ᐅ How can Ikea Pax wardrobes be integrated with power outlets and interior lighting?
Created on: 26 Apr 2015 20:37
F
Flolemue70F
Flolemue7026 Apr 2015 20:37Hello everyone,
I am planning to modify my Ikea Pax wardrobe to include both power outlets and interior lighting. I understand that Ikea Pax does not offer ready-made solutions for electrical accessories, so I have the following questions:
What is the best way to install power outlet modules inside the wardrobe without having cables lying around untidily or posing safety risks? Are there specific power strips or built-in solutions that integrate well with the interior of a Pax wardrobe?
Additionally, I am interested in which types of lighting work best to illuminate the interior space – LED strips, fixed mounted lights, or perhaps battery-powered options? More detailed information about power supply (cable access, switch placement) and safety considerations regarding potential moisture exposure would also be very helpful.
Has anyone already done this and can share their experiences, tips, and tricks on the best way to combine power outlets and interior lighting in an Ikea Pax?
Best regards and thanks in advance for your help!
I am planning to modify my Ikea Pax wardrobe to include both power outlets and interior lighting. I understand that Ikea Pax does not offer ready-made solutions for electrical accessories, so I have the following questions:
What is the best way to install power outlet modules inside the wardrobe without having cables lying around untidily or posing safety risks? Are there specific power strips or built-in solutions that integrate well with the interior of a Pax wardrobe?
Additionally, I am interested in which types of lighting work best to illuminate the interior space – LED strips, fixed mounted lights, or perhaps battery-powered options? More detailed information about power supply (cable access, switch placement) and safety considerations regarding potential moisture exposure would also be very helpful.
Has anyone already done this and can share their experiences, tips, and tricks on the best way to combine power outlets and interior lighting in an Ikea Pax?
Best regards and thanks in advance for your help!
Hello Flolemue70,
First of all, great job on your clear and detailed question – it makes providing help much easier.
Regarding sockets and lighting inside the Ikea Pax: In my previous projects, I found that a safe and neat installation of sockets inside the cabinet works best with built-in power strips, which are available in furniture and electronics stores. These strips usually have a slim design and can be screwed or glued to the side panels or back panel of the cabinet with some basic DIY skills. An important point is cable management: I strongly recommend installing a cable duct or conduit behind the back panel so the cables don’t hang loose. It’s best to use flexible cable bundles that have enough length to allow moving the cabinet without strain.
For power supply, make sure the cable from the cabinet to the wall outlet runs outside the furniture wall. Tip: create an opening in the back panel that can be covered for a clean appearance.
Regarding interior lighting: LED strips are, in my opinion, ideal. They are slim, flexible, and produce little heat – which is important inside enclosed furniture. LED strips with 12 V operating voltage, powered by an external power supply, are recommended. The power supply can be hidden, for example, under the bottom panel or inside the base.
For control: a small on/off switch or alternatively a motion sensor works well. This way, the light turns on automatically when you open the cabinet and switches off again after a short time, saving electricity.
Concerning safety: make sure all components used are CE-certified – especially when handling electrical installations inside furniture!
If you like, feel free to provide more details about the planned cabinet size and your exact electrical skills, so I can address potential challenges more specifically. For example, what is your status regarding your electrical installation permit? Do you want to install it yourself or hire a professional?
Best regards
FAZAR
First of all, great job on your clear and detailed question – it makes providing help much easier.
Regarding sockets and lighting inside the Ikea Pax: In my previous projects, I found that a safe and neat installation of sockets inside the cabinet works best with built-in power strips, which are available in furniture and electronics stores. These strips usually have a slim design and can be screwed or glued to the side panels or back panel of the cabinet with some basic DIY skills. An important point is cable management: I strongly recommend installing a cable duct or conduit behind the back panel so the cables don’t hang loose. It’s best to use flexible cable bundles that have enough length to allow moving the cabinet without strain.
For power supply, make sure the cable from the cabinet to the wall outlet runs outside the furniture wall. Tip: create an opening in the back panel that can be covered for a clean appearance.
Regarding interior lighting: LED strips are, in my opinion, ideal. They are slim, flexible, and produce little heat – which is important inside enclosed furniture. LED strips with 12 V operating voltage, powered by an external power supply, are recommended. The power supply can be hidden, for example, under the bottom panel or inside the base.
For control: a small on/off switch or alternatively a motion sensor works well. This way, the light turns on automatically when you open the cabinet and switches off again after a short time, saving electricity.
Concerning safety: make sure all components used are CE-certified – especially when handling electrical installations inside furniture!
If you like, feel free to provide more details about the planned cabinet size and your exact electrical skills, so I can address potential challenges more specifically. For example, what is your status regarding your electrical installation permit? Do you want to install it yourself or hire a professional?
Best regards
FAZAR
Hello Flolemue70 and FAZAR,
I would like to revisit this topic in a structured way and summarize how to set up sockets and lighting inside the Ikea Pax wardrobe using DIY methods and a bit of electrician knowledge.
1. Socket Integration:
- The simplest option is slim power strips that can be fixed inside the wardrobe using double-sided mounting tape or hook-and-loop fasteners.
- For a cleaner and safer solution, a recessed socket mounted with screws is recommended. Make sure the back panel of your Pax is removed or at least cut out in an appropriate spot to route cables towards the back.
- Cable ducts or flexible cable spirals are great for bundling cables and protecting them from damage.
2. Lighting:
- LED strips with a self-adhesive backing work excellently and can be attached in corners or along the vertical T-slats.
- Alternatively, you can use battery- or rechargeable battery-powered LED lights mounted with adhesive pads, which don’t require cables. The downside is that they need regular recharging or battery replacement.
- Control can be achieved via push buttons, motion sensors, or magnetic contacts; the latter is especially elegant (door opens = light on).
3. Power Supply & Safety:
- If the installation is connected to the mains, the wiring should be secured and inspected by a certified electrician.
- Generally, using 12V systems with a power supply unit is preferable since these voltages are less hazardous and easier to handle in furniture construction.
Summary:
- Power strips with back panel drilling + cable duct
- 12V LED strips with power supply unit and motion sensor
- Switch or sensor within easy reach (e.g., inside the door frame)
I hope this step-by-step overview helps you and others interested in this topic.
Best regards
rotofra
I would like to revisit this topic in a structured way and summarize how to set up sockets and lighting inside the Ikea Pax wardrobe using DIY methods and a bit of electrician knowledge.
1. Socket Integration:
- The simplest option is slim power strips that can be fixed inside the wardrobe using double-sided mounting tape or hook-and-loop fasteners.
- For a cleaner and safer solution, a recessed socket mounted with screws is recommended. Make sure the back panel of your Pax is removed or at least cut out in an appropriate spot to route cables towards the back.
- Cable ducts or flexible cable spirals are great for bundling cables and protecting them from damage.
2. Lighting:
- LED strips with a self-adhesive backing work excellently and can be attached in corners or along the vertical T-slats.
- Alternatively, you can use battery- or rechargeable battery-powered LED lights mounted with adhesive pads, which don’t require cables. The downside is that they need regular recharging or battery replacement.
- Control can be achieved via push buttons, motion sensors, or magnetic contacts; the latter is especially elegant (door opens = light on).
3. Power Supply & Safety:
- If the installation is connected to the mains, the wiring should be secured and inspected by a certified electrician.
- Generally, using 12V systems with a power supply unit is preferable since these voltages are less hazardous and easier to handle in furniture construction.
Summary:
- Power strips with back panel drilling + cable duct
- 12V LED strips with power supply unit and motion sensor
- Switch or sensor within easy reach (e.g., inside the door frame)
I hope this step-by-step overview helps you and others interested in this topic.
Best regards
rotofra
[@FAZAR]
I wonder how practical this really is in the long run. Doesn’t this actually complicate the cable management problem? The longer the cable hangs, the greater the potential trip hazard or risk of cable damage from frequently moving the cabinet.
Also, isn’t it risky to have an electrical outlet inside furniture so close to moving parts? What happens if, for example, a cable gets accidentally pinched or crushed?
To be honest, the whole idea seems challenging from a safety and maintenance perspective. The risks associated with DIY installations inside furniture could quickly outweigh the benefits.
It might be worth considering alternative approaches — for example, external lighting solutions with longer cables or cable- and outlet-free designs using battery-powered LEDs with motion sensors, which would be much simpler.
What do you think about the idea of buying preassembled acrylic panels with integrated LEDs and leaving outlets out entirely? Or at least always placing outlets outside the IKEA Pax wardrobe?
I look forward to hearing more arguments and experiences, as this discussion will surely help anyone considering such a setup.
FAZAR schrieb:
It is best to work with flexible cable harnesses that provide enough cable length to allow the cabinet to be moved if needed.
I wonder how practical this really is in the long run. Doesn’t this actually complicate the cable management problem? The longer the cable hangs, the greater the potential trip hazard or risk of cable damage from frequently moving the cabinet.
Also, isn’t it risky to have an electrical outlet inside furniture so close to moving parts? What happens if, for example, a cable gets accidentally pinched or crushed?
To be honest, the whole idea seems challenging from a safety and maintenance perspective. The risks associated with DIY installations inside furniture could quickly outweigh the benefits.
It might be worth considering alternative approaches — for example, external lighting solutions with longer cables or cable- and outlet-free designs using battery-powered LEDs with motion sensors, which would be much simpler.
What do you think about the idea of buying preassembled acrylic panels with integrated LEDs and leaving outlets out entirely? Or at least always placing outlets outside the IKEA Pax wardrobe?
I look forward to hearing more arguments and experiences, as this discussion will surely help anyone considering such a setup.
Hello everyone,
I would like to add that it is definitely possible to combine IKEA Pax wardrobes with power outlets and interior lighting in a practical way, but it greatly depends on your own experience with electrical work and DIY skills.
Based on experiences from my circle:
- When installing power outlets, always use original parts and high-quality components to avoid safety risks. Power strips inside the wardrobe should be securely mounted and well ventilated.
- LEDs are particularly suitable because they generate little heat and can be easily installed in niches. I recommend LED strips with sufficient brightness (at least 3000 Kelvin for natural light).
- A good solution for power supply is a cable entry at the back of the wardrobe sealed with a rubber ring to route cables neatly and safely to the wall outlet.
- For practical use, I recommend switches that are easy to reach; for example, a toggle switch on the inside of the door for simple operation.
- If you are unsure, it is best to consult a qualified electrician – this prevents problems later on.
In summary: With proper planning and materials, this is a very achievable project. However, safety should always be the top priority.
Best regards
Katau
I would like to add that it is definitely possible to combine IKEA Pax wardrobes with power outlets and interior lighting in a practical way, but it greatly depends on your own experience with electrical work and DIY skills.
Based on experiences from my circle:
- When installing power outlets, always use original parts and high-quality components to avoid safety risks. Power strips inside the wardrobe should be securely mounted and well ventilated.
- LEDs are particularly suitable because they generate little heat and can be easily installed in niches. I recommend LED strips with sufficient brightness (at least 3000 Kelvin for natural light).
- A good solution for power supply is a cable entry at the back of the wardrobe sealed with a rubber ring to route cables neatly and safely to the wall outlet.
- For practical use, I recommend switches that are easy to reach; for example, a toggle switch on the inside of the door for simple operation.
- If you are unsure, it is best to consult a qualified electrician – this prevents problems later on.
In summary: With proper planning and materials, this is a very achievable project. However, safety should always be the top priority.
Best regards
Katau
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