How to Install LED Strips in a Kitchen
Kitchen installations typically cover three locations: under-cabinet task lighting, ceiling cove ambient, and plinth accent. This guide covers all three.
Choosing the right strip
- 4000K natural white — for most kitchen applications
- COB strips — wherever the strip is visible
- GLEAM SMD — for hidden runs inside closed profiles
- OPTIX S IP65 — within 600mm of the sink or in splash zones
Under-cabinet lighting
Mount a surface profile (HAZE) the full width of each cabinet underside. Connect multiple cabinets in sequence from a single correctly-sized driver using interconnecting leads.
Ceiling cove
Fit a recessed profile (STRIA) into the cove detail. Use OPTIX S+ CCT strips to shift between bright task light during the day and warm ambient in the evening — controlled via a CORE CCT receiver and wall switch.
Plinth lighting
Mount a surface profile at plinth level. Warm white (2700K) works best here. IP65 is recommended given exposure to water from floor cleaning.
Wiring and controls
Your electrician runs a spur or fused connection unit for each driver. A CORE receiver and wall switch or remote can be added on the low-voltage side to give dimming and CCT control without touching the mains wiring.
What you'll need
- HAZE surface profile (under-cabinet)
- STRIA recessed profile (cove)
- OPTIX S IP65 (splash zones)
- OPTIX S+ CCT (cove, if tuneable)
- GLEAM SMD (hidden runs)
- CORE 24V driver(s)
- CORE CCT receiver & remote
- Interconnecting leads
- Qualified electrician