Task Lighting – What type of lighting is right for you?
Under Cabinet Lighting
T4 Fluorescent Strips:
The T4 fixture makes a much more sleeker finish than a T12. Today’s fluorescent bulbs have been improved to a higher standard than those previously on the market, with a smaller delay time from switch-on, less noise (humming) and colour values have also improved.
Puck Lights:
Puck lights are a round hockey-puck shape light fixture and are very popular as they do not need to be hard-wired to the mains as most run off batteries. Battery operated LED versions are stuck to the underside of the cabinet. Previously these were run with xenon bulbs and were undesirable due to overheating.
LED Strips:
Having a much longer lifespan than fluorescent bulbs, LED Strips could be an excellent choice. This Task Lighting burns cool like a fluorescent which is always an advantage. With this option being quite new on the market, they are quite expensive, but we do see these becoming more affordable as more units are sold. Finally, some models require a transformer which look bulky, so always favour models that do not come with a transformer.
LED Rope / LED Tape:
Being extremely thin, LED Rope / Tape becomes easy to install and can be hidden very easily. Unfortunately, this Task Lighting does not emit as much light as the other options mentioned, so use these to compliment your existing lighting. LED Tape / Rope is very flexible so can be installed around corners or curves.
Plinth Lighting
Plinth lights are low-level lights that are usually installed into the kick board of the units. These are great for adding ambience and an element of safety to the room.
Plinth Light Benefits:
These types of lights are generally installed for decoration. They modernise a kitchen to no end and are enhanced when general kitchen lighting is not too powerful.
See where you’re going:
On top of their visual beauty, kitchen plinth lights can also act as a guided walkway during the night. Utilising LED’s also cuts down on consumption of power and if you connect them to a PIR sensor, these will turn on and off as you enter and exit the room.
Advantages of LED:
The modern plinth light uses LED technology and aside from being very energy-efficient and low-cost to run they are a versatile lighting source. They are compact, longevity is great, shock and vibration proof and run amazingly even in low temperature. Plus, they run cool so there are safe for exploring toddlers.
2 types to choose from:
Continuous: These could be LED Tape and can be cut to size and fitted to very confined spaces. They emit a warm light and will compliment wood or warm coloured tiles. These are also available in RGB colour-changing versions which are remote controlled.
Spotlighting: These are a series of lights fitted equal distance from one another and work again with LED’s. They emit a crisp bright light and give off a colour that is rich. These can come in circular or square formats and look very neat when fitted correctly and compliment any kitchen.
