Totally agree about measuring carefully—been there, done that. For motion sensors, though, I've had good luck using rechargeable battery-powered ones just in the spice cabinet. Saves energy, and no accidental triggers from pets or kids running around... yet.
"For motion sensors, though, I've had good luck using rechargeable battery-powered ones just in the spice cabinet."
Interesting idea about the spice cabinet sensors—never thought of that. Personally, I've stuck with under-cabinet LED strips on a dimmer switch. Easy to install, adjustable brightness, and no worries about batteries running low. But now you've got me curious... how often do you find yourself needing to recharge those sensors? Seems like it'd be a bit of a hassle if it's frequent.
I've actually tried those rechargeable sensors in my pantry, and honestly, they're not as much hassle as you'd think. Mine usually last around 3-4 months before needing a recharge, but it depends on how often you're opening that cabinet. I cook a lot, so maybe mine drain faster than average. Still, it's just a quick USB plug-in overnight and they're good to go again.
That said, I totally get why you'd prefer the LED strips—no battery anxiety there. I did strips under my cabinets too, and they're awesome for general lighting. But for small spaces like spice cabinets or pantry shelves, the sensors are surprisingly handy. No fumbling around for switches or dimmers when your hands are covered in flour or sauce...just open the door and boom, instant light.
I went with wired LED strips in my kitchen, mostly because my house is older and I wanted something permanent and reliable. But I gotta admit, your sensor setup sounds tempting for those smaller cabinets. I hate dealing with batteries, but a few months between charges isn't bad at all. Might actually give it a shot in my spice cabinet—it's always dark in there and I'm tired of grabbing cumin instead of cinnamon...
I did wired LED strips under my cabinets too, and they're great for main lighting, but I ran into the same issue with smaller spaces. Ended up trying rechargeable sensor lights in my pantry shelves—honestly, it's been a game changer. Installation was simple: just stuck them on with adhesive strips, no wiring hassle. Charging every few months isn't as annoying as I thought it'd be...and no more accidental paprika in my oatmeal. Definitely worth considering for your spice cabinet situation.
