Introduction: LED Tape - Under Cabinet Lighting - No Soldering!

By CHADOVISION
About: Oh Canada!

This Instructable will give you the building blocks to install your under cabinet LED tape without soldering any wires.

Every cabinet is different. Be creative and the results can be amazing.

Please vote.

Please feel free to ask questions.

Disclaimer:

This project is 100% low voltage (12 volts DC). I didn't tap into the 120 volts side of the plug outlets or my electrical system. I simply plugged in my project to the wall receptacle. If you chose to work on the 120 volts side or use other power supplies that are more hard wired please consult an Electrician.

Step 1: All the Pieces You Will Need.

  • LED Tape - 3 meters - (Warm White)
  • Power Supply
  • Low voltage LED Switch
  • Male and female connectors
  • LED tape jumper
  • Low voltage wire

I purchases all parts from: https://montrealimport.com/en/33-led-strip-led-rib...

You can get them from anywhere that is in your area.

Step 2: Put Connectors on to Your Switch

Put a male and female connector on to the switch.

Trim the wires to suit installation.

Ensure that the connector is female to mate with the power supply. Continue to switch male and female connectors along your installation for consistency.

Step 3: Test the LED Strip.

Step 4: Measure the LED Tape and Cut

Measure the LED tape and cut it at the correct location. LED tape can be cut ever three LEDs.

Step 5: Trim Off the Silicone and Connect the Jumper Wire.

Trim off a piece of the silicone from the end of the tape.

DO NOT CUT THE CIRCUIT.

The connector on the jumper is connected by pressure.

Ensure to keep polarity the same throughout the installation.

Test your connection.

I cut the jumper in half to feed the wire through my cabinet. Then used the male and female connectors to connect all the wires together.

You can search YouTube for videos how to use these jumpers search: How to Splice Extension Jumper Cables PCB LED Strip.

Step 6: Now Peal and Stick the Tape.

Once you have your length set and jumpers installed you can now install the tape.

Peal off the backing of the 3M tape and stick to underside of the cabinet. The cleaner your cabinets are the better the tape will stick.

DO NOT touch the sticky tape. It will not adhere if you get it dirty.

More tips on sticking tape at end of this Instructable.

Step 7: Feed the Wires Through Cabinet.

Once you have the tape installed, drill holes to feed the wires through the cabinet. This will allow you to use one power supply and switch.

Connect all the wire using the male and female connectors.

I used hinged plastic wire conduit to hide all the wires inside the cabinets. It has a peal and stick backing and will install nicely inside white cabinets.

Use all these steps to complete your LED under cabinet project. These steps are just building blocks. Every cabinet is different. Be creative and the results can be amazing.

Step 8: Before and After...

The pictures speaks for them selves.

Note: Still finishing my cabinet doors. Once I get my cabinet doors all on you will not be able to see the LEDs over the stove anymore.

Step 9: Now the Bad News...

The tape doesn't stick very well at all. Basically is there to help you get it set up then you will need to use a secondary method to keep the tape in place.

I used two other methods.

  • Clear Silicone
  • Crazy Glue

The silicone I used like a strap and placed a bead over the tape. This worked really well so I put a bead ever 3"-6" or so.

At the ends where you have more weight with plugs and the switch I used quick dry super glue. This stuff also worked really will to hold the tape in place. I put the super glue on the back of the tape.

I have had this installed for three weeks now and not one piece has fallen down.

I hope you enjoyed this Instructable.

Please vote.

Ask me questions, I will do my best to help.

Thanks,

CHADOVISION

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