Written by Jimco Electric | Published on June 2025
Installing under-cabinet lighting typically takes 2 to 6 hours depending on whether you are hardwiring the fixtures or using plug-in models. The project involves selecting your light type, planning cable routing, and connecting to a power source. This guide covers everything Chicago-area homeowners need to know, from choosing fixtures to staying up to code.
Understand Your Under-Cabinet Lighting Options
Before you buy anything, you need to know what type of under-cabinet lighting fits your kitchen and your skill level. There are three main categories to consider, and each has real trade-offs in cost, appearance, and installation difficulty.
| Light Type | Average Cost Per Linear Foot | Installation Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| LED Strip Lights | $3 to $10 | Easy (plug-in or adhesive) | Accent lighting, renters |
| Puck Lights | $8 to $20 per puck | Easy to Medium | Spot task lighting |
| Linear LED Bars | $15 to $40 | Medium to Hard | Even task lighting across counters |
| Hardwired Fixtures | $20 to $60+ | Hard (requires electrician) | Permanent, clean installs |
LED strip lights from brands like Govee or Kichler are popular for DIY projects. Linear LED bars from brands like Waveform Lighting or WAC Lighting are better for serious task lighting over prep areas.
If you want a hardwired install with no visible cords, that is when calling a licensed electrician makes sense. Jimco Electric handles these installs regularly for homeowners across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
Gather the Tools and Materials You Will Need
Having everything ready before you start prevents mid-project trips to the hardware store. The exact list depends on whether you are doing a plug-in or hardwired installation, but there is significant overlap.
- Under-cabinet light fixtures (LED strips, bars, or puck lights)
- Power drill and drill bits
- Fish tape or wire snake (for hardwired runs)
- Wire stripper and voltage tester
- Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
- Electrical tape and wire nuts (for hardwired connections)
- Measuring tape and pencil
- Cable staples or cable clips
- Dimmer switch compatible with your LED fixtures (optional but recommended)
For plug-in installs, you may also need a cord cover kit to hide the power cable along the cabinet base or wall. These are available at most Chicago-area hardware stores like Home Depot or Menards for around $10 to $20.
Plan Your Layout Before You Mount Anything
Measuring and planning your layout is the step most homeowners skip, and it causes the most problems. Take 20 minutes here and the rest of the project goes much smoother.
Measure the underside of each cabinet section where you want lights. Note where outlets are located and how far each cabinet is from a power source. Also identify where the nearest junction box or outlet circuit is if you plan to hardwire.
Position your fixtures toward the front edge of the cabinet, not pushed all the way to the wall. This directs light down onto your counter surface rather than bouncing it off the backsplash. A good rule is to mount fixtures 2 to 3 inches from the front edge of the cabinet bottom.
In Chicago-area kitchens, older homes often have limited outlet placement under cabinets. If your kitchen was built before the 1990s, there is a good chance you will need a new circuit or at least a new outlet run to power your lights properly.
Install Plug-In Under-Cabinet Lights Step by Step
Plug-in installation is the most approachable option for a confident DIYer. Here is a clear step-by-step process to follow.
- Clean the underside of the cabinets with a degreaser and let dry completely. Adhesive mounts will not stick to a greasy surface.
- Mark your fixture positions lightly with a pencil according to your layout plan.
- If your fixtures use mounting brackets, drill pilot holes and screw the brackets into place. Do not skip pilot holes in cabinet wood or you risk splitting it.
- Attach the light fixtures to the brackets or peel the adhesive backing and press firmly for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Connect fixtures together using the included linking cables. Most LED bar systems allow you to daisy-chain up to 4 to 6 units on one power adapter.
- Route the power cable along the cabinet interior or along the wall using cable clips to keep it tidy.
- Plug into the nearest outlet and test. Check that all linked fixtures illuminate evenly.
If you are using LED strip lights with adhesive backing, press the strip firmly and hold for at least 30 seconds at each section. Corners need a proper 90-degree connector, not a sharp bend in the strip itself, which can cut off power to the section after it.
Hardwire Under-Cabinet Lighting for a Professional Finish
Hardwired under-cabinet lighting looks cleaner and adds more value to your home. But it requires working inside your walls and connecting to your electrical panel, which means following Illinois electrical code and, in many jurisdictions, pulling a permit.
In Chicago, the City of Chicago Electrical Code (which follows the NEC with local amendments) requires that any new branch circuit work be permitted and inspected. Many surrounding municipalities like Naperville, Oak Park, and Evanston have similar permit requirements for new electrical circuits.
| Step | What It Involves | DIY or Pro? |
|---|---|---|
| Plan the circuit route | Identify wall path from panel to cabinets | Either |
| Pull permit (if required) | Submit application to local building department | Pro recommended |
| Fish wire through walls | Run 14/2 NM cable from junction box to cabinet space | Pro recommended |
| Install junction box in cabinet | Mount box, connect wires using wire nuts | Pro required |
| Connect fixtures | Wire fixtures to the junction box leads | Pro required |
| Install switch or dimmer | Connect wall switch to control the lights | Pro required |
| Inspection | Inspector verifies code compliance | Required by permit |
Jimco Electric handles hardwired under-cabinet lighting installs throughout Chicago and up to 40 miles outside the city, including towns like Joliet, Aurora, Waukegan, and Elgin. Our team pulls the permits, does the wiring, and gets the inspection scheduled so you do not have to manage any of that.
Avoid These Common Under-Cabinet Lighting Mistakes
A lot of installs that look great on day one start causing problems within a few months. Most of these issues come from a handful of avoidable mistakes.
- Using a non-dimmable LED with a dimmer switch. This causes flickering and shortens fixture life. Always verify your LED fixtures are rated for dimming before buying a dimmer.
- Mounting fixtures too far back. Lights pushed to the rear of the cabinet underside light the backsplash, not the counter. Move them forward toward the cabinet face.
- Overloading one outlet. A single 15-amp outlet circuit can typically handle 1,440 watts continuously. Know your fixture wattage before daisy-chaining multiple runs.
- Skipping the permit on hardwired work. In the Chicago area, unpermitted electrical work can create problems when selling your home or making an insurance claim.
- Using cheap adhesive in a warm kitchen. Heat from cooking loosens adhesive over time. Use mechanical mounting brackets whenever possible for a lasting install.
- Choosing the wrong color temperature. For kitchens, 2700K to 3000K gives a warm, inviting look. 4000K and above feels clinical and can make food look less appealing.
FAQs on Installing Under-Cabinet Kitchen Lighting
Do I need an electrician to install under-cabinet lighting?
For plug-in or battery-powered fixtures, no. Most homeowners can handle those without any electrical knowledge. For hardwired installations that connect to your home’s wiring, hiring a licensed electrician is the safe and code-compliant choice, especially in Chicago where inspections are required for new circuits.
How much does it cost to have under-cabinet lighting professionally installed in Chicago?
Professional hardwired under-cabinet lighting installation in the Chicago area typically costs between $300 and $900 depending on the number of fixtures, whether a new circuit is needed, and permit fees. Plug-in installations with minimal electrical work run $150 to $350 for labor. Materials are separate and vary by fixture type.
Can I install under-cabinet LED strip lights myself?
Yes, LED strip lights with adhesive backing and a plug-in power adapter are genuinely DIY-friendly. The job usually takes 1 to 2 hours for a standard kitchen. Just make sure you clean the cabinet surface first, use connectors at corners, and route the power cable neatly using clips or a cord cover kit.
What color temperature is best for kitchen under-cabinet lighting?
Most kitchen designers recommend 2700K to 3000K for under-cabinet lights. This range produces warm white light that flatters food and complements typical kitchen finishes. If your kitchen has a more modern, industrial design with cool tones, 3500K to 4000K can work well without looking harsh.
Do Chicago building codes require a permit for under-cabinet lighting?
If you are adding a new electrical circuit or making changes to your panel, yes, a permit is typically required in Chicago and most surrounding municipalities. Plug-in fixtures that use existing outlets generally do not require a permit. When in doubt, call your local building department or ask a licensed electrician before starting the work.
How long does under-cabinet lighting last?
Quality LED under-cabinet fixtures are rated for 25,000 to 50,000 hours of use. At 4 hours of use per day, a 50,000-hour fixture would last over 34 years. Cheap LED strips may degrade noticeably in brightness and color accuracy within 2 to 3 years, so buying from a reputable brand is worth the extra cost upfront.
Wrap Up and Next Steps
Under-cabinet lighting is one of the most practical kitchen upgrades you can make, improving visibility for cooking and adding a polished look to your space. Plug-in systems are a solid DIY option, but hardwired installs deliver better results and require a licensed electrician to do the job right and stay up to code.
If you are in Chicago or anywhere within 40 miles, Jimco Electric is ready to handle your under-cabinet lighting installation from the initial planning through the final inspection. Call us at 708-304-8687 to schedule a visit or request a quote today.