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Lighting FAQ

Up to FAQ: Homeowner Site

12V Xenon Bright Disc Power

  1. No. Both of the transformers are marked and instruction sheet state "Do not interconnect output terminations."
    These are class 2 transformers and run at the limiting class 2 current of 5 Amps. If these are interconnected...
    1. Voids Class 2 rating
    2. Voids UL listing
    3. Voids Kichler Puck warranty - must be used with Kichler Class 2 power supply. 
    4. Likely to either fry a transformer because of the internal feedback or fry the light fixtures.
    UL has established a 5A maximum on a Class 2 system. The UL listing we have for the fixtures ties them to a Class 2 power supply and therefore the 5A max. for the fixtures.
  2. There are a number of reasons.
    • They may not be offering a Class 2 system
    • If they are running a 24V system, then each circuit could be 120 watts
    • The units may not be covered by a UL listing
     
    It may be necessary to consult the other vendors.

Kichler Design Pro System Design

  1. The 12348 and 12349 were designed to make a connection between two male ends or two female ends. In the event the wrong end was cut-off the Power Supply Lead 12344BK, WH, instead of purchasing a new lead you can supply the end user with a connector (12348/ 12349) to make the connection.
     
    Helpful hint:
    • These will also allow you to connect any two interconnects on the male to male or female to female ends.
  2. The power switch 12355BK, WH was engineered to be a four position switch, including (1) Off, (2) Low, (3) Medium and (4) High.
     
    These settings are changed by gently tapping the switch to adjust the intensity of light. (This is why the 3rd wire on the interconnect cable is important).
     
    Installation know-how:
    • The Power Switch 12355 BK, WH is not required, but it is a convenient feature to include. You can just operate on the primary side by using a standard on/off switch that is wired in before the Power Supply 12380 or 12382.
    • NOTE: By doing this you will only have one intensity of lighting; High.
    Helpful hint:
     
    • Also note that if you have a standard on/off switch before the Power Supply and are using the 12355BK, WH as well you can set the desired intensity using the 12355 and then turn the system on or off using the standard switch. The 12350 has a built in memory that will leave the setting as it was originally set.
     
    Installation know-how:
     
    • The 12356 BK, WH night light module can only be used with power switch 12355.
  3. Once all the fixtures are connected they will operate as one system. You cannot control one fixture independent of others on that same run.
  4. Design Pro Series LED light fixtures are available in four sizes: 6”, 12”, 18” and 30”. We recommend filling the full length of a cabinet with light, to avoid shadows or dark spots where no light is placed. Any combination of sizes can be used. The fixtures can be linked together for extended flow of product for any project.

    Super slim Design Pro Series ultra thin ½” profile allows for easy concealment and versatile installation. Design Pro Series under cabinet light fixtures can be used below, above cabinets or under any shelf. The only limiter is the maximum wattage size of the transformer. More detailed information on selecting size can be found in the “ Planning a Modular System” section of our manual.

  5. We have tested 8 cords for a total of 24 feet and found no reduction in lumen output or voltage drop. If this extreme length of 24 feet is not enough the system layout should be revisited for improved efficiency.
    Installation know-how:
    • It is sometimes cleaner/easier to drill a hole near the perimeter of the disc and put the wire through the top or backside of the cabinet.

Kichler Design Pro LED Remote Power

  1. Remote transformers provide the cleanest, best looking installation to match the virtually invisible slenderness of our lighting fixtures. This visual aid can also be used by contractors to help their customer understand that remote power is not a complex task, just different. See the “ Modular Systems” sketch in the “ Installation Tips” section of our manual for an easy to visualize explanation of remote wiring.
  2. The remote power supplies are engineered to be direct wire and wall mounted only. They can be located in basements, attics, or any well ventilated area that is convenient.

    Additional facts:
    • Input power is 120volt AC (alternating current) 50/60 Hz, output is 24volts DC (direct current). Terminal connection blocks are located inside housing for easy wiring connection.
    • You can connect up to two of the Power Supply leads (that bring power to the lighting fixtures) in each terminal block on the secondary side.
     
    Helpful hint:
    • The 12382BK (200w) Power Supply contains two individual 100w power supplies inside housing. These operate independently and cannot be combined as one circuit. Both are UL listed Class II*.
    • Dimensions are:
      • 12380BK 11”H x 61/2” W x 3”D
      • 12382BK 151/2”H x 11”W x 3”D
  3. The Power Supply Leads are available in two lengths to accommodate most installations. The cable is UL listed, is Class II* and suitable to be run behind walls (Please check local codes for compliance). Cable should only be used to connect to Power Supplies. The cable contains a male connector on one end and a female connector on the other end.
     
    When installing your system it is best to decide which end will be connected to the first fixture or power switch. Fixtures have a male connector on one end and a female connector on the other end. Once this has been decided, the other end of the connector is cut off. This allows for both a smaller opening in the wall and for hard wiring the connector to the power supply. The plug end can not be connected to the power supply.
     
    Installation know-how:
    This will also allow you to cut the cable shorter if the full length is not needed and run through the wall much easier. (Cable is approximately ¼” diameter vs. plug–end at 1”d ia.).
     
    Helpful hint:
    • Two Power Supply Leads can be connected if needed for extra long distance.
  4. No. You cannot substitute any of the interconnect cables for the main power lead. These are specifically designed to a connection cable between under cabinet fixtures only.
     
    These are a three (3) conductor wire cable (2 wires are for Positive and Negative 24 DC). The 3rd wire is a signal wire to control the light intensity when used with a Power Switch 12355BK, WH.
     
    Helpful hint:
    • Interconnect cables are available in 4 lengths and available in black and white.
      • 12341 is 9” in length
      • 12342 is 14” in length
      • 12343 is 21” in length
      • 12345 is 10’ (ft.) in length
  5. An isolated secondary circuit involving not more than 42.2 volts (peak) with specific current limitations regarding wire size, de-rating factors, and over current protection. The voltage is limited to render the circuit safe from electrical shock, and the current is limited to render the circuit safe from fire.
     
    The Class 2 circuit is the industry benchmark for electrical appliance safety.
     
    Helpful hint:
    • Kichler Design Pro LED under-cabinet lighting is listed as a Class 2 system and cannot be used with any other product or system in the market today. It is an exclusive Kichler design.
  6. UL 2108

Energy Star

  1. Currently, Kichler was the first Energy Star solid state under-cabinet lighting listed and now is one of a VERY small group of Energy Star solid state cabinet lighting offered in America.

LED Dimming

  1. A standard wall dimmer will operate the Design Pro LED Direct Wire units. An electronic wall dimmer will work with these units, but is not required and will perform less effectively than the standard version.

    At this time, a standard wall dimmer will not operate the Design Pro LED Modular system. Investigation continues on a viable Z-Wave wall mounted switch option.

LED Light

  1. The Design Pro Series was developed to produce light with the same color temperature as our Xenon under cabinet and linear product, which is approximately 3000 degrees Kelvin. The CRI is at, or greater than 85. Because Xenon light is somewhat “yellow,” you will find that the LED is somewhat “ whiter.” The combination of a whiter light and high CRI will embolden most every color, especially purples, dark blues and deep reds.
  2. No two LED are exactly the same. Because we buy a range of chips there is variation from chip to chip. These variations are slight. The collective light output of the fixture is the best measure of color output.
     
    LED Chips are manufactured and sorted into “bins” based on color temperature.
    The tighter the range of color requested, the more expensive the chip. Kichler purchases the tightest range of chips advertised. Our tolerance is ±150K (Kelvin). Chip tolerance ranges from 2850K to 3150K for Kichler products. High brightness LED chips used in Kichler Design Pro LED will make most every color “pop” much better than a typical Xenon lamp. Xenon is a more yellow light. Yellow trends to gray or wash out purples or blues close to purple on the color spectrum. High brightness LED chips are cleaner, whiter and make colors “jump”. It feels cooler, but it is not cool blue. Not as warm yellow as xenon.
     
    Competitor LED color range is 875K – 1000K, some do not mention a range. These are the least desirable to a customer – they should steer clear as they have no idea what they will get.
    Color variation is also present in incandescent and fluorescent bulbs. Fresh from the package they look the same, but with use or as they “burn” a dramatic color change occurs.
     
    Helpful hint:
    • Focus should be placed on the lumen output on the counter, the collective color.
    • In room interiors where there is extensive use of white, and anything but a pure white (approximately 2700 Kelvin) specification is required, Kichler’s Xenon products may be a good alternative solution.
  3. Each LED chip consumes approximately 1.3 watts of energy. If one should go out prematurely the entire fixture must be replaced. These cannot be serviced in the field. Please refer to the Kichler Warranty.

Plug-in Power

  1. The Plug-in Power Supply (12383BK, WH) is 48” in length. 
     
    Installation know-how:
    • The 12383BK, WH will accommodate up to 30 watts. A male connector is molded to the end of the cable.
     
    Helpful hint:
    • A female to female accessory connector (12348BK, WH) is included in the carton when connecting two male ends is necessary.
    • Plug-in Power supplies are UL Listed Class II.*

Radio Interference

  1. It is possible and is rarely reported.
  2. The magnetic fields created by transformers sometimes interfere with the magnetic fields used to drive radio waves. Unfortunately, there are thousands of combinations of wavelengths and trying to determine which two will interfere is next to impossible. Here are a few things that can be done:
    • The most serious interference is caused with AM radio signals. Switch to FM, if possible.
    • Radio and Transformer on the same circuit will also heighten the possibility. If possible, move one.
    • Physical proximity will cause a higher likelihood of inference. Move the radio farther away or reposition the radio, if possible.
    • Are you certain it is the lighting? Many items in the kitchen have transformers. Even the phone charger emits magnetic waves. It might be something else or a combination of both.
    • Try a filter. A number of commercially available filters are designed to reduce the affects of radio wave interference.