Info Leonlite
18-07-2023
How to Choose
Recessed Lighting
How to Choose Recessed Lighting：A Comprehensive Guide to Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting has become increasingly popular as a modern and space-saving lighting solution. It offers the versatility to create an illusion of spaciousness in smaller rooms or areas with low ceilings. Whether you want to illuminate an entire room or highlight specific features of your home, recessed lights provide an elegant solution.
Before making any decisions, there are essential factors to keep in mind. What do you intend to illuminate? Are you aiming for a broad pool of light or a focused spotlight? What size fixture suits your needs? Which type of light bulb are you looking to use? Do you require a remodel fixture, or can you opt for a new-construction housing? How will you tackle the wiring for your new light? Will you need an IC (Insulation Compatible) or AT (Air Tight) fixture, or perhaps one that encompasses both feature.
* Prices seem high? Could be multi-unit packs. Check your cart for details.
Table Of Content
- Key Buying Considerations for Recessed Lighting
- Exploring the World of Recessed Lighting
- FAQs
Key Buying Considerations for Recessed Lighting
when purchasing recessed lights, thoughtfully consider your lighting objectives, select an appropriate fixture size, and choose the type of light bulb that aligns with your preferences. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can make an informed decision and discover the perfect recessed lighting solution for your home.
How to layout recessed lighting
Recessed light fixtures offer great versatility and can serve as general lighting, task lighting, or accent lighting.The first crucial step is to identify where you intend to place the recessed lighting and the purpose it will serve. Consider the following applications:
General Lighting: This type of lighting functions similarly to regular lamps and chandeliers, providing even illumination across a specific area.
Wall Wash Lighting: By reflecting light off the walls, this style creates a captivating effect that showcases décor, fireplaces, or architectural details. It also serves to hide minor imperfections or dirt.
Accent and Task Lighting: Ideal for highlighting artwork, bookcases, or countertops, this lighting option offers targeted illumination similar to a spotlight.
Wet Location Lighting: Specifically designed for use in showers, bathrooms, and other high-moisture areas, this type of lighting ensures safety and longevity in such environments.
* Prices seem high? Could be multi-unit packs. Check your cart for details.
Fixture Size
Residential recessed light fixtures commonly range from 3 to 7 inches in diameter. Once you have determined the application, it's essential to choose the appropriate size for your recessed lights. Typically, there are four sizes available:
| Size | Size Description |
|---|---|
| 6-inch | Delivers maximum wattage and light output for larger areas. |
| 5-inch | Offers standard wattage, perfect for smaller ceiling spaces. |
| 4-inch | Ideal for accent lighting and captivating wall washing. |
| 3-inch | Perfect for precise accent lighting and task-oriented needs. |
One approach to determining the ideal size is to consider the distance between the ceiling and the desired lighting area, as well as the desired illuminated space.For an 8-foot ceiling, a 4-inch fixture is ideal for illuminating kitchen countertops. Alternatively, a 6-inch downlight at the same height will provide a pleasant glow over your breakfast table. In the case of a 10-foot ceiling, opting for 4-inch fixtures will ensure better area coverage due to the wider light dispersion. Additionally, a 7-inch fixture is suitable for creating a beautiful wall washing effect in an 8-foot ceiling. Among the available options, the 6-inch fixture stands out as the most popular choice.
Light Bulb Options
Recessed fixtures with a medium screw base lamp holder can accommodate incandescent, fluorescent, halogen, or LED light bulbs. However, specific fixtures may have dedicated lamp holders designed for certain bulb types, typically fluorescent or halogen.
- If you appreciate the savings, extended lifespan, and cooler temperature of fluorescent lamps while desiring the warm color of incandescent light, fluorescent lamps with a low Kelvin value are available.
- For high-intensity lighting in small areas, halogen bulbs are often the optimal choice.
- Incandescent lamps are favored by many for warm, general lighting. LED light bulbs offer a combination of desirable characteristics.
- If you require dimmable recessed lights or plan to control them using a remote or automated system, opt for fixtures compatible with incandescent, halogen, or LED light bulbs. Note that fluorescent bulbs are not dimmable unless equipped with a dimmable ballast.
- A recent innovation in the recessed lighting market is the Wafer LED recessed light. It features an exceptionally thin design and lacks a housing. This versatile option can be utilized in both new construction projects and remodels.
When selecting recessed lighting fixtures, pay attention to the type of bulb it accommodates. You'll find bulbs with screw-in or pin bases. Common options include incandescent, halogen, LED, or standard bulbs. LED bulbs are popular due to their energy efficiency and cool temperature. Consider the lighting temperature or color that best suits your home—bright, soft, or daylight. If you desire dimmable lighting, make sure to purchase compatible bulbs and install dimmer switches.
Exploring the World of Recessed Lighting
When it comes to recessed lighting, there are several aspects to consider, ranging from trim types and light bulb options to the distinction between remodel fixtures and new-construction housings. Additionally, wiring types and cost play a significant role in the decision-making process. Let's dive into these essential factors and shed light on what you need to know before diving into recessed lighting installation. If in doubt, don't hesitate to seek professional assistance for a safe and satisfactory installation.
The Components of a Recessed Light
Recessed light fixtures typically consist of the following components:
- Wattage: Each electric lighting fixture has a designated maximum wattage for the incandescent light bulb(s) it can safely accommodate.
- Trim: The trim is inserted into the housing. Depending on your chosen housing and trim, you may need to remove the trim to install the light bulb.
- Housing: While some recessed fixtures are composed of a single piece, the majority are manufactured in two parts. In a two-piece fixture, the housing refers to the component mounted on the ceiling.
- Frame: Recessed fixtures designed for installation into open framing incorporate a mounting frame affixed to the ceiling's framing members, such as the joists, to secure them in place.
Understanding Trim Types
The trim, an essential component of recessed lighting fixtures, offers a multitude of options to cater to diverse requirements. Its primary purpose is to enhance aesthetics by concealing mis-cut or over-sized holes, camouflaging unsightly and torn drywall resulting from the removal of existing trim.
Baffle Trim: the most popular choice of all recessed lighting trims. Perfect for use in living spaces such as living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, etc. It has large uniform grooves which are designed to absorb excess light and helping to reduce glare.
Reflector Trim: preferred choice for use in kitchens, very high ceilings and commercial applications. Reflector trims use a highly polished smooth interior trim to maximize the amount of light produced from the bulb. These trims are available with multiple tints which can aid in either obscuring the bulb from view, or warming the room.
Adjustable Trim(Eyeball&Gimbal): used in general lighting, task lighting, accent lighting and wall washing. These types of trims allow the bulb to "float" in the housing and give the user the ability to position the bulb to reach a desired area. A benefit to using adjustable trims is that the housing can be installed off center and the trim can compensate for the housings position and still accomplish the desired lighting technique.
Lensed Trim: designed to protect the bulb and the interior of the housing from moisture or taking direct hits of water. They are the preferred choice for use in bathrooms, showers, eave lighting and in closets.
* Prices seem high? Could be multi-unit packs. Check your cart for details.
Consider the Housing Options
The housing of recessed lighting is responsible for holding the light bulb or LED retrofit kit securely. Selecting the right housing type is crucial for a seamless installation. Consider the following options:
New Construction: Designed for installation in newly constructed homes or areas where the ceiling hasn't been installed yet, offering complete access through the attic.
Retrofit Modules: If you already have recessed light housing installed and want to upgrade to energy-efficient LEDs, retrofit modules are a convenient option. They can be easily screwed into the socket and snapped into the existing housing, eliminating the need for extensive rewiring.
Remodel: Intended for situations where full access to the space above the new fixture is not possible, making it suitable for retrofitting existing spaces.
Ultra-Thin Downlights: This style of lighting eliminates the need for housing altogether. Designed for both new and remodel construction, ultra-thin downlights are perfect for tight spaces where traditional housing might not fit, such as under a joist.
Remodel fixtures rely on metal clips pushed through the housing and onto the ceiling (drywall or plaster) for support. New-construction fixtures are screwed or nailed to the ceiling joists. If you can't access the space above the ceiling for wiring purposes, a remodel fixture is your best bet. However, if you have access to the ceiling area where the fixture will be installed, new-construction recessed lights can be fitted into your existing ceiling. The advantage of new-construction fixtures lies in their typically lower cost and wider variety of available trims.
IC-rated fixtures are designed for installation in direct contact with insulation. If you're planning to add recessed lights to an insulated ceiling, ensure that the fixtures you choose have IC-rated housings. Otherwise, you'll need to acquire or construct a cover to keep the insulation away from them.
In the case of non-AT-rated fixtures, their installation creates a pathway for heat to escape during winter, akin to a chimney. This may not be problematic if there is more living space above the fixtures, but it becomes crucial if the space is an unfinished attic. Any recessed lighting fixtures to be housed in an unfinished, insulated attic should be both IC and AT rated. Fortunately, most styles of recessed fixtures offer options with either or both ratings.
Assessing Your Lighting Circuit
When installing hard-wired lighting fixtures, such as recessed fixtures, it's essential to consider the maximum number of fixtures that can be accommodated on a circuit. This determination is based on the maximum wattage rating of the fixtures, not the wattage of the light bulbs themselves. If you plan to install multiple fixtures simultaneously, seek out fixtures with the lowest maximum wattage rating that allows you to utilize the desired bulbs. This ensures optimal compatibility and prevents overload.
Considerations for Wiring
If you need to feed wire from one joist bay to another, remember to create a hole in the center of each joist. Recessed light connections are made in a junction box attached to the fixture. If you're using Type NM (Romex) wiring, opt for fixtures with built-in Type NM clamps in their junction boxes. For Type MC cable, select fixtures with the corresponding built-in clamp. This will save you a significant amount of time during installation.
Factoring in Cost
The cost of recessed lights can vary based on factors such as size, features, quality, and type. At major home improvement retailers, individual fixtures start at around $10 and can reach up to $60. Multipacks with discounted rates are available in sets of four, six, or eight. LED lighting fixtures tend to have a higher upfront cost, but their energy efficiency yields long-term savings.
Installation Considerations
While some homeowners may feel confident installing recessed lights themselves, it's crucial to prioritize safety. If you're unsure, it's best to hire a professional electrician for the job. Keep in mind that enlisting professional help will increase the overall cost. Factors such as wiring complications or the addition of dimmer switches can also impact the final price.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
Author
INFO-Leonlite
Tags
Recessed Light
Wall Wash Lighting
Trim
Housing
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