Cabinet lights work by providing focused illumination in enclosed spaces, such as under kitchen cabinets or inside display cases. They utilize either mains power or low-voltage systems to achieve this.
Mains Powered vs. Low-Voltage Cabinet Lights
Here's a breakdown of how each type of cabinet light operates:
-
Mains Powered:
- These lights are designed to operate directly at the standard voltage of your home's electrical system.
- According to the reference, they "run at the same voltage as the rest of your home."
- They can be wired directly into your home's electrical system or plugged into an outlet.
- No additional power conversion is needed.
-
Low-Voltage:
- These fixtures operate at a lower voltage than your home's standard electrical supply.
- They require an LED driver (or power supply) to reduce the home's higher voltage to the level needed by the lights.
- The reference highlights that they "need an LED driver to convert your home's energy to match its voltage requirement."
- The driver steps down the voltage, ensuring the LEDs receive the appropriate power.
Key Differences Summarized
| Feature | Mains Powered | Low-Voltage |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | Same as home's standard | Lower than home's standard |
| Power Conversion | Not Needed | LED Driver Required |
| Installation | Direct wiring/plug-in | Requires Driver |
Practical Insights and Examples
- Installation: The way you install these lights varies based on the power type. Mains-powered lights often need to be installed by a qualified electrician, while low-voltage setups can sometimes be more DIY-friendly.
- Safety: Low-voltage systems generally considered safer for DIY projects as they use a lower voltage, however, appropriate precautions should always be taken when dealing with electricity.
- Energy Efficiency: LED cabinet lights are the popular choice for both mains and low-voltage applications, and they are known for their energy efficiency.
In essence, cabinet lights rely on electrical power supplied either directly from your home's mains or via a voltage-reducing LED driver to provide localized light.
