Background Undercabinet lighting fixtures in residential applications typically use halogen or xenon light sources. These sources provide excellent color rendering and light output, ut have relatively low energy efficiency. Until recently, he primary high-efficiency option for undercabinet lighting applications has been fixtures that se linear fluorescent lamps, ypically either T-8 or T-5 products. However, or a variety of reasons, ncluding light quality (perceived or real) nd limited dimming capability, uorescent fixtures are not favored by a significant portion of residential users thus limiting the rate of efficiency improvement via fluorescent sources. Recently, umber of LED undercabinet products have come on the market intended for the residential sector (along with several products for the commercial sector). Even at his early stage, nterest in these products is high because LEDs are seen as a viable solution for the continuing market resistance to fluorescent technology.LED Application A few LED undercabinet fixtures currently on the market are comparable to fluorescent products in terms of energy efficiency and lighting performance, ut LED technology continues to improve rapidly and will surpass fluorescents in the near term (1 to 2 years). In terms of their economics, everal LED products on the market already epresent sound investments, specially in cases where fluorescent alternatives are not being considered. The irectionality of light emitted from LEDs makes them particularly well suited for task lighting applications, here illumination is only needed in a limited range of direction. In contrast, ight sources that mit in 360 degrees lose a fair portion of their lumen output (typically 30% r higher) n directional lighting applications due to the required reflection (and partial absorption) f those lumens emitted outside of the desired pattern. LEDs can deliver light more efficiently to the desired surface. Well-designed LED undercabinet lighting fixtures also offer a number of other attributes that re desirable for this application, ncluding • A low profile, nabling easy concealment beneath the cabinet; • Low operating temperatures, educing burn hazards relative to halogen products; • Dimming capability (a common limitation of inexpensive fluorescent systems); • Long life, otentially resulting in no further replacement required throughout the life of the kitchen;