How to Choose the Right Power Supply for Under Cabinet Lighting?

GL Admin

Choosing the right power supply for under cabinet lighting is not only about wattage—the best solution also depends on the application, desired control method, and installation requirements.


Before choosing a power supply, consider three things:

1st: Installation Method — Do you need a simple plug-and-play solution or a hardwired installation?

2nd: Control Method — Will the lights use the GL LED Modular Cabinet Lighting System, a wall dimmer, or another control method? 

3rd: Power Requirement — Choose the appropriate power solution and wattage based on the lighting load.

Below are several common power solutions for different installation and control needs.


Option 1 - Recommended: Complete Modular Cabinet Lighting System

For projects that need more than just basic on/off lighting, we recommend the LDR Series Power Supply as the core of the GL LED Modular Cabinet Lighting System. Lights, power supplies, controls, sensors, and connections are designed to work together—making the system easier to plan, install, control, and expand.

Why Choose This Option:

  • Everything Works Together — Lights, power, controls, sensors, and connections are designed as one plug-and-play system, so you don’t have to piece together components from different systems. 
  • Control the Lights the Way You Want — Choose centralized or independent control, with compatible wired or wireless switches and sensors for different cabinets and lighting zones. 
  • Simpler Installation — Plug-in or hardwired power options and multiple 24V outputs help reduce complicated wiring and make installation easier. 
  • Built to Grow with Your Project — Start with one cabinet or lighting area and expand to larger multi-cabinet installations as needed. 

Best for: Kitchens, closets, displays, custom cabinetry, and millwork projects that need multiple lights, flexible control, or future expansion.

For the GL LED Modular Cabinet Lighting System Power Supply, use the sizing chart below:

24V Class 2 Power Supply Standard Output CCT Adjustable High Output
Centralized Control Power Supply - 60W Up to 15 ft Up to 15 ft Up to 11 ft
Centralized Control Power Supply - 96W Up to 24 ft Up to 24 ft Up to 17 ft


Option 2 - Easy Plug & Play Installation

Power cabinet lighting directly from a standard wall outlet using a desktop adapter for fast and simple installation.
Ideal for DIY projects and quick lighting setups.

Plug-and-play 24V power adapter with 6-port LED power distributor for Modular Cabinet Lighting System

For a small project with access to a standard wall outlet, a 24V-36W, 24V-60W, 24V-96W Power Adapter + 6-Port LED Power Distributor provides a simple solution.

Wall Outlet → Power Adapter → Distributor → Cabinet Lights

No hardwiring is required. 24V power adapters are available in 36W and 60W.

Best for: DIY projects and smaller cabinet lighting installations.


Option 3 - Hardwired Wall Dimmer Installation

For a hardwired installation controlled from a traditional wall dimmer, consider:
Integrated Constant Voltage Driver Built-in Dimmer 24V-96W
Integrated Constant Voltage Driver Built-in Dimmer 24V-160W

Dimmer and driver 2-in-1 hardwired power solution with 6-port distributor for Modular Cabinet Lighting System

It combines the power supply and dimming function into one unit, simplifying installation while providing familiar wall-dimmer control.

Best for: residential kitchens and other hardwired cabinet lighting installations.


Option 4 - Professional Dimming Installation

For projects that need to integrate cabinet lighting with a professional dimming or lighting control system, consider: 5-in-1 Dimmable LED Driver 60W, 96W, 150W, 200W, 300W, 600W

Professional dimming installation for Modular Cabinet Lighting System with wall dimmer, 5-in-1 LED driver, and 6-port power distributor

The driver supports multiple common dimming methods and is designed for professional hardwired installations.

Best for: residential, commercial, architectural, display, and custom millwork projects requiring professional dimming integration.



Once you’ve chosen the right power solution for your installation, the next step is to determine the correct power supply size based on your cabinet lighting load.

How to Calculate the Right Power Supply Size for Under Cabinet Lighting?


Start By Calculating the Total Connected Lighting Load.



Under Cabinet Lighting Power Supply FAQ

Can I use a larger wattage power supply?

Yes. For 24V constant-voltage LED lighting, you can use a higher-wattage power supply as long as the output is 24V DC and the power supply is compatible with the lighting system.

The connected LED lights only draw the power they require. Choosing a power supply with some additional capacity also provides more operating headroom rather than continuously operating near its maximum rated load.


What if one power supply is not enough?

If the total lighting load exceeds the capacity of one power supply, divide the lighting into multiple circuits or zones and use additional power supplies.

Multiple LED fixtures or light runs can share one properly sized power supply. However, do not connect multiple power supplies to the same LED light or continuous light run at the same time.

Because power supplies can differ in electrical design and control method, we recommend using compatible power supplies from the same product system or manufacturer.

For larger GL LED Modular Cabinet Lighting projects, the LDR Series AC pass-through system allows up to 7 compatible power supplies to be powered in sequence.


Do I need a special power supply to dim under cabinet lighting?

It depends on the dimming method.

The GL LED Modular Cabinet Lighting System is designed for dimming when its dedicated power supply is used with a compatible GL LED Modular Cabinet Lighting System dimming controller.

More generally, 24V constant-voltage LED cabinet lighting can be dimmed, but the dimming method and performance depend on how the power supply and dimmer or controller work together.

For example, a traditional wall dimmer typically requires a compatible dimmable LED driver. In other systems, a low-voltage PWM dimmer or controller can be installed on the 24V DC output side of a standard constant-voltage power supply to control the lighting.

Because different dimming technologies use different control methods, always make sure the power supply, dimmer/controller, and LED lighting are compatible as a system.


Related Cabinet Lighting Guides

Still choosing your cabinet lights?
Types of Under Cabinet Lighting: How to Choose the Right Fixture

Need help choosing switches, sensors, or dimming controls?
Under Cabinet Lighting Controls: How to Choose the Right Switch or Sensor

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