Comparison of commonly used door switches used for cabinet lighting

These are the four main methods for door activated cabinet lighting with the best choice being Lightdream’s concealed door switch system.

1. MAGNET AND REED SENSOR by LIGHTDREAM

 
Lightdream: Two door cabinet with concealed door switch parts

Pros

  • fully concealed
  • unaffected by door warp when thin or high doors are used
  • silent switching – no click noises which are amplified in boxy cabinets
  • inexpensive
  • light comes on as soon as the door is opened and goes off immediately when the door is closed
  • easily installed in the factory by the cabinetmaker saving onsite time for the electrician
  • suitable for any door – hinged, sliding or bifold
  • operates up to 30mm between door and carcass
  • long life – over 10 million operations – extremely reliable
  • with correct controller is able to turn off the light automatically if a door is left open
  • safe, easy to install as parts simply plug together

 

2. MICROSWITCH

 
unsightly door switches

Cons

  • unsightly
  • as tall and thin doors tend to warp, this switch will require ongoing adjustments
  • a microswitch in operation makes an audible click sound which is amplified by boxy cabinets
  • requires an electrician to install
  • does not time out if a door is left open
  • not suitable for sliding doors
  • being mechanical it can have a short lifespan
  • with just millimetres to work with is difficult to setup – either keeps the door slightly ajar or light doesn’t switch off

 

3. PIR – PASSIVE INFRARED

 
Clipsal PIR

Cons

  • unsightly – bulky, quite wide and deep (70 x 140mm) for cabinet interiors
  • does not detect door opening. Detects infrared, therefore two actions are required before the light comes on. First action, open door, second action,
    move your body or arms to cause the sensor to trigger.
  • requires an electrician to install
  • minimum load is 40W which is much greater than most LED loads
  • has built-in time delay which keeps the light on for a period of time after the doors are closed or switches off whilst doors are still open
  • expensive

 

4. RIR – REFLECTIVE INFRARED

 
IR Sensor Recessed

Cons

  • short lifespan due to IR LED being powered on and oscillating at 40kHz, 24/7 – typical 30,000H use
  • unsightly due to exposed wires and plugs
  • short cables with bulky plugs makes a difficult installation
  • Works by detecting a door and reflecting IR light back into the sensor which switches off the light. The problem is that sunlight and other light sources will also enter the sensor when the door is opened which has the effect of turning off the light.
  • preferable for use in dark spaces only where there is no ambient or stray light.

 

Various methods of lighting

Ambient lighting is the general lighting in a room or space. It should provide a comfortable level of brightness without glare.

Task lighting is bright to enable the task at hand. Kitchen benchtops and other work areas require task lighting. Wardrobes and closets may also require this level of lighting.

Accent lighting is for use on kickboards, open shelving and recessed sections. The effect is to highlight a space and add drama.

Indirect lighting minimises glare. Light sources are best placed in a cove or behind a pelmet.

Courtesy lighting for interior spaces, cabinets and drawers. Apart from functionality, also adds ambiance and luxury.

Diffused lighting is a soft light without glare. Normally produced by placing a diffuser in front of the light source. The diffuser scatters the light allowing it to wrap around objects and avoiding shadows.

Spot lighting is used to highlight a particular object on a shelf or a work of art. It is a concentrated form of light and is best placed pointing away from the observer.

 
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