Under Cabinet LED like a pro (no visible wires)
Quick Overview
The DIY project successfully installs hidden under-cabinet LED strip lighting that operates on a low-voltage circuit controlled by a custom-wired light switch and power supply, resulting in a clean, professional under-cabinet glow with no visible wires running along the exterior of the vanity.
Key Points: The installation uses a 24-gauge, two-wire LED strip light, which is routed through a drilled hole in the cabinet bottom from the outside corner to the center. Power for the low-voltage LED circuit is derived by tapping into an existing outlet circuit using 14/2 electrical wire, routed through a junction box housing a transformer/power supply. A custom switch setup is created by installing a dedicated light switch and a power supply/transformer inside a blue junction box hidden within the wall cavity. The LED strip is secured to the bottom lip of the vanity kickplate using hot glue for a strong, long-term hold, ensuring the adhesive strips are supplemented for reliability. The low-voltage wiring (24GA) connects the LED strip to the power supply, while the 14/2 electrical wire connects the power supply input to the new light switch circuit. The final aesthetic is clean, as all electrical boxes and wiring are concealed inside the wall or cabinet, achieving the goal of 'no visible wires' outside the installation area (0:00, 2:15, 6:38). The creator emphasizes that this method, which utilizes a switch to control power to the low-voltage transformer, is cheaper than using a smart switch or timer (4:28, 6:25).
Context: This video provides a detailed DIY tutorial on installing hidden, low-voltage LED strip lighting underneath a bathroom vanity to serve as subtle floor lighting, often referred to as toe-kick lighting. The creator outlines all necessary components, including 24-gauge wire for the LEDs, 14/2 electrical wire for the mains power connection, a power supply (transformer), a light switch, and a junction box for housing the electrical components inside the wall.