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So you've been looking at different under cabinet lighting solutions and you're ready to make the plunge, only all of these linear lighting options are sort of confusing and you're a little intimidated. Well have no fear, because we're here to help!

At its most basic core, a linear system consists of four things: a transformer, some cable, tracks and the lights themselves (note that the Kichler lamp holders include the bulbs while the Seagull lamp holders bulbs are sold separately). The transformer takes your home's regular line voltage and converts it from 110 volts down to 12 volts (or 24v, depending on your requirements), the voltage required by your lamp holders. From there, your low voltage cable runs off the transformer to supply power to your lights. The cable clips into a groove along the bottom of the linear tracks, which are drilled into the underside of your cabinets. Last but definitely not least, the lamp holders themselves are then clipped into the tracks; there are little blades on the bottom of these that pierce the cable, completing the circuit and powering the lights.

Introductions aside, here is how you can determine exactly what you need to tailor your system to your space's individual needs:

DETERMINE YOUR LENGTH:

Determine the length of surface to light referred to as a "run". Convert the measurement of the run to inches for easy calculations.

Example: 12' run = 144" total inches.

SELECT CABLE:

Determine the total length of cable needed based on the total length of the runs. Additional cable may be necessary depending on the transformer location. We recommend to measure liberally so that you have enough cable when installing. A few extra feet is always better than not having enough. If you do run short, you can always splice 2 lengths of cable using a cable connector. Cable is available in either black or white and sold by the foot.

SELECT TRACKS:

Determine how many tracks you will need based on your runs and cable length. The tracks are sold in 48" lengths in either black or white and can cut easily with a pair of scissors to custom cabinet lengths. Generally, you should cut the length of the tracks to be approx 2 inches shorter (1 inch per side) than the cabinet you are installing it under. This allows a bit of space for the cable to fit into the stabilizer tracks easily.

CONFIGURE YOUR SPACING:

For general task illumination we recommend spacing the lamp holders 6" on center. This will allow for an even dispertion of light unlike traditional "hockey pucks" that just give pools of light and does not illuminate evenly onto a counter of work surface. Lighting that is evenly dispersed is crucial in a kitchen for work surfaces that a direct task light is needed. 

For cove lighting or installing lighting above your cabinets, spacing can be between 10-12" on center.  Adding lighting above cabinets is generally used more for a decorative effect rather than task lighting thus the spacing can be further apart. Installing upper cabinet lighting is great for accenting any decorative glassware, greenery or collectibles by throwing a soft ambient light highlighting their beauty.

SELECT AMOUNT OF LAMP HOLDERS:

Divide you run by the spacing chosen. This will determine the number of lamp holders needed. Each lamp holder accepts 1 bulb in either 5 or 10 watts depending on the light output that you desire. Lamp holders are available in either black or white.

Example: 12' run = 144", so then 144" / 6" = 24 lamp holders.

SELECT AMOUNT OF BULBS:

Select the appropriate number of bulbs to illuminate your system. The bulbs come frosted and are available in either 5 or 10 watts each. Kichler lamp holders include xenon bulbs, however, Sea Gull Ambiance lamp holders, bulbs need to be purchased separately. We recommend buying a few extra bulbs as replacements even though the bulbs are very long lasting.

SELECT THE PROPER TRANSFORMER:

Multiply the watts per bulb by the number of lamp lamp holders. This will determine the total wattage consumed in the run which will then determine the transformer wattage required. Ideally, you want to use at least 50% of a transformers capability, but never want overload or exceed the transformers total wattage. This will burn out the transformer and cause it to malfunction.

Example: 12 lamp holders x 10 watt bulbs = 120 total wattage. This requires a 150 watt transformer.

Hint: When installing a system, you must have more than (1) lamp holder in order the power the transformer. Usually at least a 30% transformer load is required for the lamp holders to illuminate.

Quick Answers To Some Frequently Asked Questions:

1. The only reason you would go for 24v transformers and lamps is to prevent voltage drop in longer runs. For installations under 30 linear feet, 12 volts are fine. For 30–60 feet, you want to go with a 24v transformer and accessories.

2. The tracks/lamps install at the front of the cabinet, about an inch or so back from the lip. The lamps need to open towards the back of your cabinet. Don't worry, this will make sense when they're in front of you. The lamps clipped into the track are just a hair shy of an inch, so you'll need at least a one-inch lip at the front of your cabinet; otherwise they'll be plainly visible and look pretty bad. The further back you install the tracks/lamp holders the more visible the system will be.

3. If you're interested in controlling your installation with a dimmer, and most people are, you can use a standard dimmer with an electronic transformer, while a magnetic transformer requires a low-voltage dimmer (which are a bit more expensive). In both cases, the dimmer goes on the 110v primary side.

If you don't understand something here or you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call us at 1-888-930-4983 ext 1 or email us and we'll be more than happy to give you a hand.