[Shop-talk] Bookcase lighting

[Ian]

A while back I sought some input on cabinet lighting and said I would update the list when I finally finished--better late than never, I say!

The lights are LED strips from IKEA:  Dioder  $50 for a 4 pack of 1 foot long LED strips, including mounting brackets and 120V plug, power supply, and switch.  
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50119407

Installation:  I found it difficult to place the strips in our bookcases such that they were not directly visible or visible as a reflection--we wanted truly indirect lighting.  I finally settled on putting two at the top, one at the botton and one at the side, all hidden by the closed door, but clearly visible when the door is open.  I ran the low voltage wiring up to the top of the cabinet where I have the transformers (about he size of a matchbox) and switch hidden behind the molding.  

Pros:  For cabinet lighting they were relatively cheap.  The halogen sets with brass reflectors looked nicer when the doors are open, but were about twice as expensive.  The operating cost is nice too, each 4-strip unit draws 11W IIRC and have a service life of 20,000 - 50,000 hours.  I have them plugged into a photosensor so they come on automatically at night and act as the night light in the room.  They also do not generate any noticeable heat at the light emitters, which was important to us since we planned to leave them on most of the time.  

Cons:  They aren't the most attractive units when visible and it's difficult to hide the wiring.  The light is quite strong, but is more of a bluish white than a warm yellowish white.  

Some pictures of the installation.

http://picasaweb.google.com/ianmcfetridge

Let me know if you have any questions.

- Ian