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What LED Driver Do I Need for Under Cabinet Lights?
Choosing an LED driver for under cabinet lights can be confusing. Do you need 8W or 30W? Does the number of connector ports matter? And can you connect several cabinet lights to one power supply?
The correct driver depends on the voltage, total wattage, connection type and controls required by the lights. This guide explains the basics using the Loops 24V under cabinet lighting system as an example.
Quick answer
For Loops 24V under cabinet lights, use a compatible 24V DC driver that can safely supply the combined wattage of the fittings and provide the required connections. The Loops Lighting Project Builder matches one suitable driver and the required distribution for each lighting zone.
What does an LED driver do?
An LED driver or power supply converts the incoming mains electricity into the electrical output required by the lighting. In the Loops 24V under cabinet system, the compatible driver supplies 24V DC to the lights.
The fact that a driver physically plugs into a light does not prove it is compatible. Always match the voltage, output type, power rating, connector arrangement and any control requirements to the actual light.
How do I calculate the LED driver wattage?
Start with the wattage of one fitting, then multiply it by the number of lights in the group.
Example calculation
4 lights × 2.3W = 9.2W total
Four 2.3W fittings require more than 8W in total, so an 8W driver would be undersized. The final choice must also allow for the manufacturer's driver-loading requirements and enough compatible connections.
Simply choosing the closest advertised wattage without checking those requirements can cause problems. The easiest approach with the Loops 24V range is to select the lights and quantity in the Project Builder and use its matched driver recommendation.
Do I need a 12V driver or a 24V driver?
The light and driver must use matching voltage. A 24V fitting requires a suitable 24V DC power supply; a 12V light is not interchangeable with a 24V light. Do not connect one to the other just because the plugs seem to fit.
To compare the compatible fittings that use this system, explore the Loops 24V Under Cabinet Lighting range.
What wattage do different under cabinet fittings use?
Power consumption varies by product and sometimes by version, even within the same style. A few examples from the Loops 24V range illustrate why the selected fitting matters:
| Example light | Power per fitting |
|---|---|
| Aurelia round surface mounted | 2.3W |
| Vela slim surface round | 1.8W CCT / 2W fixed white |
| Elara square | 3W CCT / 3.5W fixed white |
| Linea Select linear | 4W |
These are examples, not a substitute for the current specification of the exact variant being ordered. Always check the selected product before making electrical decisions.
Does the number of driver ports matter?
Yes. As well as supplying sufficient power, the system needs a way to connect all the lights. Some drivers have a limited number of output ports; in compatible systems, a distribution block can provide additional connection points.
For the Loops 24V range, the Project Builder accounts for the selected light quantity and adds the required distribution hardware automatically where needed. The correct setup depends on the driver and connectors in that system — do not connect arbitrary extension blocks or exceed the driver's specified capacity.
Can one driver power all the under cabinet lights?
One suitably sized driver can power several compatible lights in the same lighting zone, subject to its load rating, connector capacity and installation instructions.
However, different areas that you want to control independently should generally be planned as separate zones. In the Loops Project Builder, each lighting zone has its own matched driver, keeping the power and control choices clear.
Example: Two separate worktops
Suppose one set of cabinet lights is above the main preparation area and another is under cabinets on the far side of the kitchen. If you want them independently switched, plan two zones. The Builder then matches the driver and compatible control arrangement separately for each.
Can I dim 24V under cabinet lights with a wall dimmer?
Not with the standard drivers used in this Loops system. A normal mains wall dimmer is not the supported dimming route. Where the selected fitting supports dimming, the Builder offers the compatible touch-dimmer option. Other fitting styles may be on/off only.
A standard on/off wall switch can be used for suitably installed systems, or customers can consider compatible motion and cabinet-door sensor controls as shown in the Builder.
Where should the LED driver be installed?
Place the driver somewhere suitable for the product and installation — with appropriate ventilation, access, protection and a practical route to the lights. Depending on the kitchen, this may be above cabinets or another accessible position with a suitable mains supply.
Check the supplied light cable lengths before fixing the driver position. Compatible extension leads can help where the fitting is farther away, but they must be suitable for the electrical and connector specifications.
If the driver is to be connected to fixed mains wiring, use a suitably qualified electrician. Never alter mains connections while energised, and always follow the driver's installation instructions.
How the Loops Project Builder simplifies driver selection
1. Choose the light style and white-light option
Start with the fitting you actually want, including the correct variant.
2. Set the number of lights in the zone
Measure the area, use the suggested quantity where offered, then adjust to your layout.
3. Review the matched driver
The Builder selects a suitable driver based on the total load and compatible system parts. It accounts for connection distribution as required.
4. Select controls and accessories
Choose only the compatible switching or sensor routes and any extension leads or mains connection accessories you need.
5. Review the zone and project price
Finish the zone, add another if required, and review the full project before adding it to the basket.
See our separate complete guide to bespoke kitchen under cabinet lighting and the Project Builder for a walkthrough of the entire design process.
Frequently asked questions
Will a more powerful driver make my LED lights brighter?
No. A compatible constant-voltage supply provides the specified voltage and sufficient power capacity; installing a higher wattage-rated driver does not inherently increase the output of correctly matched lights. Always follow the fitting and driver specifications.
Is 24V under cabinet lighting suitable for every kitchen?
It suits many dry indoor fitted-kitchen installations, but individual product dimensions, IP ratings, positioning and electrical requirements still matter. Check the installation environment and fitting specifications.
Do PIR and door sensors work with every light?
Control options depend on the fitting and the compatible system components. The Builder presents the supported routes for each selected lighting zone.
Can I reuse an old LED driver?
Only if its output, power rating, connectors, controls and safety requirements are confirmed as compatible with the exact lights. Never assume an existing driver is suitable just because it powers a different LED product.
Do I have to calculate everything myself?
No. For compatible Loops 24V under cabinet lights, the Builder can match the suitable driver and required distribution once you have chosen the light and quantity.
Choose the lights. Let the Builder match the power.
Once you know where your lights need to go, building the complete system should be straightforward. Select the fittings, number of lights and control preferences, then check the matched power supply and full project price before ordering.
The button opens the Loops Project Builder on the 24V collection page. For product-specific electrical advice, refer to the current installation instructions or a suitably qualified installer.