Under Cabinet LED Strip Question


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Old 11-12-19, 07:49 AM
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Under Cabinet LED Strip Question

I am planning to install under-cabinet LED strip lights - specifically LIFX Z Strip: https://www.lifx.com/products/lifx-z

Each strip is 3.3 ft long. My cabinets have support beams that the strips would have to go through or around. See attached photo. Question: Would it be ok to cut small holes in the supports (4mm x 12mm) to thread the strips through? Would cutting that way affect the strength of the supports? I don't think it is possible to cut the strips and run wire extensions. There are extension clips for these, but they presume both ends of the strips are intact.

Thanks all.
 
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Old 11-12-19, 07:54 AM
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I assume this strip light has adhesive backing. Cutting a partial groove into the cabinet should not cause them to collapse. But I would not want to do it. I would just wrap the lights to go around it. You could even use an electrical staple to fasten the strip to the partition.
 
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Old 11-12-19, 08:24 AM
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Those are the vertical sides of the cabinet box, no problem cutting a groove/hole in the bottom to run the lights!
 
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Old 11-12-19, 08:28 AM
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Norm - yes it has adhesive backing. I may try that to see how it looks - thank you.

Marq - thanks. So those vertical sides are non-load bearing?
 
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Old 11-12-19, 08:31 AM
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So those vertical sides are non-load bearing?

The entire box supports the shelves which transfer the load to the wall but the groove is on the edge and the hole is small enough that it wont make any difference.

I have cut many a hole in cabinets passing wiring and electrical plugs through, your good!
 
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Old 11-12-19, 08:44 AM
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Cool - thanks. Appreciate the assist.
 
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Old 05-27-20, 01:32 PM
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Follow-up Question

Thank you all for the replies. I’ve update the photos to show exactly what I have - strips are 1/2” wide. What would be the best way to notch out the brackets?
 
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Old 05-27-20, 02:46 PM
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I drill a hole through each cabinet side. You can't hold a drill horizontal in that tight space so you drill each cabinet side individually and right across from each other. Then if you want you can neaten or open the holes with a Dremel tool, file or chisel. Another option is to simply cut a slot up from the bottom using any saw you can handle well, Dremel tool or chisel.
 
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Old 05-28-20, 06:15 AM
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Thanks Pilot. Assume you mean drill a 1/2" or 5/8" hole and chisel out the rest?
 
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Old 05-28-20, 09:27 AM
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Play around with your light location before doing anything permenant. I prefer to have under cabinet strip lights at the front of the upper cabinets. The front lip of the cabinet better conceals the light strip and the light is shining down more directly on the work area instead of coming at an angle causing glare.
 
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Old 05-28-20, 03:53 PM
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Will check that out - thanks for the tip.
 
 

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