What Types of Luminaries Are in Under-Cabinet Lighting?

Light Emitting Diodes

• LED lights are a compact, efficient light that is available in a broad variety of colors. These lights use less power than fluorescent or incandescent bulbs with a similar output rating and can last up to 10 years without replacing a bulb. Light fixtures with an LED luminary experience gradually decreasing output levels and do not fail suddenly like other types of under-cabinet bulbs. LED lights are more compact than other bulbs with the same output and are more easily concealed beneath cabinets.

Fluorescent

• There are several types of fluorescent light that you can use in under-cabinet lighting. Fluorescent lighting provides an energy efficient alternative to incandescent bulbs. Regular fluorescent lighting uses long tubes and require special fixtures that are incompatible with other types of bulbs. If you want to increase the efficiency of your existing under-cabinet incandescent lighting, you can install compact fluorescent luminaries. Fluorescent and compact fluorescent luminaries are more expensive than incandescent bulbs but typically have a longer lifespan.

Incandescent

• Incandescent bulbs are the cheapest type of luminary used in under-cabinet lighting. These bulbs have the shortest lifespan and are the least energy efficient. Incandescent bulbs produce substantial amounts of heat and are typically used in older fixtures. Incandescent bulbs used below cabinets often come in the form of a strip or bar. These fixtures use a series of low wattage bulbs in a compact strip that is often less than an inch thick with luminaries spaced 2 to 6 inches apart. Installing reflectors around the light strip will ensure that its light is evenly distributed on the counter top beneath it.

Considerations

• Exposure to high levels of heat greatly reduces the lifespan of LED and compact fluorescent light bulbs. Avoid using these types of bulbs on cabinets above stove tops or other appliances that produce heat. Avoid installing LED or compact fluorescent light bulbs in fixtures that restrict airflow around the luminary to ensure they reach their maximum lifespan. Rapidly turning the power on and off to fixtures with compact fluorescent luminaries will also reduce their lifespan. If you only use your under-cabinet luminaries for long periods of time, incandescent or LED bulbs could provide a more cost efficient method for illuminating your counters.