Knowledge Builders

can light housing sizes

by Prof. Evan Casper IV Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The most common residential sizes are 4-inch, 5-inch and 6-inch. This leads to the common question; “What is this size is actually referring to?” The answer is the size of the inside diameter of the housing (aka “can”) with the trim or LED module removed.

Full Answer

What size of recessed can lighting do I Need?

Most manufacturers will list the size of the recessed can lighting solution to help you determine the size of the product. There are six common sizes ranging from 1 inch to 6 inches. The best way to choose recessed lighting can sizes is to look at the architectural features of the space.

What size can for indoor lighting do I Need?

It can also be used for task lighting over specific areas since it casts a more focused light output. Can sizes of 5” and 6” are ideal for general lighting needs since they are larger, but can also be used as ambient lighting in large spaces.

What are the best recessed lighting housings?

The best-rated product in Recessed Lighting Housings is the H36 3 in. Steel Recessed Lighting Housing for New Construction Ceiling, No Insulation Contact, Air-Tite, GU10 Socket. What are the shipping options for Recessed Lighting Housings? Some Recessed Lighting Housings can be shipped to you at home, while others can be picked up in store.

Can recessed lighting housings be shipped to my home?

Some Recessed Lighting Housings can be shipped to you at home, while others can be picked up in store. What are some popular features for Recessed Lighting Housings? Some popular features for Recessed Lighting Housings are air tight, dimmable and shallow.

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Are there different size can lights?

Recessed lights are typically available in sizes ranging from 3 to 6 inches in diameter. The size you need depends on how you plan to use the light and where the fixture will be located.

How big of a hole for a 6 can light?

6-3/8”And the 6-3/8” is the absolute minimum diameter that you will need for 6” recessed can lights.

Will a BR40 fit in a 6-inch can?

Typically BR40's are used in 6-inch recessed can fixtures in the ceiling. 6-inches is the diameter of the opening of the recessed cans. 5-inch recessed cans will be difficult to fit since the diameter of a BR40 is already 5 inches.

What size are standard can lights?

Recessed Lighting Sizes 4-inch and 5-inch fixtures are great in kitchens for providing overhead countertop lighting. 6-inch fixtures are most common for general lighting purposes.

What size of hole are needed for recessed lighting?

Drill a 1/4-inch hole in the ceiling at the center of the planned opening. If necessary, go into the attic and make sure there are no wires, pipes or ductwork behind the planned opening.

What size hole do I need for a 4 inch recessed light?

4-3/8”Blue Boar Tungsten Carbide Grit Recessed Lighting Hole Saw 4-3/8” is perfect for installing most 4-inch recessed light cans in ceilings and soffits. CONFIRM the actual cutout size of your recessed lights as all 4" lights can vary by manufacturer.

What does BR mean in flood lights?

bulged reflectorBR stands for “bulged reflector.” These bulbs traditionally had a bulged reflector inside the housing to increase the amount of light they put out, giving them a slightly bulging shape. This also creates a softer light to view a wide area without harsh edges or intense shadows.

What is the difference between BR 30 and BR 40?

BR30 vs BR40 In a Nutshell It's pretty simple. The numbers 30 and 40 refer to the size of the bulb, which are measured in 1/8 of an inch. So a BR30 bulb measures 3.75 inches, and a BR40 is 5 inches.

Can I use BR30 instead of BR40?

For 5" cans, a BR30 will fit with a little space to all sides while a BR40 will fit with little to no space on the sides. For 6" cans, a BR30 may leave so much space between the bulb and trim that you don't care for the look, though this is a personal choice.

What is the difference between can lights and recessed lights?

Recessed lights, also known as can lights, are described as metal light housings installed in the ceiling for a sleek look that gives you back your ceiling. Their diameter generally varies from 3” to 6.”

How do you measure recessed lights?

A good general rule for placement is to divide the height of the ceiling by two. The result is the amount of space to leave between each light. For example, recessed lighting spacing for an 8-foot-high ceiling would be 4 feet between each light.

Can you install recessed lighting without housing?

Yes, you can install recessed lighting without housing. You can get this done by a certified electrician or choose to do it yourself. Before you jump into the DIY project, make sure you have basic wiring knowledge and tools at hand.

How do you fill the gap between light fixture and ceiling?

0:072:29How to Hide Gaps Around a Ceiling Light Box - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGo ahead and put it up then I'm just going to bend the wires out to hold it up there. Why I getMoreGo ahead and put it up then I'm just going to bend the wires out to hold it up there. Why I get ready it's amount of light. So we'll take the light.

Can light won't stay in ceiling?

Increase the spring tension. In order to fix loose recessed lighting, set the trim down with the torsion springs facing up. Push down on both sides of the torsion springs to widen the V-shape. Return the recessed lighting to the ceiling.

How do you cut a hole in a ceiling for a light fixture?

0:476:49How To Cut Recessed Light Holes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the saw i'll be using is a six and three-eighths drywall hole saw you can get these at most homeMoreSo the saw i'll be using is a six and three-eighths drywall hole saw you can get these at most home improvement shops this one came from menards which is in our area.

How do you fill gaps in recessed lighting?

How to Seal Recessed Light Fixtures for Energy EfficiencyRemove the bulb from the light fixture.Pull the trim ring down a few inches from the ceiling.Apply a bead of caulk around the cutout in the ceiling.Press the trim ring into the caulking.Reinstall the bulb in the recessed light fixture.

How to Measure What Size Recessed Lights you Have

Then measure across the opening of the inside of the housing at the widest point.

A Few Notes

Housings sizes can vary a little between manufacturers, but they should measure close to a whole number – either 3″, 4″, 5″, or 6″.

What sizes do recessed lighting come in?

The size of the lights is categorized. Four inch, five inch and six inch are the most common residential sizes. This leads to a question about what the size is actually referring to. It’s the size of the inside diameter of the housing that’s important.

How do I know the size of my light bulb?

Bulb size is based on the diameter of the bulb at its widest point, which is 8 inches. A tubular bulb that is 12 eighths of an inch in diameter is referred to as T12

Where can I use BR30 bulbs?

The BR30 light bulbs deliver soft-edged, directional light and can be found in general household light fixture, can lighting, and/or track lighting. They produce less shadow than PAR bulbs, but they are great for dimmer switches.

Do all light bulbs fit the same?

It is possible to use any type of bulb for electric lights. Electricity is used to power light bulbs.

Can I use regular bulbs in recessed lighting?

A medium screw base lamp holder can be used to hold a variety of light bulbs. If you want to be able to dim or control your lights with a remote or automated system, you should choose the fixture that you use for the light bulbs.

Is recessed lighting outdated?

The flexibility to change the finishes later is one of the main reasons why the lighting is timeless. There is a can in the ceiling. The finish can be bought in a variety of colors and styles to fit your needs. You have the option to change them as often as you please.

Can you use A19 bulb in recessed?

The A19 bulb is better suited for hanging ceiling and floor lamps because of its curved shape. The shape and reflective coating of the BR30 makes it an ideal bulb for use in kitchen, hallway, and track lighting.

What is the best size recessed light for a task?

Three-inch recessed lighting is the most standard for task lighting, with an aperture of 3 inches a light beam can be concentrated in one area. Proper placement for recessed lighting that is being used as task lighting is to place your can lights flush with the ceiling and over your task area.

What are the drawbacks of IC rated recessed lights?

The drawback to IC Rated recessed lights is that the light source is located closer to the trim, increasing the glare. Manufacturers will limit the wattage that can be used in IC Rated recessed fixtures. A way to avoid glare would be to use a fixture such as a pendant or chandelier paired with a dimmer instead of can lighting.

Why Buy From Del Mar Fans & Lighting?

There are many reasons to buy from Del Mar Fans and Lighting, however, here are just a few reasons we would like to bring attention to!

What is recessed lighting?

Recessed lighting fixtures are light fixtures that are installed in the ceiling to provide task, accent, ambient, and wall washing lighting effects. They aren’t as decorative or expensive as chandeliers or pendants and aren’t as complex as track lighting -- but they can still be a difficult topic because they require knowledge ...

How deep should a downlight be?

Most residential downlights top out at 7 ½” deep, meaning they will generally fit. Shallow recessed lighting is available if you don’t have much room. Most shallow recessed light fixtures are only 5” deep or less. There are deep housings available if you have extra room.

How wide is a standard ceiling joist?

Standard Measurements: The average home uses ceiling joists that range from 2x4 to 2x12 inches. The width of the board determines the height of the ceiling. Joists have a standard spacing of 16-24 inches, regardless of their size or length.

What is the best trim for ambient lighting?

The most appropriate trims for ambient lighting: Standard Open Trims. Premium Baffles.

What is the standard size of a fixture?

The most common residential fixture sizes are 4-inch, 5-inch, and 6-inch. These sizes refer to the diameter of the opening in the housings where the trim fits.

What is an air tight rated recessed light?

Air Tight Rated – An “Air-Tight” rating on a recessed fixture refers to an energy code first introduced in Washington State which requires recessed fixtures to be manufactured in a way that restricts air leakage (energy loss) through them. Air-tight fixtures prevent energy waste and their overall quality will be better.

What is a low voltage transformer?

Transformer (Dedicated low-voltage fixtures only) – Low Voltage recessed fixtures use a step-down transformer that converts the incoming 120V line voltage down to either 12 volts or 24 volts.

What is recessed lighting?

These are all names that refer to the part of a recessed light that sits above the ceiling. It’s what provides the structure to attach the wire connections, the trim, and lamp or LED module. In this post we’ll briefly look at the basics of recessed fixtures including:

What is a recessed light fixture made of?

Most are made from aluminum or galvanized steel. Junction Box – The metal enclosure where the electrical connections are made to each fixture.

What is a compact fluorescent light?

Compact Fluorescent – Commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms, especially in newer homes due to energy efficiency requirements . Each fixture contains an electronic ballast and uses a pin base fluorescent lamp. Dedicated LED – Each LED fixture contains a driver which regulates the current/voltage to the diode.

What is a new construction housing?

New construction housings are installed prior to the drywall in new construction projects. They have adjustable arms that attach to the ceiling joists.

What is the size of a BR30 light bulb?

So, a BR30 is 30/8 inches, or three and 3/4 inches. An MR11 is 11/8 inches. So, you can swap out a PAR30 for an R30 or a BR30 - they are all the same size.

What is BR lamp?

Moving on to BR: Want to take a guess on what it stands for? This is another reflector lamp to maximize brightness, but this time, the light bulb itself has a bulged shape to direct light out. One disadvantage of the BR lamp is that it's a little longer than the PAR and MR, which means it tends to sit lower in the recessed fixture - and perhaps, protrude from the bottom of the recessed light fixture.

What is MR light bulb?

The MR indicates the light bulb has a multifaceted reflector on its inside. The facets help gather light from the filament to create a very concentrated light beam. MR lamps are primarily available in smaller sizes - they are all about beam control, which is typically desirable for a narrower light beam.

What does R stand for in light bulbs?

Finally, the simple R. As you might assume, it stands for reflector in this case. There is a mirrored coating on the back of the light bulb to improve light output.

Is LED cheaper than halogen?

It renders colors very well, it's affordable, and it gives you a lot of light output. If you're looking for efficiency, though, halogen is not your target. LED has a higher price point, but it also gives you a longer lifetime and lower energy use!

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