How can I convert my under cabinet lighting from halogen to LED?

Question

Our kitchen has under-cabinet lighting that uses halogen 20 watt G8 socket bulbs. With 15 bulbs in the kitchen that is 300 watts. I'd prefer to replace them with 3 watt LED bulbs.

I've been searching but I haven't found any G8 LED bulbs that will work. The only ones that I can find are over-sized like this one. I wrapped one of my dead halogen bulbs in newspaper strips until it was 1.25" in diameter like the over-sized bulb and tested it. It wouldn't fit in the light fixture.

Do I need to replace all the fixtures? There seem to be a lot of G4 LED bulbs on the market, but very few G8 bulbs.

Answer 1

Your G8s are probably 120VAC, right ? As such, you are not going to replace with LED without switching to LOW DC voltage. Most are 24V.

If you want dimmable LED (a good feature), you'll need a dimmable constant current driver and a magnetic transformer and a magnetic rated dimmer. You can use a standard dimmer, but the current surge will burn it out. (ask me why I know...)

Bottom line.. rip out the sockets.

Answer 2

If you are into projects, something like this could be a great starting point. The power supply can be located back where the cabinet meets the wall. In some setups, there may even be space between the cabinet and wall. Products like this are powered from one end and can be cut to desired length between the LED sections. It's dimmable in colors.