Affordable LED Tape Light

[David S]

A while back there was a thread here that got me looking harder at 12v LED tape systems for under cabinet and cove lighting. So, I did some research on Amazon and ordered these three items:

http://www.amazon.com/Flexible-LED-R...5151467&sr=8-7

http://www.amazon.com/Ledwholesalers..._bxgy_hi_img_b

http://www.amazon.com/HitLights-Conn...ef=pd_sim_hi_6

This is not a plug and play system, but for under $40 delivered, I ended up with enough with adequate under counter lighting for a smaller kitchen.

The light color at 2700k is pleasant, and adequate to accent light under cabinets. I think If I double up rows, I could get close to the T5 fluorescent units I've been using in terms of light output.

The nicest part is that now I can add UC lights to an existing kitchen without having to add a 2" valance trim.

I'll take some photos of my first install and post them.

[David Meiland]

Good timing. I need to come up with LED tape for under- and over-cabinet lighting for a kitchen shortly. I used Jesco tape last time, and while there are many useful parts for that system, it cost a lot. That was 2 years ago, maybe prices have come down... or gone up.

[tjbnwi]

David,

Don't forget the toe space lights;-)

That is a really good price, here is one for comparison;

http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-b...-flexible.html

Tom

[David Meiland]

Toe-space lights... to show off the dirt on the floor?

[MarkMc]

Did a 1/2 bath with floating 5' vanity cab a while back with a run of rope lighting under. Cleaning lady loved having it to see under. Owner wanted a nite lite which it did well and looked good through the frosted glass door. To own their each, or something.

[tjbnwi]

Toe-space lights... to show off the dirt on the floor?

Not if the floor is clean.

To

[David S]

David,

Don't forget the toe space lights;-)

That is a really good price, here is one for comparison;

http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-b...-flexible.html

Tom

That could be a good source for more connectors. Thanks.

[RandyNight]

A cabinet hardware rep came by yesterday and informed me that Rev-A-Shelf has acquired Tresco Lighting

[johnrichh134]

Many companies offer the latest lighting technology, LED tape lights are actually continuous arrangement array of lights on a circuit board that is attached to a flexible ribbon. The output from LED tape lights is entirely programmable and can be adjusted manually using remote control dimmers.

[ThingOfBeauty]

Hope these work out for you. We've been having subtle problems with LED tape lights:
--color off--too yellow, too blue, 'makes things look wrong'
--poor dimming performance--won't work with some communicating dimmers from whole-home-control companies
--poor dimming part 2--noticeable high-frequency blinking (technically known as PWM, pulse width modulation, if you want to learn more) when dimmed. Also color change when dimmed.
--sections of tape turning dark brown as though burning inside

All in all, I would approach with caution. If clients are into it, awesome. Not something I would push at this point.

Anyone know a product that has few/no problems?