We offer lighting installation services in the Helsinki metropolitan area

Where does the power for the LED strip driver come from? The power supply is often located on the wall behind the fixture when replacing old fluorescent lights with LED strips. In some cases, the wiring has been routed above the upper cabinets.

If the sockets were located in the fixtures being removed, we can install, for example, a few corner sockets in addition to the LED strip.

The location of the power supply affects the installation position of the driver, and the driver’s location in turn affects the length of the LED strip supply cables. If there is already a socket available for the drivers, it is advisable to order them with a plug-in power cord.

What about control? Is there an existing wall switch for the task lighting? If not, the task lighting can be controlled, for example, with wireless switches.

We recommend choosing a high-output LED strip for task lighting. A powerful LED strip typically produces around 900–1600 lumens per meter.

Especially in installations with glossy countertops, we recommend selecting an LED strip with more than 120 LEDs per meter. This ensures that the individual light points are not visible as reflections on shiny surfaces or backsplashes when installed in a profile.

Choose your preferred light color. Our selection includes single-color LED strips in 3000K and 4000K, as well as tunable white (CCT) LED strips. We also offer RGB+W and RGB+CCT LED strips, but we recommend these mainly for installation above kitchen cabinets. In our opinion, the white light output of RGB LED strips is not sufficient for task lighting.

Pay attention to the width of the LED strip when selecting an aluminum profile. The most popular option is a low-profile aluminum channel that directs light straight downward. Most profiles are available in brushed aluminum, white, and black finishes.

We usually manufacture the profiles about 4 cm shorter than the cabinet base width. This allows the LED strip’s supply cable to be routed through the cabinet base without interfering with the cabinet frame.

If the driver is supplied with constant power and there is no switch to control it, choose a control method for your LED strip, such as a wireless switch, mobile control, or an inline switch soldered to the LED strip. If you already have a control switch, such as a rotary dimmer or an on/off switch, you do not need an additional switch.

Then choose a driver compatible with your control method. For example, use a Zigbee driver with a Zigbee control switch, or a standard non-dimmable driver for a traditional switch. If you want a plug-in driver, select one with a plug or ask us to attach a plug to your chosen driver.

The size of the driver is determined by the power consumption of the LED strip. We recommend allowing at least a 10% margin, preferably 15%. For example, two meters of a 14.4 W/m LED strip would be calculated as 2 × 14.4 × 1.15 = 33.12 W. In this case, you need a driver of at least 33 W.

Task lighting is typically placed near the wall, but if there are corner sockets under the cabinet, we recommend installing the LED strip at the front of the cabinet base, in front of the sockets. This allows for a long, continuous run without needing to account for the sockets in the measurements. If there is a trim panel at the front of the cabinet, we do not recommend installing the profile next to it, as it creates a sharp shadow on the countertop. The profile can safely be installed to run underneath a drying cabinet.

When installing LED strips in the plinth (kickboard), note that a dishwasher may not be able to open fully without hitting and potentially dislodging the profile.

In a breakfast cabinet, the placement depends on the cabinet’s interior, but a 45-degree profile directed into the cabinet is the most popular option. A recessed 45-degree profile is also commonly used in open shelving. We’re happy to provide guidance on placement!