Recessed lights for overhead cabinets

[Scoutman]

So I'm building an enclosed overhead cabinet around the perimeter of my garage and am looking at lights. I have 9' ceilings that already have fluorescent 8' bulbs for the common floor space but what I'm looking for is probably more of an accent light to light up the workbench and perimeter of the garage.

Similar to the lights in XcYZ's garage finish thread and some others on here.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45022

The base of the cabinet is going to be made out of 2x6 lumber so the height of the light is a concern. Some of the can lights I've seen on Lowes's website have a minimum mounting depth of 6.5". I don't want more fluorescent lights and would prefer that they be flush mount and reasonably priced. These lights would be about 7' off the floor and probably spaced every 3-4'.

What have some of ya'll used?

 

[kb2tha]

I am doing something similar in my garage/shop. I am using 3" can lights and placing them in line with the vertical frames of the upper cabinets. If the picture you posted is your application, it looks as though your doors are already in place.

In another application at my camp, I was able to find, at one of the box stores, sets of small surface mount lights that only the wiring protruded into the cabinet or valance space. I believe they were LED lights.

Try westmarine.com Not sure if they are 12 volt or not. Does not specify.

Ken

 

[Scoutman]

I am doing something similar in my garage/shop. I am using 3" can lights and placing them in line with the vertical frames of the upper cabinets. If the picture you posted is your application, it looks as though your doors are already in place.

In another application at my camp, I was able to find, at one of the box stores, sets of small surface mount lights that only the wiring protruded into the cabinet or valance space. I believe they were LED lights.

Try westmarine.com Not sure if they are 12 volt or not. Does not specify.

Ken

Definitely not my build pictured above. That's just one on here that I'm modeling after.

How tall are your 3" can lights, what bulbs do they take, and how much do they run?

 

[mobetta]

also LED strips are becoming more affordale for general undercabinet lighting.

I have some in my home, only 3/4 inch high, nice accents, but not really bright/focused enough for task lighting

 

[Scoutman]

also LED strips are becoming more affordale for general undercabinet lighting.

I have some in my home, only 3/4 inch high, nice accents, but not really bright/focused enough for task lighting

That is one of my concerns. Seems they would be fine for a kitchen where the overhead cabinet is only a few feet away from the work surface but for where I'm wanting to put them it'd be about 4' and I'm afraid the light would just get lost.

 

[Scoutman]

If I can find something low profile that doesn't necessairly flush mount then I could size down the shelf to use a 2x4 instead of a 2x6. I need to get a light nailed down so I can buy lumber for cabinets.

 

[kb2tha]

Definitely not my build pictured above. That's just one on here that I'm modeling after.

How tall are your 3" can lights, what bulbs do they take, and how much do they run?

The 3" cans measure 5-5/8" high. Take a halogen GU10 bulb. (Not cheap). They came in a 4 pack from Lowes. Utilitech item number 249466. I bought 7 packs being cleared out at $14 for a box of 4. (Bulbs included). Don't know if they still handle them but Utilitech still is in business.

My garage build photos are in my profile. Have to update. Just finished wiring the one side today. Sheetrock is next.

Hope this is helpful for you.
Ken

 

[Scoutman]

The 3" cans measure 5-5/8" high. Take a halogen GU10 bulb. (Not cheap). They came in a 4 pack from Lowes. Utilitech item number 249466. I bought 7 packs being cleared out at $14 for a box of 4. (Bulbs included). Don't know if they still handle them but Utilitech still is in business.

My garage build photos are in my profile. Have to update. Just finished wiring the one side today. Sheetrock is next.

Hope this is helpful for you.
Ken

That looks like what I need. Is that 5-5/8" the overall height or the height from the back of the trim ring to the top of the housing? If I'm using a 2x6 with a 1/4" bottom face that may be too close.

 

[kb2tha]

The 5-5/8" measurement is from the mounting lip to the top of the wiring box. Measured from back of trim ring to top of wiring box. Heat shouldn't be a problem since the junction box shouldn't get hot.

I have these in my kitchen and a few of them do occasionally go out and then come back on after awhile. I believe heat related. Allow themselves to cool.

In the trouble shooting portion of the installation instructions........"cycling on and off may be because of over-lamping". Not sure whether that means too high of a wattage bulb or ???? I used the bulbs that were supplied with the lights.

Ken

 

[Scoutman]

now if I can just find some.

 

[kb2tha]

1 set- ebay item 170591245923. That's all I found in a quick search.
Ken

 

[Scoutman]

1 set- ebay item 170591245923. That's all I found in a quick search.
Ken

I saw those and they aren't too far from me.

Do you know what the difference is between the ones sold individually @$10 each and the ones sold on clearance in a 4 pack @$15?

Lowes item# 16059 for the singles.

 

[kb2tha]

I do not know the difference. May be none other than individual packaging. When I bought mine (2 yrs ago) they had singles and the 4 pk. Price break on 4 at a time plus clearance as well. So you found some? $15. per 4 pack is a great price if they work for you.
Ken