The amount, and size of under cabinet lights is determined by a kitchens cabinet layout. The size of an upper cabinet helps determine the size of a light. Since there should not be too far a gap between under cabinet lights, (one foot or less) it is best to get close to the size of the upper cabinet with the size of light.

If your cabinets are frameless and flat on the bottom then any length can be used. Light rail is a decorative trim that goes on the bottom of upper cabinets to help hide under cabinet lights if desired.

Only the bar linear style lights come in different lengths so they do the best job for the amount of light in an under cabinet situation.  Disk and Puck lights can work under a cabinet if going for more of a spot light affect, but work great inside, or over cabinet. The Disk lights are very low profile like less than a 1/2".

Direct wire under cabinet lights are used in the situation where the kitchen has wires coming out of the wall every few cabinets that can connect directly into the light fixture. a few lights can always be linked together.  Direct wire capable lights can also have a plug wired to them if there is no rough wiring coming from a switch.

Modular under cabinet lights are unopenable so they must be connected with light to light cables. With modular lights there is usually a power source driver that can be direct wired or wired to a plug. The rest of the lights in a run are then connected from that power source with light inter-connection cables.

Modular lights are a little more expensive because they have higher quality bulbs, better looking finishes, and very low profiles like a 1/2". LED type fixtures are best for modular under cabinet lights because the bulbs can not be changed, and LED bulbs can last over 20 years.

Led vs Xenon, which is better? The top under cabinet light choice would be the LED light because the light quality is great, they put out almost no heat, are very efficient, and the bulbs will last longer than the kitchen.

Xenon lights are a close second choice. The xenon lights are cheaper, but put out a fair amount of heat, and the bulbs are long life but not as long as the LED. Halogen lights just get too hot, and the fluorescent fixtures don't have the light quality.

LED Tape light is great for over cabinet affects, or behind crown molding on a ceiling or cabinets. Led Tape light has a sticky tape side and is very thin so is easy to run along trim. The high output LED tape could be used in an under cabinet situation.

If your planning a kitchen remodel then do a detailed under cabinet lighting plan showing the placing of the lights and how they are switched. Visit the web page Installing Under Cabinet lights for a good direct wire type installation guide.

               Puck and Disk Light Buying Guide 

Led, and xenon puck or disk lights to me are best used inside or over cabinets for more of an accent role.

The LED Puck lights need accessories of an LED driver that the home wiring is wired into, and a harness dock that goes between the driver and the lights allowing for multiple puck lights to branch out from the harness.

The Xenon Puck lights need accessories of a transformer that the home wiring is wired into, and a harness dock that goes between the transformer and the lights allowing for multiple puck lights to branch out from the harness.

The wire for the LED puck lights as well as the xenon puck lights is run discretely around, or over your cabinets out side of the wall. The lights come with a wire leader that goes to the harness.

There are surface mount Puck lights, and there are recessed puck lights that need a round hole cut. Recessed puck lights are usually used at the top of a cabinet.

For lighting specs visit The Lighting Spec Page.