How Many Under Cabinet Lights Do I Need?

Introduction

The number of under cabinet lights you need depends on the length of your cabinets and the type of lighting fixture you choose. Typically, you should install one light for every 12-18 inches of cabinet length. This guideline is supported by professional lighting standards and studies. The following sections will provide detailed insights, supported by authoritative data and real-world applications, to help you determine the ideal number of under cabinet lights for your space.

Table: Recommended Number of Lights Based on Cabinet Length

Detailed Analysis

Factors Influencing the Number of Under Cabinet Lights

1. Cabinet Length and Layout

   The length and layout of your cabinets play a crucial role in determining the number of lights needed. Longer cabinets require more lights to ensure even illumination across the entire countertop.

2. Type of Lighting Fixture

   The type of lighting fixture—whether linear bars or puck lights—also affects the number of lights required. Linear fixtures typically cover more area per light compared to puck lights, which are smaller and more focused.

3. Desired Illumination Level

   The desired brightness and uniformity of lighting can influence the number of fixtures. For task lighting, more lights may be needed to eliminate shadows and provide sufficient illumination.

Professional Guidelines and Data

Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Recommendations

The IES provides comprehensive guidelines on the spacing and number of under cabinet lights. According to their recommendations, linear fixtures should be spaced 12-18 inches apart, while puck lights should be placed 8-12 inches apart to ensure even lighting coverage.

Table: IES Recommended Spacing for Under Cabinet Lights

Energy Star Recommendations

Energy Star, a trusted authority on energy-efficient products, also offers guidelines on under cabinet lighting. They suggest that the total wattage of under cabinet lighting should be between 0.35 to 0.50 watts per square foot of countertop space to achieve adequate lighting levels.

Practical Calculation Example

Let's consider a kitchen with 10 feet (120 inches) of countertop space. Using the IES and Energy Star recommendations:

• Linear Fixtures:
  • Total number of fixtures: 120 inches / 18 inches per fixture = ~7 fixtures
  • Total wattage: 0.35 to 0.50 watts per square foot * (10 feet * 2 feet depth) = 7 to 10 watts total
• Puck Lights:
  • Total number of fixtures: 120 inches / 12 inches per puck light = ~10 fixtures
  • Total wattage: Same as above, ensuring each puck light collectively meets the 7 to 10 watts requirement.

Real-World Applications

Residential Kitchen Example

In a residential kitchen with 8 feet of cabinets, the homeowner opted for linear LED fixtures spaced 16 inches apart. This setup used 6 fixtures, providing even lighting across the countertop. The homeowner noted an improvement in visibility during cooking and meal prep, with no dark spots or shadows.

Commercial Workspace Example

A commercial kitchen with 15 feet of countertop used puck lights for targeted task lighting. Placing puck lights 10 inches apart resulted in 18 lights, ensuring bright and even illumination. This arrangement improved the chefs' ability to perform detailed tasks and enhanced overall kitchen efficiency.

Conclusion

Determining the number of under cabinet lights involves considering cabinet length, fixture type, and desired illumination level. By following professional guidelines from the IES and Energy Star, you can ensure your kitchen is well-lit and functional.

For more comprehensive guidance on selecting the best under cabinet lighting for your kitchen, check out our detailed guide: How to Choose the Best Under Cabinet Lighting for Your Kitchen.

Explore our range of energy-efficient under cabinet lighting solutions at Lumaz to find the perfect fit for your kitchen.

References

1. Illuminating Engineering Society. (n.d.). Lighting for Kitchens. Retrieved from ies.org
2. Energy Star. (n.d.). Certified Products. Retrieved from energystar.gov
3. U.S. Department of Energy. (n.d.). Energy-Efficient Lighting. Retrieved from energy.gov
4. Consumer Reports. (2020). Best Under Cabinet Lights. Retrieved from consumerreports.org