Replies

1. 
   4Lorn2 | Feb 28, 2004 08:19am | #1

   I have always gone for the front mounts. Or as far to the front as the footprint of the fixture will allow given the probable location of the objects to be lit. When well done it also makes hiding the fixtures from direct view easier. Usually behind a lip under the shelf or from behind areas of the front having wood instead of glass. The later working well for many corner cabinets. Light from the front makes things sparkle.

   Under lighting, light usually from below a glass shelf, can lend a striking effect when projected up through crystal or fine glass pieces.

2. 
   HeavyDuty | Feb 28, 2004 09:07am | #2

   >>some under cabinet Xenon lights

   What do they look like and who makes them? I would think they would be too bright for the application. How is the color?

   Lorn was right, always front. Two more reasons, front lighting let you see what you are doing on the counter and there will not be as much glare if you have a glossy counter.

1. 
   rjgogo | Feb 28, 2004 09:14am | #3

   They are low voltage with a bright and dim switch, so I think they will be okay. Dont know the color as I am waiting to connect them to the greenfield. hence the front or back question. countertop is dark.

   These are the lights

   http://www.pegasusassociates.com/UCXenon.jsp

   Thanks for the input. Rob.

1. 
   HeavyDuty | Feb 29, 2004 06:40am | #11

   I was at the electrical supply house today to check out the Xenon. They are just bright enough and much dimmer than fluorescent. The color is good, not as stark as halogen and not as mellow as incandescent. The housing is 1 1/4" deep. I think I am going with these unless I can find something better.

1. 
   rjgogo | Feb 29, 2004 09:07am | #12

   Thanks for the replies. Lighting is pretty good already and I really did not think under cabinet was needed. so these were cool and provided some light. Think I will put them towards the front, contrary to the advise of the electrical supply houses. That is why I always check here. Thanks, and I appreciate the answers. Rob.

2. 
   gdavis62 | Feb 28, 2004 07:55pm | #8

   Kichler makes some nice ones.  I have used them on two jobs, mounted toward the fronts.  They have a hi/lo switch.

1. 
   HeavyDuty | Feb 28, 2004 09:06pm | #9

   Do they have a web site?

1. 
   gdavis62 | Feb 28, 2004 09:56pm | #10

   Go to http://www.kichler.com and click the link for cabinet lighting.  You will see them available in white, SS, and bronze finishes.  I believe they do online sales, although it would be wise to go to a lighting place that has a catalog so you can familiarize yourself with the starter modules and interconnect cables that are required in installations.

   My electrician has put in a lot of cabinet lighting, and thinks these are the best of all the offerings.

1. 
   HeavyDuty | Feb 29, 2004 09:20am | #13

   Thanks for the link. I found something very similar today, here it is.

   http://www.alicoindustries.com/zeelite.html

2. 
   gdavis62 | Feb 29, 2004 04:13pm | #14

   I might have gotten the Alico version if it was stocked by my lighting source and my electrical sub, but it is not.  They are stocking the Kichler brand, so that is what we use.

   These xenons are the way to go, though.  Instant on, low heat buildup, two light levels, and dimmable.  I always put kitchen lighting on dimmers if the kitchen is in full view from the dining area.

   The xenon bulbs are cost-effective, and long-lived.  Good luck with your installation.

3. 
   Dreamcatcher | Feb 28, 2004 10:18am | #4

   RJ,

   I always mount them in the front. It gets the light centered over the counter (wall hung is 12" deep, base cab is 24"). It also hides the light and most of the unsightly wiring.

   A couple of times while using "puck" lights I would even add a panel to the bottom. I really hate looking at the recessed bottom of a cabinet. When I build custom cabinets, I don't even provide a recess.....unless there will be UC lighting.

   gk

4. 
   SEBDESN | Feb 28, 2004 05:09pm | #5

   I always mount them in the front.

   By the way before you make em un- returnable , hook one up and see how bright they are...I looked at them and they were to dim to use.

   Bud

5. 
   Rebob808 | Feb 28, 2004 06:24pm | #6

   There was a real good article on under cabinet lighting in FHB 158 November 2003.  I am planning on using some Seagull UC Xenon.  They're available locally and you can space them however you want them to get more or less light.

   Bob

1. 
   SEBDESN | Feb 28, 2004 07:53pm | #7

   Example: 26" xenon 3 18w bulbs has 792 lumens.

               26" flourscent 1 warm white f14t51269 21.5" 14w bulb has 1269 lumens.

   So even if you put fixtures next to each other the equivilant fixture is not going to have enuff light....IMHO....(with MHO and ten bucks you can get a cup of coffee,maybe..LOL)

   I looked at em all and the halogens are to damnn hot.they melt chocolate in the bottom of the cabinet and the bulbs dont last and cost to much.

   The xenons were not bright enough.

   The flourscents (using warm white bulbs) had good color temp and cool and bright. coffee anyone?

   Bud