4 Types of Under-Cabinet Lighting: Pros, Cons, and Shopping Advice (Image credit: Ty Milford) The under-cabinet lights in my kitchen are chunky T12 fluorescents from the 1980s. They flicker and buzz and have that aggravating warm-up period every time you turn them on. In other words, they must go. This led me to research replacements, which I thought I'd share with you here! Whether you're starting from scratch or, like me, are replacing old fixtures, here are some options to consider. (Image credit: Pegasus Lighting) 1. T4 Fluorescent Strips: Unlike the T12 bulbs in my current fixtures (which have a 1 1/2-inch diameter), T4 bulbs have just a 1/2-inch diameter. This makes for a much sleeker fixture. Today's fluorescent bulbs are also much improved from their predecessors in that they don't have a delay when you flip on the switch, they don't produce a hum, and their color value is improved. My favorite slim fluorescent strip fixture is the Super-Sleek by Brodwax.

2. Puck Lights: These round, hockey-puck-shaped fixtures are popular because there are many versions of them that don't need to be hard-wired or even plugged in. Battery-operated models with LED bulbs simply stick to the underside of your cabinet. These are a great option for rental kitchens or in cases where wiring would be prohibited by expense. Laminate Wood Flooring ReviewsBefore LEDs, puck lights generally had xenon bulbs, but these burn hot, making them undesirable for kitchens.Ikea Orange Wall Mirror Good options to consider:Outdoor Furniture Foot Protectors Brightest LED Under Cabinet Lighting by Lighting EVER LED Dimmable Accent Light by Westek Grundtal Spotlight by IKEA (Image credit: Maxim Lighting)

3. LED Strips: LED strips can look a lot like slim fluorescent strips, but LED bulbs have an even longer life than fluorescents. They burn cool like fluorescents, too, which is always an advantage for kitchens. This is the most expensive option, as the fixture type is relatively new and prices have yet to settle. Also, the color can be a bit cool for some tastes, so test these out in-store if you have a chance. Some models require an external transformer, which can be bulky, so look for models that don't. LED Inch Light by CounterMax 8-Light by Maxim Lighting 4. LED Rope or Tape: These fixtures are extremely thin, making them easy to install, unlikely to get bumped as you work at your counter, and visually discreet. They don't put out as much light as the other options, so these are truly for complementing already-strong overhead kitchen lighting. LED tape is also flexible, which could come in handy in particular scenarios: CounterMax Undercabinet Kit by Maxim Lighting

Do you have under cabinet lighting? What type do you have and is it something you're pleased with or something you're wanting to replace? See Faith's process of installing Xenon light strips in her kitchen: New Under Cabinet Lighting: Utilitech Xenon Lights Product ReviewI got a bit LED obsessed and started using them everywhere I could. One thing I came to realise is that they save allot of electricity but do not depend on them as a primary light source(in some places). They lack the luminance of a halogen or florescent tube.. they are getting better though. Do not bother making your own arrays: waste of time and very prone to failure. You can buy led strips that when one fails only a segment will fail and not the entire array. (well the array within the entire strip- earlier version the entire things fell over what an annoyance)they used to be cheap here but it seems they quadrupled in price and ebay fell.. they just do not know how much to charge for them so be careful not to get robbed in day light..

So in reply to your question: Keep the cables you have but the transformer are most likely not going to be any good(you said you had halogen) most main stream halogens run off 12 volts.. but AC so this will cause flickering in the LED.. and reduce live they claim. So you get rid of those and buy some 12 volt DC power supplies BUT you need to pay attention to how many amperes they can provide. Ebay once again you could find 4 Amps 12 volt and they should be more than enough to supply up to 6~8 metres strips no problem. How to know how much amperes? You need to calculate the collective Wattage that will run on the one adapter. So lets say you get a 5metre led strip = 25 watts (typically 5W per metre (30LED per metre)) or in other words If you put to many LEDs for 1 power supply to handle they will dim.. LED's are curious little things and do not overload the power supply because they can adapt to lower power, without side effects to the power supply. A light bulb demands that there be enough power if not..

then it causes issues. I put over 20 metres in my house in various places. In my kitchen i removed the old dingy under cabinet florescent tubes and run the entire length of the cabinet.It is actually pretty good light as it about 40CM from the table top. And under my aquarium for sump lighting(used an offcuts I had lying around about 30CM)and also other side off my kitchens under cabinet LED lighting... Led lights of any type that you want to replace in the ceiling is the issue.. you would need to triple up on the sockets to get some good enough light.. otherwise it makes it seem like the room is misty.. even thought the light is on.. If you only want to use 1 power supply then pop into your computer store and ask for 550Watt power supply (the smallest ones now a days and they are cheap) What you are interested in there is the SATA and Molex cables. Each one is connected to a separate rail within the power supply. there are 3 rails usually and 1 rail for CPU (ATX connector with all the wires)

Each rail is rated on the power supply 12v@5A 5v@20A for example.. so there you have 12 volts with 60 watts capability. Computer supplies are nice because they offer stable, clean power so the LED life are increased thanks to that. It has overload protection (but LED's do not cause overload like I mentioned earlier.. but a short circuit will) so it has short circuit protection too in case something off happens (like LED outside, water or cat taking a bite into the strip .. who know.. cats are dumb) Obviously computer shop will stock "GAMING" power supplies at the price of an arm and leg.. go for the cheapest ones or ask for a used one even.. usually loads lying around in the workshop.I have seen LED's introduced into many places around the world.. the funniest must have been a local council in South Africa that replaced all the traffic lights with LED arrays.. They were amazing- nice and bright and promised a 60%~90% decrease in traffic light power consumption over old 60 watt bulbs BUT..