LED under kitchen worktop

[Tom Christopher]

We do work for a beposke kitchen company who more and more of time are having granit worktops with grove taken out underneath for LED tape

We are currently using IP rated tape but proves difficult sometime to string away the plastic cover to solid on joints to round the corners

I’m considering using non IP rated tape to make it quicker and easier to solder and using is more flexible

Do people do similar things? Is there a need to use 12v IP rated tape under the worktop?

 

[Marvo]

Are you installing the tape directly into the groove in the counter top or are you using a profile with a diffuser cover?

 

[Tom Christopher]

Are you installing the tape directly into the groove in the counter top or are you using a profile with a diffuser cover?

View attachment 46159

We are mounting the tape directly on the granite

Not sure how we mount that profile under the worktop

 

[Marvo]

Usually you cut a channel the correct dimensions and it just pushes into the groove as an interfence fit that keeps it in place. Adhesive can also be used.

It serves several purposes. It protects the LED tape from physical and moisture damage. It diffuses the light making it more even and the aluminium channel acts to some degree as a reflector. It also sinks and dissipates the heat so the LED tape should last longer.

 

[ashrow]

I also use the profile with a diffuser, the diffuser i use makes the LED's seem like a continuous light so you do not see the individual LED's
I order my LED tape made to length with any corners pre-made and ready to go.

 

[ashrow]

Just to add to my post . The channel profile groove is done by the granite installers with normally a sharknose finish to the worktops. The channel profile we use finishes flush with the bottom edge of the work surface.

 

[Midwest]

Also use a profile, and bespoke lengths of LED tape. Its a more expensive approach than just buying & making your own lengths of adhesive backed tape, but results in a more professional finish, as said above.