Most IKEA customers work with either the UTRUSTA or OMLOPP lighting systems. The UTRUSTA is hardwired (connected directly to your homes’ wiring). An ordinary electrical outlet is where the OMLOPP system is plugged into. The advantages are that it is easy to install, and that you can control the lighting from anywhere in the house.
You can also control it from your phone, tablet, computer, or any other device that has an internet connection. However, the disadvantage is that the system has to be connected to the home’s wiring, which can be difficult to do if you live in a rural area or in an apartment building. In addition, you may have to pay extra for the installation and maintenance of your own system.
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Can you turn a plug-in light to hardwire?
One benefit of turning a plug-in light into a hardwired one is that a plug-in is often cheaper than a ready-to-go hardwired one. It only takes about 5 minutes to transform the fixture. In the photo above, you can see that this one is hanging from the ceiling.
Do under cabinet LED lights need a transformer?
When installing low voltage under cabinet lights, you will have to take some special measures. You’ll need a transformer to convert your home’s voltage supply to a much Page 11 11 lower number, and if you plan to use any accessories, like dimmers, bulbs, etc., you’ll also need to make sure you have the right type of transformer for the job. If you’re installing a low-voltage light fixture, the first thing to do is to determine the voltage rating of the fixture.
If you don’t know the rating, ask your electrician to check it for you. Most electricians will be able to tell you how much voltage is supplied to the light, but if not, they can give you a rough idea of what it should be rated at. For example, a 12-watt incandescent bulb should have a rated voltage of at least 12.5 volts, while a 60 watt halogen bulb will probably be a little higher.
The next thing you should know is what kind of light you want to install. There are a number of different types of lights that can be installed in a home, so it’s important to choose the type that will work best for your needs and budget.
Where should under cabinet LED lights be placed?
If you want to install under cabinet lighting as task lighting, you should place the strip lights closer to the middle front edge of the cabinets so the countertop is exposed to as much light as possible. You may want to place them closer to where the light is coming from for ambient or accent lighting. You can also use a strip light to illuminate the inside of your cabinets.
This is a great option if you have a large number of cabinets and you don’t want them all to be lighted at the same time. If you are using this option, make sure that the strips are not too close to each other, as this will make it difficult to control the amount of light that is reflected back into the cabinet.
What kind of wire do you use for under cabinet lighting?
12-gauge wire is standard for most fluorescent under-cabinet lights. A basic installation requires a 12-2 NM wire, which can be purchased at most hardware stores for about $1.50. If you are installing a light fixture in a cabinet, you will need to determine the size of the cabinet.
For example, if you have a 10-1/2-in. cabinet and you want to install a 6-ft. fixture, then you would need a wire that is at least 6 ft. long. If your cabinet is smaller than 10 in. in height, the wire length will be shorter than the height of your fixture.
In this case, it is recommended that you purchase a length of wire equal to or greater than your height in order to ensure that the fixture will fit in the space.
What is hardwired lighting?
Hard-wired sconces don’t have exposed wires and are permanently wired to your home’s electrical system. They operate by either a wall switch or a switch in the fixture. If you want to have control over your lighting scheme, put sconces on a circuit breaker. If you want to control your lights remotely, you’ll need a remote control.
You can buy one from a home improvement store or online. If you’re not sure what type of remote you need, check with your electrician to see if he or she can help you choose the right one.
Can you cut off a plug and hardwire?
The manufacturers usually take advantage of the lesser requirements for cord and plug connections, so your answer is no. It’s a good idea to check with the manufacturer to see if you can hard wire it. If you want to plug in a cord, just add an outlet receptacle.
If you want to use an extension cord, you will need to make sure that the cord is not too long. If it is too short, it will not be able to reach the outlet. You will also need a way to attach it to the wall.
This can be done by using a cable tie, or you can use a piece of electrical tape to hold it in place.
