregg55]

I'll have to look again because I did not see any when I was looking.

[@dannys2290]

this is what I picked up, acegoo wireless lights switch kit

[@bgregg55]

thx a bunch. that's a really neat solution i was not aware of.

[@brantrichardson1949]

Great job on the video. I would have put all that wiring and the junction boxes inside the cabinets rather than underneath.

[@handdle-h2o]

did this project cost under say $2,500.00 ? I know around here an electrician makes more than a heart surgeon so...

[@theinternetelectrician]

I wish this electrician made good money! I would say that had I charged my time out at a somewhat regular rate, this would have come in under $1000, maximum $1500 I'm guessing? It's been since 2008 that I was an active electrical contractor so might be a bit out of touch, but not $2500 or I'd consider going back to the game!

[@handdle-h2o]

thanks say $1200, still a lot of money for hiding wires I am looking at those rechargeable led usb led lights you could buy around 48 sets for the price of installation

[@GreenPeasProductions]

Is armored cabled required for this kind of connection? or is this a personal preference?

[@sandragraham951]

Hi Terry I wonder is it feasible or economical to put lighting under cabinets when your mobile has old wiring & cabinets are plastic with corkboard in them like Ikea used to sell would love to do this in my kitchen

[@jacksontruchbina8320]

Tried these GE light bars and switched to the Klauf light bars. BIG difference!! Found them on Kickstarter a couple years ago. Well worth the money albeit the same price as the cheap GE stuff and soooo much better made. I do like Terry's video. Good explanations.

[@Rodgerball]

Great vid Terry. Question sir. At the 17 minute pointe when you make the final connections, you don't specifically say that the two white wires coming FROM the new lights get pigtailed to the other white common wires in the box, but I believe that's the case. Yes?

[@guitarpenter3357]

I need to replace bulbs on my undercounter lighting and have to determine voltage 6/12 or120. The bulbs have no writing on them. Can you help?

[@TerryCone]

Good job on the video

[@bjhennessey]

Thanks! Great vid. People like you (who know what they're talking about), make youtube great.

[@wingnut0837]

This appeared to be very informative...but unfortunately my left ear is pretty much deaf so I didn't hear anything.

[@Potsnu]

Thank you for such an informative video and taking the time to explain. There isn't really any video like this on KZbin as detailed as yours.

[@hennie77777]

Can I install a dimmer switch with these LED lights?

[@theinternetelectrician]

If the fixture manufacturer says they are dimmable, then yes. Most LED's are dimmable.

[@miguellazohuerta]

Hi I install ligth under cabinets,but the ligth is to hot and smells like a burns

[@Amyls64]

What if the countertops are light? Do you still recommend this kinda of undercabinet lighting. How did you remove that dishwasher

[@akhileshsholanki3991]

I m Electronic

[@uselesskrill]

You had me worried for a while there, then you changed your mind and wired that stack switch the right way, high-high, low-low. :-) Nice work!

[@ahyungrocks5509]

I already feel like a pro after watching this video. Thank you.

[@VinnyAndSweetPea]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@theinternetelectrician]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@1WildDragon]

How do you put the armor connector on the existing box without tearing out the wall?

[@peterglenister2145]

in the UK we use low voltage LED strip you can cut it to length,

[@mmzubairi]

this is exactly what I was looking for. thanks a bunch.

[@dianasalvatore6050]

Thanks for sharing Terry! I love your thorough explanations of everything. Keep up the good work!

[@kenreid6950]

are your boxes and clamps approved for armored cable

[@miguellazohuerta]

Why my ligth is to hot and smells to burns?

[@ThePlantagn]

MC cable? WTH

[@theinternetelectrician]

I did that because the cable was going to be exposed in some places so to protect against mechanical damage, and to appease the other side that would have criticized me for not doing it. The alternative would have been romex all the way, and sleeve it or protect it where required.

[@codeseven7057]

Way better great job.

[@theinternetelectrician]

Thank-you!

[@jazzee75]

What bid did you use to drill that hole??

[@jjlwis]

Excellent work Terry as always! But i wonder how much would something like this cost to install?

[@SnickasBah]

jjlwis fifty

[@antigen4]

sloppy way to do it - should be built into the design of your cabinets from the GET GO.

[@ryansdadd]

duh- owners chose to add leds later. Keep up the fine comments!

[@theinternetelectrician]

There wouldn't be much point adding under-cabinet lighting if it was already in place, but yes, always easier to have it installed originally.

[@antigen4]

Mike Wilcox should have thought of that THEN I guess, eh? the cabinets really arent' designed for the purpose so you're going to get all kinds of problems. But sure... I guess it's better than nothing sometimes... (?)

[@theinternetelectrician]

antigen4 You are correct. I bought the place as is. Had I had it built, I would have had the under-counter lighting installed during initial construction.

[@loadi2865]

antigen4 Sloopy comment sir.....this man did a good professional job..(I would rather have this man do the job than buy new cabinets)

[@robertkat]

So you mean to say keep driving old cars, you should keep using your dial phone! Get rid of your old videos! 😂

[@theinternetelectrician]

Robert Kattner no, but you can still watch reruns of Seinfeld. I do! And I do have newer videos on the same subject here. Please subscribe. Why would I delete a video that makes me a couple bucks a day? 😀

[@robertkat]

You need to get rid of you old videos , just think ..... a video on how to repair your dial telephone, useless. Get the idea.

[@ОляП-д4х]

16 :04 👍👍👍

[@ОляП-д4х]

16 :03 👍👍👍

[@OffroadLedlightbar]

Thank you for sharing

[@abermin]

Amazing skills.

[@simonlaura]

how does that kit cost?

[@urgod78]

Why BX instead of Romex? Just curious because it's residential.

[@ziprock]

less prone to damage. local electrical code may require it.

[@SamSpicerUnique]

Great video, thanks. One question, how do you secure the AC/MC cable to the existing in wall switch/junction box? Since you cannot get to the outside of the box?

[@theinternetelectrician]

The boxes used here have the push in tabs to secure the cable into the box.

[@SamSpicerUnique]

Terry Peterman Thanks. Been digging around. Looks like I'll have to attach the connector to the cable before I fish it through, then pull it in and secure with a nut afterwards. Should be fun. ;)

[@micahc.8444]

Sam Spicer - That is the correct way. He didn't do that part correctly as he did not install a connector on the 2G box side.

[@abieyoung4057]

hi , room clean

[@arson451pc]

Very helpful...thx

[@cnelson3511]

well done!

[@cindybarone3550]

0 'll

[@sidneybear]

I appreciate your efforts but damn this seems like a very BIG DEAL !! I would probably just put light pucks instead. I'm a beginner with electrical work.

[@mikefox2379]

I have never seen the little junction box! That is the entire problem with undercabinet lights! The customer wants you to open splice which I won't do. What kind of lights were these? I will look into them. Thanks for your video, nice job and to the NEC code (refreshing to see on KZbin).

[@micahc.8444]

Mike Fox - Not up to NEC. Must have a connecter when entering any box and need to properly ground one or both ends of the MC.

[@robhow6105]

Micah C. I don't know why people keep defending his use of mc. Don't use mc/bx for residential!! Especially the way that he strips the shit. I do it that way as a last resort but if someone has never used mc before then this is the worst style to teach