Hi,
I'm looking at installing LED undercabinet light strips for a kitchen remodel. For the high-task area of the countertop I'm planning on using LED high density light tape (950 lumens/meter), which may be too bright. So, I'm thinking of installing a dimmer. The wiring is in the walls and it can easily accommodate either of the following options.
Option 1. Light switch with 120 volt on/off switch and dimmer, followed by a 120 volt dimmable power supply stepping down the voltage to 12 volt which then goes to the LED tape.
Option 2. Light switch with 120 volt on/off switch, followed by a standard (non-dimmable) power supply stepping down the voltage to 12 volt, followed by a 12 volt dimmer which then goes to the LED tape.
I'd appreciate recommendations on which of these two options is "best" from a performance standpoint only. I consider the cost differences between the two options to not be significant. I also consider the difference in effort to install either of these options to not be significant. There is plenty of "room" to "hide" from view the components for either option, so the cosmetics of the installation is not a concern. My concerns are "noise" or "hum" from the transformers, RFI from the transformers or dimmers, the dimming range of the light, and the quality of the light (color, flickering, other?). I'd also be interested in any other "performance" considerations that I may be overlooking.
Thanks.
Bob DeRoeck