LED Strip Lights

Once again we're indebted to Lifehacker for directing us to this tutorial on how to construct an inexpensive automatic light for desk drawers. It's an interesting solution to a common problem - that problem where we often find ourselves waving our hands around blindly in search of that stapler we know is in there somewhere (but which has actually been in our other hand all along). It has also engaged our imagination - all you need is a strip of LED lights, a 9V battery, a couple of common electrical items, and a spare couple of hours. But why stop there? Other unconventional places in the home could use a little illumination. Lighting the Inside of Your Desk  According to the tutorial above, you'll need a 9V battery, a PCB, resistors and transistors, a strip of LEDs if you want to try this yourself. As well as a few electrical items. There is always the option of wiring the LEDs to a switch, or even fitting a wardrobe light if there's enough space in the drawer. We don't recommend doing this at work, though - your boss likely won't be too happy about you spending half the morning with some glue and scissors. Perhaps in the home office? Illuminating the Midnight Snack Run Another thing that got us thinking was this wonderful pantry makeover - but while it's nicely painted and organised, we think it could use some lighting for the midnight snack raids. Again, wardrobe lights are your friend here, but we can go bigger: we have a little, tiny, really very small 2A push-to-break switch designed for inside cupboards. That way, the pantry can match fast cash online the fridge: when the door is open, the lights will come on. When it's closed, they'll go off. See? It's not fairies turning off the lights in the fridge after all. It's just electricity. We knew our mothers were telling fibs. Drawing Attention to the Library Moving out of the kitchen and the office for a moment and into the living room - or the grand library, depending on the size of your house - the humble bookshelf is due an upgrade, don't you think? Those LED strips will work very well on the underside of the shelves. This naturally draws attention to your many leather-bound books, but it cannot make your home smell like Mahogany. It's a nice home feature, and when your friends ask where you got the equipment, just send them to us. We don't mind if you take credit for the idea. For artistic types we even a colour-changing LED strip that works in RGB space, meaning it can be programmed to light up the bookshelf in any colour - making it an instant home feature. It can even be set to change colour at various intervals! There are surely a lot of other places around the house that could use some lighting - what do you think? With a strip of LEDs and a bit of imagination, what great home improvements could you accomplish?

Many of us love to install LED striplights around the home, and it is now possible to achieve a linear lighting effect with the FossLED Linear striplights together with the aluminium profile and the diffuser. Many times when we look at the picture of how an LED striplight looks when installed, we are amazed; however, after we purchase it and have it installed, we may not be that happy. One of the reasons is that the LED light is not linear but rather, there are dots. To solve this problem, FossLED now has the Linear LED Striplights (many of which are available at Sparks) to create a linear effect when having the LED strips installed. This article is inspired by the Linear Effect "how to" resource via FossLED here.How Dotting Happens and How to Achieve the Linear Lighting EffectThe way it works is that the lower the amount of LED chips per metre on a given LED strip, the more dots you will see, and the deeper the profile needs to be in order to achieve a linear lighting effect. How does "dotting" happen? Dotting, or the LED strips being seen as white dots instead of a linear lighting effect, happens quite often. The reason there are dots instead of a linear lighting effect is because there's a combination of a low amount of LED chips per metre and a shallow profile/channel used. The result is an undesirable dotted lighting effect. It is possible, however, to achieve the Linear Lighting effect! If you combine a high amount of LED chips per metre in an LED strip and use a shallow aluminium profile, the result is the desirable linear lighting effect. If you use, let's say, an LED striplight that has 280 LEDs per metre and put it in an LED profile of 7mm depth, what you will obtain is a great Linear Lighting effect. A linear lighting effect can also be achieved with a low amount of LED chips per metre but with a deeper profile. For example, using an LED striplight with 60 LEDs per metre with a profile depth of 20mm. Buy LED Striplights at SparksGuide to Obtaining a Linear Lighting Effect with FossLEDAt Sparks, we warmly recommend the LED strip lights, the LED channels (aluminium profiles), and the profile diffusers made by FossLED. They do a wide range of LED strips which, combined with a deeper or more shallow profile, can produce the result of achieving a linear lighting effect. For example, using a 10W/m LED strip (120 LEDs per metre) together with a 14mm deep aluminium profile, you can obtain the desired linear lighting effect. Similarly, using an LED strip with 196 LEDs per metre together with a 10mm deep LED profile (aluminium channel), the linear lighting effect can be produced. In order to achieve a no-dotted linear lighting effect within your LED strip installation, you can simply combine the appropriate LED strip, Aluminium Profile, and Diffuser. FossLED also does a range of Linear LED Striplights which can be installed in the aluminium profile you require to obtain a linear lighting effect. Conclusion: LED Strips, Aluminium Profile, and DiffusersIn conclusion, it is possible to get rid of the dotted lighting effect by either installing the LED striplight in a deeper channel and using a matt diffuser or by using the Linear LED striplights by FossLED with any kind of channel. You can find all the LED striplights from FossLED via our website, and the LED channels (aluminium channels).Buy LED Aluminium Channels Please note, due to the dimensions of these aluminium profiles, they are only for in-store collection in our lighting showroom. We can ship the LED striplights, but the channels need to be for in-store collection only. If you have a larger lighting project and require more specific information, do not hesitate to contact us, and our lighting specialists will advise. 

LED strips (also known as LED tapes) are a fantastic way to add attractive accent lighting to almost any room. They are inexpensive, easy to install and can alter the look and atmosphere of a space immediately. This type of lighting has proven to be equally popular in residential, retail and hospitality environments. Its adaptability and variety of aesthetic possibilities means that it can provide attractive effects such as wall-washing, edge-lighting and under-cabinet lighting. Before you hop on board the LED strip bandwagon, you should consider a few things: what types do you plan to use? For what purposes will the strip lighting be utilised? Are they really essential for how and where you plan to apply them? Sparks will endeavour to answer all these questions in this article. The LED strip light - its primary purposes and the abundance to choose from Hundreds of lighting manufacturers make LED strip lights, and the different kinds of tape have dozens of applications. This may provide a head-scratcher to the average member of the public who is looking to simply buy some LED strip lighting. There are two main purposes for LED tape, either functional or aesthetic (although of course, they may be a mixture of both). Functional lighting will amplify the illumination in any given space, whilst aesthetic lights are intended to lend some decorative ambience. LED strips can be installed indoors or outdoors depending on the IP rating of the strip and any accessories. This previous blog post from Sparks explores some of the imaginative appliances of LED strips. Key choices to make on lumen output with LED tape Some LED strips manage to emit more light per metre than fluorescent lighting. This is made all the more impressive as the light is focused, rather than dispersed in all directions as with a fluorescent tube. So high output tape is readily available on the market, and we sell many varieties of it here at Sparks from esteemed manufacturers such as Teucer LED. The 1438mm Cool White LED offers an incredible 1730 lumens and can be connected to other strip lighting. The linkable, slim LED light is ideal for kitchen lighting, cove lighting, cabinet lighting, under-shelf lighting and retail applications. Alan Tulla, the technical editor at Lux, states that LED tapes emitting 2,000lm/m or more would be considered among the highest end of the spectrum. However, such high output would risk wasteful energy output especially if they were to be mistakenly left on. So it is important that you find a balance between the right light output that will illuminate your room as you wish, without wasting electricity. If you are looking for a lower output LED tape, then there is the IP20 2700K Dimmable LED from Foss LED. This nifty LED tape produces only 420/500 lumens per metre, meaning that it is perfect to use as decorative or mood lighting - in your bedroom for instance, or in the living room. Key choices to make on colour rendering with LED strip lights You get more lumens per watt with cool-colour-temperature LEDs (around 4000K) and therefore more lumens per metre. This may mean more value for money to some. However, the disadvantage is that at low levels of illumination (maybe from dimming) the light from cool-light LEDs can look dull, with a ‘greyish’ tint. This is especially important when considering what your priorities are in lighting an area. For retail, hospitality and residential applications, colour rendering is considered more important than maximum light output. Generally, for indoor applications, you should aim to use tape with a CRI of 80 or more. This 3000K warm light LED Strip is a brilliantly efficient strip light from Teucer LED, which has a CRI rating of >80. The colour temperature of LED tape is important for aesthetic reasons. Warmer colour temperatures, such as 2700K - 3000K, works well for residential and low-illumination locations. Designers believe that such colour temperatures makes people’s skin appear more attractive, with the R9 red in the light being of particular importance. You can find the amount of R9 on the technical specifications for any given LED tape. There are obviously many cases where the appearance of people's skin will not factor into your light choice. If you are back-lighting a sign or trying to imitate daylight with a false skylight or window, then a 4000K+ level will be more acceptable.Buy Warm White LED Strips Final tips on working with LED Strips Think about what surface these strips will be mounted on. LEDs aren’t suited for high temperatures, and so the LED tape should be fixed to a good ‘heat sink’ like a U-shape aluminium extrusion. Low wattage tapes aren’t so demanding in terms of dissipating heat and you may not need a heat sink. Still, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you are considering using an LED strip, ask for independently verified test data. Try a working sample. Ideally, do a small trial in the actual application. If you are using a lot of LED strip lights, make sure you are not using inefficient ones. Also, make sure the LED driver has a high power factor to avoid blackouts and malfunctions. Most of the suppliers we recommend make both high output and high colour rendering tape, so it is not always going to be a choice between the two. Some successfully combine the two with great results. One final point is to check the distance between the LEDs. The smaller the distance, the more uniform is of the line of light. Using the help given in this article, we here at Sparks hope you can wisely choose the LED strip light with all the knowledge you require to get the job done right!

Choosing the right lighting when planning the ambience of your kitchen is very important. In recent times, kitchen designers have opted for the new trend of LED undercabinet lights and they can be seen in almost any contemporary kitchen showroom. Other types of fashionable lighting are still popular of course, for instance, pendant or spotlights are still ‘in vogue’. However, in this article Sparks will ask why it is that LED undercabinet lighting has risen in prominence to the extent that it has. The different kinds of undercabinet lighting There are two main types of under-cabinet lighting to choose from. You can place under-cabinet lamps either inside cupboards and cabinets, or underneath them to illuminate the worktop below. Downlights provide a focused light and are typically installed in multiples - along a straight line over a countertop, for example. Generally, downlights are a good choice for highly positioned cabinets. The Recessed Cabinet Undershelf light from Eterna Lighting is an excellent example of this type of under-cabinet downlight. It has an impressive Energy rating of A+ and its LED lamp has a long life of 25,000 hours. The second type of under-cabinet lighting is strip lights, which run seamlessly and evenly along the length of a cabinet. Sparks went into great detail on cove lighting in this article, which includes many of the upsides of LED strip lights. You can even use strip lighting to illuminate entire surfaces. This means you may choose to have undercabinet lighting recessed into the cabinet itself, which gives it a streamlined look. Alternatively, you could have it surface mounted. Surface mounted under-cabinet lighting is easier to install, as you don’t usually have to disrupt your mains supply to connect it. This 22W/m strip light from FossLED provides a wonderful 3000K of warm white light for your kitchen.Buy LED Strips for Undercabinet Lighting Why is LED undercabinet lighting so popular in kitchens? Safety is key The primary reason that under-cabinet lighting is so common in kitchens is that it allows for safer food preparation. Often, when you are preparing food on a work surface, ceiling lighting can cast shadows which may be obtrusive - especially if you are using the kitchen at night. Traditional exposed fixtures mounted in the ceiling are known to produce harsher radiance and shadows. This can be for several reasons, for instance, the person cooking blocks the light. However, undercabinet lighting shines directly onto the work surface which eliminates shadows and makes it far easier to see what you’re doing. This is especially useful if what you are doing involves cutting food with a large blade! Most under-cabinet lighting have wide beam angles which are designed to reduce (or completely get rid of) shadows. This is a feature that is fairly unique to under cabinet lighting and part of the reason they are considered so ‘chic’ right now among interior designers. Why is LED undercabinet lighting so popular in kitchens? Delightful design Another reason why kitchen designers appreciate under-cabinet lighting is because it can bring ambiance to the room. Any interior designer worth their salt knows that it’s essential to have different types of lights that perform different functions: task, accent and ambient lighting. Accent lighting usually comes in the form of a floor lamp or a wall sconce which highlights the features of your room. An excellent example of a floor lamp that would boost the design credentials of your kitchen is the White Ascoli Floor Lamp. This free-standing floor light features a flexible head for directional lighting, with a rotational adjustment angle of 330 degrees. It has an IP20 rating so should be placed well away from the sink. Ambient lighting is designed to lend a certain mood to a room, and is often controlled by a dimmable switch. Task lighting is where the undercabinet lighting comes in – it succeeds in providing a bright and focused light. However, under-cabinet lighting can make a room look more contemporary and warmer, depending on the colour rendering for the light that you choose. Sparks has a multitude of under cabinet lighting to choose from, manufactured by some of the best LED strip specialists in the world such as Foss LED and Teucer LED.Buy the White Ascoli Floor Lamp Why choose LED under cabinet lighting for your kitchen? There are many advantages in choosing LED undercabinet lights to illuminate your kitchen. LED lighting has long been recognised as the most energy-efficient lamp type, and choosing it to light your kitchen tops is an environmentally friendly move. You only require a low wattage (as low as 5W) to get an adequate level of illumination, which uses less energy and can save you money on your electricity bills. LED lights also produce almost no heat, which means that they won’t cause scorch marks on the worktop or damage the interior of your cabinet in any way. This is an advantage for wooden kitchens where wood can be easily contorted to change shape. LED lamps are more easily manageable than other types of lighting; they are directional, so you can control how much light there is and they are also easier to control (to dim, for instance). This makes them ideal for creating ambience in your kitchen. So the professionals and designers have given their view: LED undercabinet kitchen lighting is the way forward - so why don’t you look at purchasing some today?Buy LED Undercabinet Striplights

Cove lighting is a form of indirect lighting built into ledges, recesses or high up on the walls of a room, and LED cove lighting adds a lovely energy-saving and fully customisable aspect to it. It directs light up towards the ceiling and down adjacent walls. It may be used as primary lighting or as an aesthetic complement, especially to highlight decorative ceilings. Cove lighting previously referred to a row of LEDs placed behind the framework above a window (or plasterboard moulding). However, with the advent in the popularity of LED strip lighting, they are now seen in a wider variety of locations. The resurgence in cove lighting shows that designers are responding inventively to new avant-garde style houses. In this article, we will explore the benefits of cove lighting and whether it may be right for your home or property. Where is it suitable to place LED cove lighting for optimal style and convenience? Cove lighting is now a common feature in dropped ceilings, or the ‘architectural slot’ (a slot usually placed along a ceiling). This slot reaches to within a few centimetres of the wall. Alan Tulla, the technical editor at Lux, believes that the typical modern home is full of suitable locations for cove lighting. He says: Once you start looking… you will find that there are scores of aluminium extrusions of different shapes and dimensions to suit just about any shape of ceiling/wall and room configuration Some cove systems must be plastered in and require skilled builders, while others are very easy to fit yourself. Sparks offers a whole range from FOSS LED who both have a large and most advanced range of strip lights in the UK. Many of the more flexible cove systems will bend in one or two planes, meaning they can be guided in different directions across a surface. This would be ideal, for instance, if you wanted a cove lighting system that began in your living room and then angled off into your open plan kitchen.Buy FossLED LED Striplights Factors to consider when choosing LED cove lighting - practical or aesthetic? A key decision to make is whether your cove lighting will be merely nice to look at, or actually have a practical use. A single faint glowing light across your kitchen will lend it a decorative glow, but will not be bright enough to help you find cooking utensils in the middle of the night. If you take the more practical option, with more optimal light output, then you can illuminate an entire room. This will give enough illumination to actually help you find your way about. Other forms of lighting, such as T5 fluorescent battens can emit well over 2,000lm/m which is bright enough to indirectly light a room. However, unlike cove lighting, they can only be used in straight lines and are limited to fixed lengths.Factors to consider when choosing cove lighting - placement and colour rendering One thing to consider, however, is why should you choose cove lighting as an option in the first place? It is considered a ‘decorative’ kind of lighting so the way in which it is placed is very important. The LEDs in a cove lighting system should not be too bright as to distract or cause glare. However, you can easily overcome this by locating them away from ‘hot spots’, e.g areas which are already well illuminated by other lights. It is wise to place them over matt surfaces which are known to minimise these ‘hot spots’, as opposed to glossy surfaces which will maximise the effect. Colour rendering is an important factor when it comes to cove lighting. LED fixtures can produce illumination in a range of colour temperatures and intensities. This includes the warm tones of incandescent fixtures and pure white tones that are perfect for rendering other colours. FossLED stock brilliantly convenient and powerful strip lighting with high CRI ratings. For example, their 24V Dimmable LED Striplight offers an incredible CRI of 92+.Buy Cove LED Light Strips The benefits of LED cove lighting summarised Indirect cove lighting is decorative illumination at its finest, showcasing the delicate features of any space. These fixtures are available as strip lamps and are easily kept out of sight. The low profile is crucial to their aesthetic appeal because they rely on softer illumination to create a warm glow. This is opposed to traditional fixtures mounted in the ceiling which are exposed, producing harsher radiance and shadows. Cove lighting systems will perfectly blend in with furniture or architectural features - so look into the relevant drivers, connectors and striplights that Sparks has to offer. Cove lighting can subtly complement a classy, modern home without drawing attention - it may be the perfect lighting solution for you.

Switching all the old incandescent bulbs in your garage (for instance) to LEDs may seem like a small task. However, they say all the little things count and this could apply to one of the most drastic challenges facing our planet: climate change. The UN recently issued a warning stating we only have 12 years to change our behavior to avert a ‘climate change catastrophe’. The world is currently 1 degree over its pre-industrial level, and devastating effects can already be seen with dramatic weather events: from hurricanes in the U.S. to record droughts in South Africa. If all this world-scale peril sounds daunting, don’t get overwhelmed. There are some easy steps that you can take to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to lowering the global temperature to the 1.5% level agreed upon at the Paris Agreement in 2015. Helping the planet with LEDs: making a complete switch to LEDs You can contribute to helping save the environment right now - the first step is simply thinking about how many light bulbs are currently being used in your home. Next, try and guess how many of these are LEDs - and hopefully, the answer should be most of them.  For instance, have you made the switch to LED strip lights along your countertops, shelves, and cupboards? What about your exterior lighting? These often exert huge amounts of electricity, and LED Floodlights are shown to save up to 65% in energy savings.  At the top of most ‘how to help the environment’ lists is using energy-efficient light bulbs - LEDs. Studies have shown that making your home more energy-efficient has massively contributed to reducing emissions and helping the environment. Here are some additional reasons for making the switch to LEDs: On average, they are brighter than their older counterparts, producing 63 lumens compared to a paltry 12 lumens from traditional bulbs. They use 90% less energy than their equivalent incandescent or halogen light bulb. They have lower running costs, running approximately 20 times longer. They provide instant, bright lighting. Buy LED Floodlights at SparksThe benefits of a complete switch over to LEDs Have you ever thought how many light fittings in your home are LEDs? The truth is many people have slowly been making the switch following the EU’s ban on halogen light bulbs, which took effect in late 2018, and their phasing out of incandescent bulbs since 2009. However, it is likely that you are still losing energy and money with inefficient bulbs throughout your house. It is worth drawing inspiration from the laudable achievement of British couple Pete and Linda Powell, who estimate they are saving over £400 per year, having switched almost all their bulbs to LEDs in their grand Yorkshire home (see the source below). The energy bill for their five-bedroom house used to rack up to an average of £1,344 a year prior to their mini "lighting revolution". Now it is costing them just £700 (approximately). So what is putting people off from switching to LED lighting? One thing may be that many feel uncomfortable with the low-wattage levels given by LED lamps, having become accustomed to the standard 40W, 60W, 75W and even 100W ratings of traditional bulbs. However, the only reason LED lamp wattages are so much lower is their increased efficiency - they don't need to waste as much wattage. The general rule of thumb to keep in mind when buying LEDs is simply to multiply the LEDs wattage by 10 to find its equivalent traditional light in brightness. Saving money while you help save the planet - is there any downside? Some may point to the actual cost of buying LEDs to replace every single bulb in the average household and also install them. It cost Pete and Linda Powell around £500, meaning they made their money back in well under a year - and this was in a large 5-bedroom home. The couple has set a precedent that seems well worth following for the average consumer: make the switch now and see the benefits in the medium/long term. There is of course the added satisfaction of knowing you are doing your small bit to help global temperatures before it is too late. As one recent BBC article made clear, improving energy efficiency within our households has actually done more to help the environment than the switch to renewable energy. It has been estimated that by following EU-set guidelines on products such as light bulbs, fridges, and vacuum cleaners, energy demand has been reduced by a staggering 103TWh since 2005. Compare this to the estimated 95 TWh cut by substituting fossil fuels for renewables at the same time. While both solutions are needed to make the necessary changes to fight global warming, the switch over to LEDs is a practical step every single one of us can make.Buy LED Lights at Sparks Articles that helped inspire this article: The Greenage on the various reasons you should make the switch to LEDs. The Telegraph, with a piece on how a British couple successfully made the switch to a completely LED lit home. The Guardian on how we need to take action now, to stop the devastating effects of climate change. We found the top ranked way to save the planet Earth at 50waystohelp. Do you think making a complete switch over to LEDs in your home is practical? Tweet us  your thoughts @sparksdirect

Teucer has long offered one of the most comprehensive ranges of LED strips, drivers profiles and accessories. Established in 2012, their initial aim was to propel the lighting industry forward into the LED revolution that was taking place at the time.Note: the SkyLUX system is not available at Sparks; however, you can see here the LED Striplights at Sparks. They have now pioneered the award-winning and highly acclaimed skyLUX, which is a smart artificial daylight solution for dim areas of buildings, utilised by people who lack exposure to natural sunlight. Buy LED Strip Lights at SparksSkyLUX mimics daylight and replicates not only the aesthetic of natural sunshine, but also the associated health benefits that come with natural daylight patterns.Why do we need skyLUX? Problems posed by modern lifestyles and lighting Changes in modern society in the late 20th and early 21st century have led to many issues concerning people’s sleep cycles and health.The appropriation of electronic light has led to a change in the ‘circadian’ rhythms of the human body, which controls key features such as sleep-wake behaviour and hormone secretion.This is all seen to disturb the 24-hour sleep cycle we should be operating on for optimum health and happiness. Recent studies have shown we now spend close to 90% of our lives indoors, meaning we are simply not getting enough natural sunlight.Human-Centric lighting The scientific evidence for the benefits of natural sunlight is overwhelming: it is proven to speed up patient recovery times in hospitals, improve student educational performances, and increase worker productivity. (These advantages will be discussed at greater length in an upcoming article from Sparks). The substitution of natural light for artificial light is detrimental to our health and happiness, so skyLUX seeks to remedy this with ‘Human-Centric’ lighting: lighting solutions that enable improved occupant satisfaction and productivity.  SkyLUX works its magic by replicating a natural 24-hour day cycle that adheres to our natural body clock. The panel depicts realistic scenes of sky, clouds and sunshine, all of which enhance the body’s functioning and feeling of well-being.  For these reasons, the skyLUX has to be considered an enormous improvement on any existing natural light substitute such as the various ranges of 'SAD lamps'. It's scope and ability to achieve 'Human-Centric' lighting is a genuinely significant achievement. The practicalities of using the skyLUX With skyLUX, Teucer are working with what they have always known best: LEDs. The skyLUX integrates the most modern LED technology, optical design and intelligent controls systems.  The main control will be the level of brightness intensity, which is scaled all the way from 0 (which gives the effect of a cloudy day) to 100 (which exudes the intense illumination of a sunny day).  The skyLUX can be controlled via a wall panel or even via a mobile app (compatible with Android and iOS), which will be capable of overseeing up to 64 multiple units simultaneously.   Emulating regular weather patterns with skyLUX SkyLUX utilises a varying degree of colour temperatures (measured in Kelvins) on the ‘Colour Temperature’ scale', which can vary from 2500K all the way to 10,000K. The four pre-programmed settings you will be likely using the most are: Morning, Noon, Evening and Cloudy. To efficiently mimic natural daylight, skyLUX begins the day at 6am, with a relatively weak 2500K (warm white light), right up until 12pm where it peaks at 10,000K, pouring in a radiant ambience akin to strong natural daylight. It will then steadily decrease back down to 2500K by 6pm.Buy LED Strips via Sparks Choosing your own tailored lighting with skyLUX You can transport yourself to any part of the world you wish to with the skyLUX’s handy and simple manual adjustment system. Pick and choose a geographical location, time of year, date, time and latitude, and the skyLUX will automatically synchronise its lighting ambience, transferring you to another time and place. This is particularly handy in those living in countries that don’t get enough natural sunlight for long parts of the year, such as the UK, Norway and Sweden. Are you feeling down during a miserable, rainy November night in London? You can welcome the ambience of a sunny, summer morning in Perth, Australia and feel your spirit rise alongside the light levels. Fighting unnatural day cycles intelligently with skyLux As mentioned previously, Teucer are experienced in intelligently utilising the latest in LED technology to help the environment and reduce energy costs and emissions. Continuing this tradition of forward-thinking design, the convenient skyLux are compliant with Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) systems, a universal lighting control. When you combine that with easy-to-use wall panels and intuitive app controls, you are left with what is sure to be a colossal introduction to the lighting industry. With the skyLUX, Teucer are truly taking the next step in lighting, using high-calibre scientific research to help illuminate and elevate our lives! This is the first of a series of articles on the innovative skyLUX from Teucer LED; if you are interested in this system for your project, please contact us or leave us a comment below.

Christmas is a little over a month away, but many of us are already considering what present should we get for our friends, family, relatives, etc. We at Sparks do not sell Christmas lights anymore (they can create too many problems and hazardous situations, plus there's so many other Christmas lights you can get in other shops), but we have quite a few nice items that one could consider as a bright or warm Christmas present! Actually, we have even reduced some prices for some particular items just for Christmas so that you would get a nice LED lamp for example but not pay an outrageous sum while doing so. Prepare to be warmed up and brightened this Christmas with Sparks! Stay Warm this Christmas with Sparks! When we think of Christmas we're looking forward to the Christmas holidays, when we get to spend more time at home with family and friends. When the cooking and the eating takes place it's quite nice and warm, but what about when there's no cooking going on, when you wake up in the morning and want to take a shower and it's so cold in the bathroom.... There's a solution for that, and, believe it or not, it's not that expensive! You can make sure that your bathroom floor is nice and warm all year round, and you can have a warm kitchen floor no matter the season with the underfloor heating systems!Buy Underfloor Heating Mats In particular we would recommend the Danfoss DEVImats and the now-cheaper-and-on-SALE Dimplex RTS2M. The latter comes complete with a thermostat controller to maintain a warm floor at the desired temperature, and it covers 2 square metres (that's 4.0m x 0.5m). Just a few of these will cover your bathroom and make you the best dad in the world! So why not keep it warm this Christmas with these underfloor heating mats!?! Sparks helps you Keep it Bright this Christmas LED is the word; LED is the new technology that is in constant development and improvement, and we at Sparks can recommend you some really cool LED strip lights (instead of the Christmas lights), LED table lamps, and color-changing LED strips and lamps that will keep your home bright and cool without draining your bank account on electricity! For example, take a look at the Firstlight 8385CH color-changing LED table lamp with remote control: only 12W, nice for both the children and the master bedroom, offering red, green, and blue light as desired - and now available at a reduced price for a perfect Christmas present! If you prefer a more directional yet flexible LED table lamp, the Wing 11W LED table lamps (in black or white) offer you a flexible neck lamp for re-directing the light beam where you want it to be. What's more interesting and cool about these LED lamps (besides being available at a reduced price) is that they are simply "plug-and-play", no transformer needed! And if you're inexplicably drawn to the DIY and just want to have color-changing LED striplights in the house, you have to try the LEDK1RGB flexible LED strip light - a 5m adhesive LED tape for installing indoor or outdoor (it is IP65 rated).Buy LED Strips at Sparks You can install it on the countertop, in your car or motorhome, on the top shelf, in the cupboard, in the window frame, indoors or outdoor - and the best part is (besides its low price) is that everything comes in the package - it's a complete DIY RGB kit! These are just a few of the cool Christmas presents one can offer to your family for Christmas; for more information, prices, and offers, don't hesitate to contact us!

As the LED lights the LED lighting is being developed and is advancing, there's the same question that our customers ask us, Does this light fitting take LED lamps? And you know what, if we check the manufacturer's updated specs, many of the light fittings we sell on our website can safely take LED lamps (subject to the lamp cap and dimensions). It is safe to say again and again that it is time to change that light fitting you have with an LED one - save energy, save money, and invest in the future! As we all know, investing in a relatively more expensive LED lamp will help us reduce our electrical bill and will pay for itself in not such a long time. In this blog post, we thought we should make a list of what kind of lights now take LED lamps and / or are completely LED lamps. Watch and be amazed - even the energy-saving classical fluorescent fittings and the modular panels (so popular in the office or commercial environment) now can be found in an LED alternative! Here are some of the most recently popular LED alternatives.Latest LED Lamps at Sparks LED Corrosion Proof Fitting Replacing the Fluorescent Luminaire The fluorescent fittings are quite energy saving, long lasting, and with a low maintenance cost; changing the tube will keep the light going on for a long time in the office, on the corridor, etc. They are not that expensive and, honestly, they are everywhere. But now it is time to make space for the new LED luminaires, the ultimate in energy saving, which replace them with a higher energy efficiency, lower carbon footprint, lower energy consumption, and better quality of light. With an IP65 rating and with an efficacy of almost 100lm per Watt, these are supplied with the LED driver (plug and play mains connection system) and can be surface or chain mounted. Great for both industrial and commercial lighting. LED light bulbs - LED lamps replacing the Halogen or Incandescent lamps Do you want to save energy at home or at the office, even though you have to turn the light ON most of the time? It's time to change your light bulbs with their LED alternative. You can now use an LED light bulb with a GLS E27 lamp cap, with a GU10 lamp cap, and even with an MR16 lamp cap (low voltage LEDs). And they come in all shapes and sizes, offering either warm white or cool white light, and being dimmable or non-dimmable. Your choice. We advise, we present, we give you the best prices, and now it's your turn to consider and purchase. And we made this list of the LED light bulbs we have in stock constantly.LED Light Bulbs and LED Lamps Ceiling Lights, Wall Lights, Indoor and Outdoor Lights, etc - Most can take LED lamps We all need all kinds of light for wall lighting, ceiling lighting, downlighting, exterior lighting, garden lighting, etc. Check with the specifications of these fittings, most of them can now take LED lamps. One of the reason we haven't been too active on the blog is because we realized: our manufacturer updated most of their products to specify which take LED lamps, and guess what: most of them do! So we got the ball rolling, and now you can purchase not only the light fitting with the energy-saving light bulb but also with the LED lamp alternative! To the "wow, that's good news" we will add another "wow", a "word of warning": please check with the manufacturer specifications and / or with a registered electrician before you change the light bulbs / light fittings. As with every new technology and modern alternative, always check before going for it. Local councils, HMO's, and electricians alike would recommend and switch to LED lights in most applications, and we think it's time for YOU also to do this!

We were recently speaking about the continual and rapid evolution of LED technology, and the LEDK1RGB LED tape kit is here to confirm it. The days in which you needed an electrician to quote you for an undershelf light or retail color-changing and eye-catching LED lights is over! Now you can install, stick, cut, and customize your LED strip lights, including the color sequence, the frequency, etc - with the possibility of changing this via the remote control! And all this for as low as... £40 + VAT! Truly a revolutionary product. What is this LED Tape / Strip Light? What we are introducing in this article is a do-it-yourself kit - a blister-packed RGB LED tape coming with everything you need to set up your own LED strip lighting. The LEDK1RGB comes complete with instructions and not only: Self-adhesive LED tape which can be cut at 10cm intervals. Total length: 5m LED roll. Multi-adaptor power supply, not only for UK but for the whole world. IR controller: remote control to allow you to change the frequency, the colors, the intensity, etc. Connectors: to connect the bits and pieces as you cut the LED tape. In other words, whether you're a DIY enthusiast who loves to customize his home (both indoors and outdoors), an electrician who needs a low-cost yet solid solution for undershelf/alcove/outdoor strip lighting, or a retail store that needs to draw people's attention to the display window, you do well to pay attention to this LED strip light kit. If you don't like it to change colors all the time that's not a problem - just change it via the remote control!Buy LED Tapes - LED Strips What Can We Use this LED Strip Light For? The "official recommendations" for this LED strip light are to be used for the underside of countertops, under-the-shelf lighting, cupboard lighting, around-the-window frame strip lights, ceiling alcoves, etc. These are only a few of the uses since you can also use this kit for commercial lighting like retail window display lighting, shop lighting, exhibition windows, restaurant and bar lighting, pub lights, etc. The IP65 rating for this LED strip light allows you to use it both indoors and outdoors, or, if needed - even in the bathroom!Where Can You Buy this LED Tape Kit? If you're in London and you want to see how this kit works, or if you're just passing through Archway, Highgate, Camden Town, King's Cross, Tuffnell Park, Kentish Town, Caledonian Road, or Holloway Road, why not pop into our showroom! We have this cool RGB color-changing LED strip light installed, and we will let you try the settings via the remote control! Otherwise, you can visit our website and you will find this LED strip light kit via the LED lighting section.

In this economy, setting up a home bar might sound like an impossible extravagance, but if you're the entertaining type, it might just be worth the investment. It's more comfortable at home, for a start, and on a Friday night, it would be like having a night out only with your friends in a cosy setting. Decoist has a wonderful (as usual) post for inspiration, so take a look over there and if it's something you think you might want, come back here for tips on how to recreate that cosy bar atmosphere - and maybe even improve on it. The Basic Principles  We've covered the basics of lighting a bar for commercial purposes before and the same basic principles apply to the home version. Let's talk about them briefly. Pendants and chandeliers will provide just enough ambient lighting to see by, but little enough for that all-important atmosphere. As to the question of how low (or high) to hang those lights: aim for eye level to reduce glare. Unlike a commercial bar, you have the research opportunity: measure your tallest and shortest friends and hang the pendant so the light sits in the midpoint. And if you'll be displaying your selection behind the bar, accent lighting can illuminate the bottles to make them look more attractive. Strips of warm white LED lights hanging underneath the shelves are basically invisible and more importantly: very lovely.LED Lights and LED Lighting The Personal Details Now you've got a handle on the basic principles of lighting a bar to make it look great, but you have a little more freedom in your own home, so we can go a little bit wild. If you're playing some games like poker or blackjack or Snakes and Ladders, spotlights mounted on the walls around the space will provide the illumination needed to properly and fairly compete. In fact, wall lights in general offer something different from commercial pubs in terms of general lighting. The principle behind their mounting height is the opposite of the ceiling lamps: mount a wall lamp above eye level to cut down on uncomfortable glare. Plinth lighting set within the bar is always a nice touch, and we especially condone the use of coloured lights to make your home bar a little bit different from most. There are many other innovative ways to light a bar, and these are just a few of them. If you have ideas, sound off in the comments! But the two most important questions to ask yourself before starting this new project are: "What style am I going for?" and "With what shall I stock it?"

Let's talk about Christmas trees for a moment, shall we? If you haven't already put up a pine tree in your living room, this latest bit of news comes just in time. For a challenge sponsored by Debenham's, Sheffield University students Nicole Wrightham and Alex Craig came up with the mathematical formula for the best Christmas tree - kickstarting the field of (forgive us) geometree. Bark-esian... no. Erm, field theory -- okay, we lost it. We're moving on. The Mathematically Perfect Christmas Tree  In theory, the formula allows the consumer to be a little more informed when the time comes to buy the decorations. It looks like this: The important part we want to highlight is the part about the lights. To decide how many lights you need, simply multiply the height of the tree (in centimetres) by pi to see how many centimeters of lights you will need. There's a calculator for the mathematically-disinclined. For us, it's quite a thorny subject. (We can't stop! We've tried!) Some Algebra-Free Christmas Lighting Tips Recently we talked about lighting your parties this winter, and the advice holds up for the rest of the season. But if you'd like to inject a little colour, we stock coloured rope lights to dangle around the place. And here's a resource-hunting guide from Apartment Therapy, including some DIY tips and some hints for those of us celebrating in tiny flats. While we desperately try to come up with some more puns, why buy generic levitra not share your ideas for Christmas tree lighting in the comments? Remember to show your work.Best LED Striplights at Sparks

At Sparks Electrical Wholesalers - together with FossLED - we provide a comprehensive selection of LED strip and rigid board lighting products designed to meet a wide variety of needs across numerous applications. Each product is crafted from premium-grade components, ensuring superior performance, durability, and the highest quality finish. The FossLED LED strip lights are engineered with a minimum CRI (Color Rendering Index) rating of 92+ and up to 97+, delivering exceptional light output and accurate colour representation. In order to help you choose the right LED strip and LED channel, we put together the following Frequently Asked Questions about the LED strip lights at SparksWhat lengths are LED strips sold in?What is the maximum length of LED strip that can be used?Can you cut LED strip?How do you use LED strips around corners?Do you need a profile to house LED strip?Are LED strips waterproof?Are LED strips dimmable?What is CRI?What is the difference between 12V and 24V LED strips?What is FREE CUT LED strip?What lengths are LED strips sold in?We take pride in offering our most popular LED strips in a wide range of lengths to meet diverse customer needs. Depending on the strip model and IP rating, we provide standard lengths such as 5m, 10m, 20m, 25m, 30m, and 50m. Additionally, we offer a customisation service on these reel lengths if you require a specific size or DIY-compatible clips.What is the maximum length of LED strip that can be used? The maximum length of LED strip that can be used is dependent on an array of factors but most importantly the LED strip type and wattage per metre; exceeding the recommended lengths can cause voltage drop as well as damage to the LED driver powering it. Within every LED strip product page, we list the maximum run length each specific LED strip can be powered to.Can you cut LED strip?Yes, you can cut LED strips, but there are some important factors to consider:Cutting points: Standard LED strips have designated cutting points, typically marked with a small line or scissor icon. These points are located between the copper pads along the strip. However, our new Free Cut Series offers more flexibility.Free Cut LED strips: These strips allow you to cut at any point along the length, without needing to adhere to specific cutting marks. Unlike traditional LED strips that are limited to predetermined intervals, Free Cut LED strips provide greater customisation options. This makes them ideal for achieving a precise fit for any project or space, especially when exact measurements are crucial or when traditional cutting points don’t align with your needs.How do you use LED strips around corners?For sharp, precise 90-degree corners, use our LED strip L connectors. For more flexible, less exact applications, our corner connectors are ideal. Be sure to choose a connector that matches the type of LED strip you are using. Compatible connectors are listed on each fossLED strip product page for your convenience.Do you need a profile to house LED strip?Yes, at fossLED we only warrant our LED Strip to 5 years if installed in conjunction with our aluminium LED profiles for the following reasons.Protection: Profiles offer physical protection for the LED strip, guarding it against dust, moisture, and mechanical damage, which helps to extend the strip’s lifespan by preventing physical harm.Heat dissipation: LED strips generate heat, and fossLED profiles, made from a 6063-aluminium alloy, are designed to function as heat sinks. This material effectively dissipates heat away from critical components, ensuring a cooler operating temperature and extending the product’s lifespan.Aesthetic finish: Profiles offer a sleek, professional look by concealing the LED strip and providing a clean, finished appearance. They come in various styles and materials, allowing you to match the profile to your design preferences.Light diffusion: fossLED Profiles are offered with diffusers that help to evenly distribute light and reduce glare, creating a more uniform and visually pleasing illumination.Ease of installation: Profiles streamline the installation process by offering a structured housing for the LED strip, which facilitates easier mounting and alignment. They also provide an optimal surface for the LED strip’s 3M backing to stick to, reducing the risk of long-term detachment and potential product failure due to improper heat dissipation.Best LED Striplights at SparksAre LED strips waterproof?LED strips are available in a variety of IP Ratings (Ingress Protection), and their level of water resistance varies based on their design and rating.Non-Water-Resistant LED Strips (IP20): These strips are not intended for contact with water or moisture. They are best suited for indoor environments with low moisture levels, such as living rooms or offices, and should be avoided in areas with high humidity, like bathrooms or outdoor spaces.Waterproof LED Strips: For applications exposed to water or high humidity, look for LED strips with higher IP ratings, such as IP65, IP67 or IP68. These ratings indicate different levels of resistance. The IP65 rating provides protection against water jets and low-pressure streams of water from all directions. The IP67 rating ensures full protection against dust and allows for temporary immersion in water, up to a depth of 1 metre for a maximum duration of 30 minutes. With an IP68 rating, the device is safeguarded for continuous immersion in water up to 1 metre deep. This level of protection is ideal for situations where the product will encounter substantial moisture, such as underwater lighting or outdoor use in areas prone to heavy rain. Always verify the IP rating of the LED strip to ensure it suits the requirements of your intended environment.Are LED strips dimmable?Yes, all fossLED strips are dimmable when paired with a fossLED mains dimmable driver and a standard LED-compatible UK dimmer, or when used with standard LED drivers and fossLED controller combinations. For more information on further dimming methods, protocols and lighting system integration, please contact us.What is CRI?CRI, or Colour Rendering Index, is a measure of how accurately a light source displays colours in comparison to natural light. It is expressed as a number on a scale from 0 to 100. CRI is a critical factor in assessing the quality of light and its impact on colour perception, with higher values indicating better colour rendering capabilities.What is the difference between 12V and 24V LED strips?The key differences between 12V and 24V LED strips lie in their voltage, wiring, and overall performance, impacting their suitability for various installations. 12V LED strips operate on a 12V power supply and are commonly used for shorter runs, such as in automotive lighting or very small-scale home projects. 24V LED strips require a 24V power supply and are ideal for longer runs. They generate less heat and operate more efficiently, making them better suited for general home and commercial installations.What is FREE CUT LED strip?These strips allow you to cut at any point along the length, without needing to adhere to specific cutting marks. Unlike traditional LED strips that are limited to predetermined intervals, Free Cut LED Strips provide greater customization options. This makes them ideal for achieving a precise fit for any project or space, especially when exact measurements are crucial or when traditional cutting points don’t align with your needs.Buy FossLED LED Strips

Under cabinet lighting, or under cupboard lighting as it is just as often called, is one of the simplest upgrades you can make to a kitchen. It puts light directly onto the worktop where you actually need it, lifts the look of splashbacks and surfaces, and gives you a softer alternative to the ceiling lights in the evening.The choice is wider than it used to be. You can run lights permanently from the mains, plug them in, or fit rechargeable units with no wiring at all. This guide covers all three, along with colour temperature, fitting types, brightness, switching and installation.We supply electricians and kitchen fitters from our trade counter on Holloway Road, so the advice here is based on what people actually specify and what tends to cause problems on site.In this guide:Why fit under cabinet lightingMains, plug-in or rechargeable: how to power itStrip lights or round cabinet lightsWarm white, cool white or CCT selectableHow bright, and how many you needSwitching and control, including PIR sensorsRecommended under cabinet lighting from Sparks DirectInstallation and UK wiringFrequently asked questionsWhy fit under cabinet lighting?Kitchen wall units cast a shadow straight across the worktop below them. Ceiling lights make it worse, because you stand between the light and the surface you are working on. Under cupboard lighting solves it by putting the light source below the unit and in front of you.The practical benefits:Even light on the worktop, with no shadow from your own bodySafer knife work and food preparationBetter visibility for reading labels, recipes and hob controlsVery low running cost, with typical fittings drawing between 2W and 18W eachA warm, low-level glow in the evening without switching the main lights onThat last point is worth planning for. A lot of homeowners end up using under cupboard lights as their main evening lighting, which is a good argument for choosing a warm colour temperature or a dimmable fitting.Browse Under Cabinet LightsMains, plug-in or rechargeable?This is the decision that determines everything else, so make it first. It depends mostly on whether you are fitting during a kitchen build or retrofitting into a finished room.Mains-powered (230V) under cabinet lightingMains under cupboard lights wire permanently into the fixed installation, usually from a switched fused spur or an existing lighting circuit. In the UK this is the standard specification for a new kitchen.Best for: new kitchens, full renovations, anything you want operated from a wall switch.AdvantagesNo visible plugs, adaptors or trailing leadsOperated from a normal wall switch alongside the rest of the kitchen lightingNothing to charge and no batteries to replaceUnits can be linked together so a whole run works from one supplyMost 230V under cabinet fittings, including the Knightsbridge UCLCT range we stock, are supplied with a moulded lead and a switch, so the electrician only needs a single supply point. Note that these fittings are 230V mains voltage, not low voltage, so they do not need a separate driver or transformer. That is a common mix-up when people are comparing them to LED tape.Mains installation should be carried out by a qualified electrician. See the installation section below.Plug-in under cabinet lightsPlug-in units do exactly what the name suggests. You mount the fitting, run the lead to a socket, and you are done.Best for: finished kitchens where there is a socket above the worktop, rented properties, and anyone who wants to avoid an electrician's bill.The compromise is the lead. Unless there is a socket tucked behind an appliance or inside a cupboard, you will be looking at a cable running down the wall. Some people route it through the back of a unit or behind a splashback to hide it.Rechargeable and wireless under cupboard lightsThis is the category that has changed most in the last few years, and it is worth taking seriously rather than treating it as the budget option.Modern USB rechargeable cabinet lights are slim aluminium units with built-in magnets, a lithium battery and usually a PIR motion sensor. You charge them from a USB supply every few weeks, stick them under the unit on the supplied magnetic strip, and they light up when you reach under the cupboard.Best for:Retrofitting a finished kitchen with no rewiring at allRented properties where you cannot alter the electricsPantry cupboards, larders and utility roomsInside wardrobes and display unitsUnder a cupboard where there is genuinely nowhere to take a supply fromThe honest limitation is output. A 4W rechargeable unit will not match a 13W mains striplight over a long worktop, and you do have to remember to charge it. But for a single work area, a pantry, or a run where wiring is not an option, they do the job well and they take about thirty seconds to fit.We stock the Forum Culina and Electralite slim rechargeable range in three lengths, all with PIR sensors and built-in magnets. Details are in the recommendations section below.Quick comparisonMains (230V)Plug-inRechargeableElectrician neededYesNoNoVisible cableNoUsuallyNoWall switch operationYesNoNo (usually PIR or touch)BrightnessHighestHighModerateOngoing maintenanceNoneNoneRecharge every few weeksBest forNew kitchensRetrofit with socket nearbyRetrofit, rentals, cupboardsStrip lights or round cabinet lights?Once you know how you are powering the lights, the next choice is the fitting shape. This comes down to whether you want a continuous line of light or individual pools.Linkable LED strip lightsStrip lights, also called striplights or undershelf lights, are rigid linear fittings that mount to the underside of the unit. Linkable versions connect end to end with a short lead, so a run of cabinets can be lit evenly from one supply.Best for: long worktops, continuous task lighting, modern kitchens, anywhere you want even light with no dark patches between fittings.Choose the length to suit the cabinet above it. Striplight ranges are usually sized to sit just inside standard UK wall unit widths, so a 300mm unit takes a 277mm fitting, a 600mm unit takes a 538mm fitting, a 900mm unit takes an 838mm fitting and a 1200mm unit takes a 1138mm fitting. That small gap at each end is deliberate, and it leaves room for the lead and the linking connector.Round cabinet lights (puck lights)Round cabinet lights, sometimes called puck lights or cabinet downlights, are small circular fittings that give an inpidual pool of light. They can be surface mounted under the unit or recessed into it for a flush finish.Best for:Glass-fronted and display cabinetsFeature shelving and dressersCorner units where a straight fitting will not sit properlyAccent lighting where you want a decorative effect rather than a flat task lightSpaced evenly under a run of cabinets, they give a scalloped effect on the worktop, which some people like and some do not. If you want unbroken light for food preparation, go with strip lights.Flexible LED strip (LED tape)For bespoke work, LED tape is the most versatile option. It bends around curves, cuts to length at marked intervals, and disappears into an aluminium profile or a shadow gap.Best for: breakfast bars, curved islands, plinth lighting, glass shelving and anywhere a rigid fitting will not fit.The trade-off is complexity. LED tape is low voltage, so it needs a correctly sized LED driver, and if you want it dimmable, the driver has to be a dimmable type matched to your dimmer. It is a better fit for a fitter or electrician than a first DIY job.Browse Flexible LED Strip LightingWarm white, cool white or CCT selectable?Colour temperature has more effect on how a kitchen feels than almost any other lighting decision. Our room-by-room guide to colour temperature covers this in full, but here is the short version for under cupboard lights.3000K warm white gives a soft, comfortable light with a slight yellow cast. It suits traditional and Shaker kitchens, wood and cream units, and open-plan rooms where the kitchen runs into a dining or living space. If you use your under cupboard lights as evening lighting, this is usually the right choice.4000K cool white is a neutral, crisp light. It shows food colour accurately and is the better choice for detailed preparation. It suits handleless, grey and gloss kitchens, utility rooms and anywhere the space is purely functional.6500K daylight is a very cold blue-white. It has its place in a garage or workshop but is generally too harsh for a domestic kitchen worktop.CCT selectable fittings let you choose between settings using a small switch on the unit before you fit it. This is the safest option if you are undecided, or if you are fitting before the kitchen is finished and cannot judge how it will look against the final worktop and splashback.One practical point that catches people out: match the under cupboard lights to the ceiling lights. Two different colour temperatures in the same room is far more noticeable than either one on its own, and it is an expensive mistake to correct once everything is fitted.How bright, and how many do you need?There is no need to over-think this, but a little planning saves a lot of frustration.Rule of thumb for a worktop: aim for a continuous run of light covering most of the length of each wall unit. For striplights, that means matching the fitting to the unit width as described above, then linking the fittings together across the run. For round fittings, allow one per 300mm to 400mm of worktop for reasonably even coverage, or one per cabinet if you only want accent light.Position matters more than output. Mount the fitting towards the front edge of the cabinet underside, not pushed to the back. A fitting at the back throws light up the splashback and leaves a shadow at the front of the worktop, which is exactly where you chop. Moving it forward by 100mm makes a bigger difference than doubling the wattage.Watch the glare. If you have a gloss worktop or a mirrored splashback, a bright fitting mounted too far forward will reflect straight back at eye level. Fittings with a diffuser or a recessed profile help here. So does a dimmer.Check the IP rating. Most under cabinet fittings, including the Knightsbridge UCLCT range, are IP20. That means indoor use in a dry location only, with no protection against water. Keep them well away from the area directly above and beside the sink, and never fit an IP20 unit where it could be splashed.Switching and controlThis is the part most guides skip, and it is usually what determines whether people are happy with the installation a year later.Wall switch. The standard approach for mains lighting. Supply the run from a switched fused spur so the under cupboard lights can be operated independently of the ceiling lights. Ask your electrician to position it somewhere sensible, not behind the kettle.Door switches. A small push-to-break switch mounted inside the cupboard turns the light on when the door opens and off when it closes. These are inexpensive; they cost nothing to run when the door is shut, and they are the neatest solution for larders, pantries, wardrobes and any cupboard you open regularly. We stock surface-mounting and sliding-door versions.PIR motion sensors. A sensor brings the light on as you approach the worktop and switches it off after a set delay. This is standard on the rechargeable units we stock, since it is what makes the battery last. Mains PIR options are also available. Sensors work best where there is a clear line of approach and no pets setting them off.Dimming. If you want to dim your under cupboard lights, this has to be planned rather than added later. Two things must line up:The fitting must be a dimmable model. Many under cabinet lights, including the ALL-LED Swift CCT range, are explicitly non-dimmable. Fitting a non-dimmable LED to a dimmer causes flicker, buzzing and premature failure.The dimmer must be an LED-compatible dimmer with a minimum load low enough for the small wattage involved. A run of four 2.5W fittings is only 10W, which is below the minimum load of many older dimmers.If in doubt, check both the fitting's specification and the dimmer's minimum load before ordering.Recommended under cabinet lighting from Sparks DirectKnightsbridge UCLCT linkable LED striplightsOur most popular option for worktops. These are 230V mains voltage, CCT selectable across 3000K, 4000K and 6500K, IP20 rated, and supplied with an integral switch, mounting brackets and a 2 metre power lead. They link together end to end using a separate lead, so a full run of cabinets works from a single supply.ModelLengthWattageColour TemperatureUCLCT4277mm4W3000K / 4000K / 6500KUCLCT9538mm9W3000K / 4000K / 6500KUCLCT13838mm13W3000K / 4000K / 6500KUCLCT181138mm18W3000K / 4000K / 6500KTo link fittings together, you will also need the USLED 250mm linking lead (UC250), one per additional fitting in the run.Round cabinet lightsTwo options, and the difference between them matters.Knightsbridge UNDK3WWW is a 2.5W round fitting giving 195 lumens at 3000K warm white, and it is dimmable. This is the one to specify if the circuit is on a dimmer, or if you want warm evening light under a dresser or display unit. Also available as a pack of three (UNDKIT3WWW), suitable for surface or recessed mounting.ALL-LED Swift (ACL240 series) is a 2.3W round fitting at 230V with a 1 metre cable, supplied in white, satin nickel and carbon black. It is CCT selectable, so you can set the colour temperature to suit the room. Please note it is non-dimmable, so do not specify it for a dimmed circuit.Rechargeable PIR cabinet lightsSlim aluminium units with USB charging, a built-in PIR sensor and integral magnets for tool-free fitting. All 4000K.ModelLengthWattageForum Culina CUL-37387400mm2WForum Culina CUL-37388564mm3WElectralite CUL-37389864mm4WThese are the right answer for a finished kitchen, a rented property, or a pantry cupboard with no supply nearby.Flexible LED stripFor bespoke and curved installations, see our LED strip lighting range and matching LED drivers.You can also browse our full Cabinet Lights range, including surface mounted cabinet lights and cupboard door switches.Installation and UK wiringMains installations should be carried out by a qualified electrician. Electrical work in a kitchen may be notifiable under the Building Regulations, and the requirements differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. A registered electrician will confirm what applies to your job and certify the installation to BS 7671.Plug-in and rechargeable units can be fitted without an electrician, provided you follow the manufacturer's instructions and do not alter any fixed wiring.Practical points for a tidy job:Mount fittings towards the front edge of the cabinet underside to avoid shadows on the worktopPlan the cable route before you fix anything, and use the trunking or cable channel at the back of the units where possibleKeep IP20 fittings well clear of the sink and any splash zoneSet CCT selectable fittings to your chosen temperature before mounting them, since the selector switch is usually on the backIf you are linking fittings, order the linking leads at the same time as the lightsCheck dimmer compatibility and minimum load before ordering if the circuit is dimmedWhich should you choose?Continuous light along a worktop, new kitchen: Knightsbridge UCLCT linkable striplights, sized to your cabinetsYou have not decided on colour temperature: any CCT selectable fitting, so you can set it on siteCircuit is on a dimmer: Knightsbridge UNDK3WWW, and check your dimmer's minimum loadDisplay cabinet or accent lighting: ALL-LED Swift round cabinet lightsFinished kitchen, no rewiring possible: Forum Culina or Electralite rechargeable PIR unitsPantry, larder or wardrobe: rechargeable PIR unit, or a mains fitting with a cupboard door switchCurved surfaces, breakfast bars, plinths: flexible LED strip with a matched driverFrequently asked questionsWhich lights are best for under kitchen cabinets?For a worktop, linkable LED striplights are the best all-round choice. They give continuous light with no dark patches, they link from a single supply, and CCT selectable models let you match the colour temperature to the rest of the kitchen. Round cabinet lights are better for display units and accent lighting than for food preparation.Is under cabinet lighting mains, plug-in or rechargeable?All three are available. Mains 230V fittings are standard in a new kitchen and are operated from a wall switch. Plug-in units suit a finished kitchen with a socket nearby. USB rechargeable units with PIR sensors need no wiring at all and are the usual choice for retrofits and rented properties.Do I need an electrician to fit under cabinet lighting?Yes for mains-powered fittings. Wiring into the fixed installation should be carried out by a qualified electrician, who will confirm whether the work is notifiable under the Building Regulations in your part of the UK and certify it to BS 7671. Plug-in and rechargeable units can be fitted yourself.What colour temperature is best for under cabinet lighting?3000K warm white for a soft, welcoming light, particularly if you use the under cupboard lights in the evening or have a traditional or Shaker kitchen. 4000K cool white for crisper task lighting and modern, handleless kitchens. CCT selectable fittings let you switch between settings, which is the safest choice if you are fitting before the kitchen is finished.Are rechargeable under cabinet lights any good?Yes, particularly where there is no practical way to take a supply. Modern USB rechargeable units are slim, magnetic, and usually have a PIR sensor so they only run when needed. They are not as bright as a mains striplight over a long worktop, and they need charging every few weeks, but for pantries, cupboards, rented properties and retrofits they work well.Can under cabinet lights be dimmed?Only if the fitting is a dimmable model. Many under cabinet lights are explicitly non-dimmable, and fitting one to a dimmer will cause flicker and shorten its life. You also need an LED-compatible dimmer whose minimum load is low enough for the total wattage, which can be under 20W for a typical run.How far apart should under cabinet lights be spaced?For round fittings, allow one per 300mm to 400mm of worktop for even coverage. For striplights, match the fitting to the wall unit width, since ranges are sized to sit just inside standard UK units, then link the fittings across the run. In both cases mount towards the front edge of the cabinet, not the back.Final thoughtsUnder cupboard lighting is one of the cheapest changes you can make to a kitchen and one of the most noticeable. Get the power source and the colour temperature right at the start, and the rest is straightforward.If you are specifying for a full kitchen and want to check lengths, linking leads or dimmer compatibility before you order, our counter team at Holloway Road is on 020 7263 8007 from 7.30 am, or email sales@sparksdirect.co.uk.Browse the full range of Cabinet Lights and Under Cabinet Lights, or see all our kitchen lighting.