Under Cabinet Power Strips: The Complete Guide to Hardwired Kitchen Outlets

If you're renovating a kitchen — or just tired of outlets cutting through your beautiful backsplash — an under cabinet power strip is one of the smartest upgrades you can make. It puts power exactly where you need it, hides the hardware out of sight, and keeps your tile, stone, or glass completely intact.

But with several styles, sizes, finishes, and configurations available, choosing the right one isn't always obvious. This guide walks you through everything you need to know: what under cabinet power strips are, how they work, the difference between the two main product lines, and how to pick the right one for your kitchen.

What Is an Under Cabinet Angled Power Strip?

An under cabinet angled power strip is a hardwired electrical fixture that mounts flush to the underside of your upper cabinets. Instead of installing a traditional outlet in your backsplash — which requires cutting through tile, stone, or glass — the power strip sits hidden above the counter, angled slightly downward so outlets are easy to access without being visible from across the room.

The result is a clean, uninterrupted backsplash with full power access right where you use it most: at the counter, next to the coffee maker, beside the toaster, or wherever small appliances live in your kitchen.

Unlike a standard plug-in power strip, these fixtures are hardwired directly into your home's electrical system by a licensed electrician. This makes them a permanent, code-compliant solution — not a temporary workaround.

Why Homeowners and Designers Choose Under Cabinet Outlets

There are a few clear reasons this product category has become a go-to for kitchen remodels:

Preserves your backsplash. Cutting outlets into expensive tile, marble, or glass is irreversible and risky. Under cabinet power strips eliminate that entirely. Your backsplash stays exactly as designed.

Keeps counters cleaner. Power where you actually use it means shorter cords, less clutter, and a more organized workspace.

Professional-grade finish. Contractors and kitchen designers spec these products because they look built-in — not like an afterthought. The slim aluminum profile and powder-coated finish blend seamlessly with cabinetry.

Code compliant. Quality under cabinet power strips feature tamper-resistant receptacles and meet current NEC electrical codes, making them appropriate for permitted kitchen remodels.

Made in the USA. The leading product lines in this category are manufactured domestically, with aluminum extrusions and powder coating done in the Midwest and final assembly in Nebraska.

The Two Main Product Lines: APT Series vs. TR Series

If you've been shopping for under cabinet power strips, you've likely encountered two primary product lines from Task Lighting & Power by Hardware Resources. Understanding the difference between them is the most important decision you'll make.

APT Series — Slim Profile

The APT Series is the slimmer of the two options, with a 1½" profile that makes it ideal for installations where a low-profile, nearly invisible fixture is the priority. It features individual tamper-resistant single receptacles spaced along the strip.

Best for:

• Kitchen islands and countertops where visibility matters most
• Installations requiring a very discreet, tucked-away look
• Projects where USB charging is needed (the APT-USB variant adds integrated USB-A/C fast charging)
• Tighter spaces under shallower cabinets

Available in: Black, White, Bronze, and Satin Nickel
Lengths: 9" to 72" in standard increments
Amperage: 20A tamper-resistant single receptacles
Optional add-ons: Integrated USB-A/C charging port, on/off switch

Shop the APT Series →

TR Series — Tamper-Resistant Duplex

The TR Series has a slightly larger housing and features duplex receptacles — the familiar side-by-side two-outlet configuration most people recognize. This makes it a better fit when you need to plug in two appliances at the same position along the strip without spacing them far apart.

Best for:

• Standard kitchen wall cabinet installations
• Situations where duplex (two-outlet) access at a single point is preferred
• Bathroom mirror installations (vertical mounting)
• Shop, garage, or craft room applications

Available in: Black, White, Bronze, and Satin Nickel
Lengths: 9" to 72" in standard increments
Amperage: 20A tamper-resistant duplex receptacles

Shop the TR Series →

Which One Should You Choose?

If you're doing a kitchen island or want the most invisible installation possible, go with the APT Series. If you want a traditional duplex outlet feel in a cabinet-mounted format, the TR Series is the right call. For most standard kitchen cabinet runs, either works — it comes down to receptacle preference and profile size.

APT-USB: When You Need Power and Charging

One of the most popular configurations in the APT line is the APT-USB Series, which combines the slim profile of the standard APT strip with an integrated USB-A/C fast charging device.

This is particularly useful on kitchen islands or at desk-height workspaces where phones, tablets, and other devices need to charge without occupying an outlet. The USB device supports up to 18W fast charging and can be positioned on either the left or right side of the fixture, with wire entry on the opposite end.

If you're doing a new kitchen build or full remodel, specifying the USB variant adds minimal cost and delivers noticeably more functionality.

Shop the APT-USB Series →

Choosing the Right Length

Under cabinet power strips come in standard lengths from 9" to 72", designed to align with standard cabinet widths. Here's a quick reference:

For a continuous run across multiple cabinets, multiple strips can be wired in sequence. Custom lengths are also available by contacting the manufacturer directly — don't cut a strip to size, as that voids the warranty.

Finish Options: Matching Your Hardware

Under cabinet power strips are available in four standard powder-coated finishes:

• Black — the most popular choice; blends with dark cabinetry and nearly disappears under most cabinets
• White — ideal for white or light-colored cabinetry and appliances
• Bronze — warm, oil-rubbed tone; pairs well with traditional or transitional kitchen hardware
• Satin Nickel — clean, modern finish; coordinates with brushed nickel cabinet pulls and fixtures

A good rule of thumb: match your power strip finish to your cabinet hardware finish. If your pulls are matte black, go black. If they're satin nickel, match it. The strip lives in the same visual zone as your hardware, so coordination makes a real difference in how finished the kitchen looks.

Installation: What to Know Before You Buy

Under cabinet power strips require installation by a licensed electrician. This is not a DIY plug-in product — it's a hardwired fixture that connects directly to your home's electrical system.

Here's what the installation process typically involves:

1. Circuit assessment. Your electrician will confirm the existing circuit can handle the additional load, or run a new dedicated circuit if needed.
2. Wire routing. A single 12-14 gauge wire is run from your electrical panel or junction box to the fixture location.
3. Mounting. The strip mounts directly to the underside of the cabinet with the included hardware. No cabinet modification is required for standard installations.
4. Connection. The wire connects inside the fixture housing. Installation takes roughly 1-2 hours per strip for a qualified electrician.

Important notes:

• Do not field-cut the strips to size — this voids the warranty and creates safety risks
• Some jurisdictions require garbage disposals on a separate branch circuit; your electrician will advise
• If mounting on a kitchen island, the fixture can be installed horizontally under the countertop overhang or vertically on the side panel

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install an under cabinet power strip myself?
No. These are hardwired electrical fixtures that must be installed by a licensed electrician to comply with local electrical codes and to maintain the product warranty.

Will this work on a kitchen island?
Yes — both the APT and TR Series can be mounted horizontally under an island countertop or vertically on the side panel of the island. The APT Series' slim profile makes it particularly well-suited for island installations where visibility is a concern.

Do I need to cut into my backsplash?
No — that's the whole point. The strip mounts under the cabinet, completely above the backsplash. No cutting, no drilling through tile or stone.

How many outlets do I get?
It depends on the length and series. A 36" TR Series strip typically has four duplex receptacles (eight individual outlets). An APT strip of the same length has individual single receptacles spaced along its length. Your electrician can help you determine the right configuration for your appliance needs.

Are these strips safe for kitchen use?
Yes. All Task Lighting & Power strips feature 20A tamper-resistant receptacles, are UL listed, and meet current NEC electrical codes. Tamper-resistant outlets are required by code in most jurisdictions for new construction and remodels.

Can I get a custom length?
Yes. Custom sizes are available by contacting Task Lighting & Power directly at 800-445-6404. Standard lengths cover most cabinet widths, but custom options exist for non-standard configurations.

What if I want lighting too?
Task Lighting & Power makes a Lighted Power Strip that combines the angled power strip with integrated sempriaLED under cabinet lighting in a single fixture. This is a great option if you want to consolidate your under cabinet lighting and power into one clean installation.

Where to Buy

Under cabinet angled power strips from Task Lighting & Power by Hardware Resources are available here at Il Lume Design. We carry both the TR Series and APT Series in multiple lengths and all four finishes, with the APT-USB variant also available for installations requiring integrated USB charging.

We stock these products and ship quickly — no waiting on special orders for standard configurations.

Shop Under Cabinet Power Strips →

If you have questions about which configuration is right for your project, reach out through our contact page — we're happy to help you spec the right product before you buy.

Il Lume Design is an authorized retailer of Task Lighting & Power by Hardware Resources, specializing in premium kitchen hardware, lighting, and power solutions.