| Install an Under-Cabinet Light Strip |
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If the area under your kitchen cabinets is dark, consider installing a halogen light strip underneath. The strip can be plugged into an existing electrical outlet or hardwired.
Note: If you're uncomfortable making electrical connections, hire a licensed electrician. - Turn off the breaker switch for the circuit you'll be using.
- Remove the faceplate from a nearby outlet, and pull out the receptacle to expose the wires.
- Use a hammer and screwdriver to knock out the back of the electrical box.
- Drill a hole directly over the outlet next to the bottom of the cabinet (figure A).
- Cut the plug off the power cord for the fixture. Leave 2" of cord on the plug so that you can determine which wire is neutral. On polarized plugs the large prong is connected to the neutral terminal, and the small prong is connected to the power source. The neutral wire may be ribbed or marked with a stripe.
- Use fish tape to thread the light-fixture wire through the wall and into the electrical box. Thread one fish tape up through the box, and use another to pull the first piece through the hole in the wall (figure B).
- Attach the cord to the terminal. Connect the neutral wire to the silver terminal and the current-carrying wire to the brass terminal.
- Attach the light fixture to the bottom of the cabinet.
Tip: You may want to replace your outlet with a switched outlet for added convenience.
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