Introduction: Add Automatic Closet/cupboard Lights
In this instructable I will share with you a project of my own that isn't very complicated and is very cool. Basically I installed rows of LED's and hooked them up so they light up every time I open my closet doors and let me see all my clothes properly (very useful if someone is sleeping in the room and you want to see what your getting out the closet without waking them up).
Step 1: What You'll Need
I wrote this instructable after I finished the project so i tried to show as much as i could. for this project you will need:
tools:
drill
sharp knife
wire cutter
wire stripper (optional)
solder iron + solder (optional)
parts:
small screws (at least 3 for every shelf)
LED rows (one row as wide as your shelf for each shelf i got my LEDs already stringed together with resistors and covered in silicon but you can do it yourself if you want) aka "LED rope" (example - i used less rope)
tubing (about 3 inches per shelf. I used a regular watering hose from my garden tools)
zip-locks (as many as the screws)
2 line wire (I needed about 18 feet of wire for my closet but you may need more or less, try and pre-measure it after reading the whole thing)
door switch (1 for every set of doors)
regular switch (i added one in case i want to turn the whole closet off)
electric tape (optional but recommended)
tools:
drill
sharp knife
wire cutter
wire stripper (optional)
solder iron + solder (optional)
parts:
small screws (at least 3 for every shelf)
LED rows (one row as wide as your shelf for each shelf i got my LEDs already stringed together with resistors and covered in silicon but you can do it yourself if you want) aka "LED rope" (example - i used less rope)
tubing (about 3 inches per shelf. I used a regular watering hose from my garden tools)
zip-locks (as many as the screws)
2 line wire (I needed about 18 feet of wire for my closet but you may need more or less, try and pre-measure it after reading the whole thing)
door switch (1 for every set of doors)
regular switch (i added one in case i want to turn the whole closet off)
electric tape (optional but recommended)
Step 2: Wire the Stuff Together
my diagram isn't the best but the idea is:
your row of LEDs will have one line connecting the LEDs and resistor to one another and one parallel line to close the circuit.
if you have two rows connected (two shelves, one set of doors) connect one end of one row to the other (doesn't matter which line connects to which) using a wire as an extension (the length of the wire is the distance between the shelves).
close one end of the row (if you have two rows, close the end of one) by connecting its lines together.connect the other end to a wire long enough to go from the side of your shelf to the middle and then to behind the closet.
strip the wire at a distance from the LED equal to half your shelf on one line and run it through the door switch.
I recommend that you temporarily add the plug and test it out because it will be a lot harder to fix these things after you put them in
Step 3: Put It All in the Closet
time to put the lights up.
take three 1 inch pieces of tubing and cut them open (carefully! I cut myself).
with a screw connect these tubes to the bottom of your shelves open side down (a few inches into the shelf so its not right on the end), put one on each side (leave some space) and one in center of the shelf.
stick the LED row in the tubing and lock in with a zip lock (cut the tales to make it look cleaner).
place the door switch right between the doors (mine was hard so take your time if necessary and get it right) and screw it into place.
drill a small hole in the back of the closet in the corner and run the wire through.
screw or glue any hanging wire to the shelf so it looks better and you wont pull it out by accident.
take three 1 inch pieces of tubing and cut them open (carefully! I cut myself).
with a screw connect these tubes to the bottom of your shelves open side down (a few inches into the shelf so its not right on the end), put one on each side (leave some space) and one in center of the shelf.
stick the LED row in the tubing and lock in with a zip lock (cut the tales to make it look cleaner).
place the door switch right between the doors (mine was hard so take your time if necessary and get it right) and screw it into place.
drill a small hole in the back of the closet in the corner and run the wire through.
screw or glue any hanging wire to the shelf so it looks better and you wont pull it out by accident.
Step 4: Finishing Touch
After you've hooked it all up connect all the wires running to the back of the closet to one wire, add a regular switch (if you want) and the plug at the end (make sure to make the wire log enough to reach an outlet) and connect it to the power.
enjoy!
if you have any questions feel free to leave a comment