Nicor 42 LED Direct Wire Under Cabinet Light - Selectable CCT

In this review of the Nicor 42 LED direct wire under cabinet light, the bottom line is straightforward: this is a practical hardwired undercabinet fixture for homeowners or tradespeople who want bright, color-accurate task lighting with a low profile. The single biggest reason to buy is the selectable CCT range, which lets you dial in warm to cool white without swapping fixtures. Installation is intended for direct wiring and surface mounting, so it suits remodels or new cabinetry runs where permanent, daisy-chained lighting is preferred.

Key Features

• Selectable CCT: Choose from 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, or 5000K to match warm ambient lighting or crisp task illumination.
• High color accuracy: With a 90 CRI and R9 over 50, the fixture renders reds and skin tones more faithfully for food prep and display tasks.
• Bright but efficient: The 18W LED delivers 1224 to 1296 lumens at 120VAC, giving strong task light while using minimal power.
• Low-profile design: The 1 in low-profile housing with a polycarbonate diffuser provides uniform illumination and a neat, professional look.
• Dimmable compatibility: Works with standard TRIAC or ELV dimmers down to about 5%, so you can soften the output for evenings.
• Direct wire and daisy-chain ready: Multiple knockouts simplify multi-directional wiring and linking several fixtures without bulky adapters.

Who It's For

This undercabinet light is best for homeowners updating kitchens, contractors wiring new undercabinet runs, or hobbyists wanting consistent task lighting over counters and workbenches. The selectable color temperatures make it flexible for kitchens, workshops, or display shelving where accurate color and adjustable mood are useful.

It is less appropriate for someone who needs a plug-in, temporary, or portable solution or for installations where the existing wire length cannot reach the fixture without additional conduit or junctions. Customers who need an exact prebuilt retrofit size for recessed fixtures should confirm fit, since fit reports in some setups are mixed.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good color rendering and selectable CCT give precise control over light tone.
• High lumen output for 18W provides bright, efficient task lighting.
• Low-profile, gloss white finish looks clean and installs flush in many undercabinet layouts.
• Dimmable and daisy-chain capable for continuous runs and adjustable ambiance.

Cons

• Wire length can be short for some retrofit situations, requiring additional wiring or junctions.
• Fit is mixed in some dedicated fixtures, so measure before assuming it will sit perfectly in every cabinet or niche.

Specifications

Model Type	Direct wire under cabinet LED
Power	18W
Lumen Output	1224 - 1296 lumens at 120VAC
Selectable Color Temperatures	2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
Color Rendering	90 CRI, R9 > 50
Profile	1 in low-profile with polycarbonate diffuser
Dimming	Compatible with TRIAC or ELV dimmers to 5%

Our Verdict

The Nicor 42 LED hardwired under cabinet light is a solid choice for anyone installing permanent undercabinet lighting who values adjustable color temperature and good color fidelity. It delivers strong, efficient light and installs cleanly in many setups, offering good value for kitchens and workspaces; just confirm wiring length and fit for your specific cabinet layout before purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can these lights be dimmed?
Yes. They are dimmable with standard TRIAC or ELV dimmers down to approximately 5% output.

What color temperatures are available?
The fixture offers five selectable CCT options: 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, and 5000K.

Is this a plug-in fixture or hardwired?
This is a direct wire, hardwired undercabinet light designed for permanent installation and daisy chaining.