What are the disadvantages of recessed lighting?
- Potential overheating risk
- Limited illumination
- Poor energy efficiency
What to do with all that recessed lighting?
Recessed lights are a practical and elegant way to illuminate spaces that might not have been designed or built with enough lighting. Recessed lighting can: Provide an ambient layer of lighting over a whole room; Spotlight or highlight architectural details or features; Wash a wall with light to create a dramatic effect.
What to look for when buying recessed lights?
- The ridges on baffle trim recessed lights are designed to reduce glare from the recessed light bulbs .
- These are great for creating a softer glow and a reducing eye strain.
- This trim is recommended for the living room, entryways and foyers.
How difficult is it to install recessed lighting?
- Recessed lighting is easiest to install during new construction but can be retrofitted into existing ceilings. ...
- Placement is key. ...
- Wire the lights in zones for greater flexibility. ...
- Weigh the pros and cons of the different types of light bulbs. ...
- Use the right tools to cut holes in the drywall. ...
- Consider hiring an electrician. ...
What are the pros and cons of recessed lighting?
Recessed Lighting Fixtures: Pros & ConsRecessed Lighting Pro: You Don't See Them.Recessed Lighting Con: You Need a Lot of Them.Recessed Lighting Pro: They're Good for Special Cases and Low Ceilings.Recessed Lighting Con: They Lack Charm.Recessed Lighting Pro: They're Ideal for Wet Areas.More items...
What is the difference between a can light and a recessed light?
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 do recessed lighting?
1:334:53How to Install Recessed Lighting | Can Lights | The Home DepotYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipProject is to shut off the power at the circuit breaker. So don't forget use a stud finder to makeMoreProject is to shut off the power at the circuit breaker. So don't forget use a stud finder to make sure the lights will not overlap a joist locate. And mark each of the joists in the room.
Does recessed lighting need its own circuit?
You can install recessed lighting with existing circuits or new circuits, but existing circuit installation is much easier. The simplest way for most DIYers to install recessed lighting is to replace existing can lights, using the same wiring.
What is better than recessed lighting?
Luckily, there is now a better alternative to recessed can lights. What many people are now using in their homes instead of recessed can lights is a light fixture called a disc light. The disc light is a very thin LED light, typically about an inch tall, that is mounted to the surface of the ceiling.
How long do recessed lights Last?
Many LED lights are rated to last 50,000 hours or more. That translates into roughly 5 and a half years, if you had the lights running 24 hours a day. That's 22 years if the lights are used an average of 6 hours per day or 45 years at 3 hours per day.
What is the cost of installing recessed lighting?
Labor. The cost for an electrician to install recessed can or canless LED lights will generally be between $200 and $250 per fixture. Professionals charge at a rate of $85 to $105 per hour and each installation takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
What does it cost to have recessed lighting installed?
Recessed lighting installation costs $125 to $300 per light, including $75 to $200 for labor and $50 to $100 for the can light fixture itself. Prices depend on the bulb, trim, and housing type selected, the ceiling style and material, and the amount of wiring required for the installation.
Are recessed lights easy to install?
It is more difficult to install recessed lights than traditional types. The process involves a lot of cutting out holes that are of the same size. Putting them in the ceiling can be even more challenging than working along a wall.
Can you have too many recessed lights?
It often seems that installing recessed lights is a cure all, but they cannot properly wash light upon walls and all dark corners, which would bounce reflective light into the room. In fact, using too many recessed light may leave areas of your room dark and may even cost you more on your electric bill.
Can you do recessed lighting to existing ceiling?
Thinking about adding recessed lights or pot lights but don't want to tear out your whole ceiling to do it? Luckily you don't have to. With a little ingenuity and special remodeling housings, you can install a roomful of recessed lights or canister lights with minimal drywall tear-out and patching.
How many recessed lights do I need?
A common rule of thumb is that you use one recessed light for every 4 to 6 square feet of ceiling space. Doing so provides even, overall illumination. This is an important rule to keep in mind when you are going to rely exclusively on recessed ceiling lights to illuminate your kitchen.
Can you put regular light bulbs in can lights?
What Kind of Light Bulb Do You Want to Use? A recessed fixture with a medium screw base lamp holder can take an incandescent, fluorescent, halogen, or LED light bulb. There are also fixtures available with special lamp holders, or sockets, that can only take certain light bulbs, usually fluorescent or halogen.
What are the different types of recessed lighting?
9 Types of recessed lighting trimsOpen trim. This type of trim positions the lightbulb almost exactly flush with the ceiling. ... Reflector trim. This type of trim features a reflective surface inside the lighting fixture. ... Baffle trim. ... Pinhole trim. ... Eyeball trim. ... Gimbal trim. ... Canless trim. ... Shower trim.More items...•
What is the difference between flush mounted and recessed lighting?
Recessed lighting has pots usually inside the ceiling and carries the lamp holder into which the bulbs are screwed. They provide good ambient lighting and narrow beams. On the other hand, flush mount lighting is broader and disperse more light beams in a room. They have canopies in place of pots.
Why do my can lights keep burning out?
The most dangerous reason why your light bulbs keep burning out is that the voltage in your home is too high. If you notice multiple light bulbs in different rooms of your home are burning out frequently or at similar times, that could be a sign that your home's voltage is too high for your electrical wiring to handle.
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 ...
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.
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 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.
What is the best trim for ambient lighting?
The most appropriate trims for ambient lighting: Standard Open Trims. Premium Baffles.
How does wall washing make a room feel bigger?
Makes a room feel larger by lighting vertical surfaces or walls. Wall washing is done properly by spreading light out evenly over the surface using a special wall wash trim.
Can recessed lights be mounted between joists?
Inside the ceiling are pieces of wood or steel known as joists – the can recessed lights will mount between them. Joists are comparable to studs in the wall, except they are laid horizontally. If you find you do not have enough space in the ceiling you may have to install flush mount lights instead.
What is recessed lighting?
Recessed lighting is a highly practical, multi-functional and aesthetically pleasing lighting solution that blends well with most design schemes. Recessed down lights, sometimes known as can lights, are the most common form of architectural lighting found in residences today.
How many sections are there in recessed lighting?
A recessed lighting fixture comes in two separate sections that are usually sold separately.
What is trim on a fixture?
The trim is the visible portion of the fixture.
What are the parts of a recessed light fixture?
The parts of a recessed light fixture include: Bar hangers: Most recessed light fixtures have two adjustable bar hangers that allow you to brace the fixture between ceiling joists to hold it firmly in place.
How much does a recessed light cost?
At big-box home improvement centers, costs can range from around $5 to around $30 for individual fixtures, but convenient multipacks are also available, offering four, six, or eight fixtures in a kit.
What is a recessed light fixture canister?
Called recessed light fixture canisters, can lights, or cans, these are light fixtures contained up inside an inverted can that is mounted fully above the line of the ceiling.
Why do you need illumination?
Because the fixtures themselves aren't very visible and don't call attention to themselves , the illumination itself is what serves the design element. They work well in situations where you want to provide illumination around the edges of room, such as when lighting up a bank of kitchen cabinets.
What is the wire that runs from a light fixture to a junction box?
Wire cable: Most fixtures have a metal cable that contains the wire leads that are attached to the circuit wires. The cable runs from the light fixture to the junction box, protecting the wire leads.
What is the white lining on a light bulb called?
Reflector : A white or shiny inner lining called the reflector helps direct light from the bulb down into the room. This reflector is sometimes a swiveling gimbal cone that allows light to be directed in whatever direction you want.
Why clean the reflector compartment?
Periodically, you may want to clean away dust and grime from the reflector compartment to improve the downward illumination.
What is recessed light?
Recessed lights provide light to your home—from a light fixture that's nearly invisible from many angles. This low-profile light hugs the ceiling with just a ridge of trim showing.
Where does electrical power come from for recessed lights?
Electric power for recessed lights can come from either an existing source or from an electrical circuit installed just for this project. The cost, speed, and ease of installation all hinge on the availability of electricity at the start of the run of recessed lights. Existing Circuit: An existing circuit may already power a ceiling light ...
How much does it cost to install recessed lights?
But since most recessed lights are installed in multiples, the overall cost will be $1,000 to $1,500 for five lights and $2,000 to $3,000 for ten lights. When you install your own recessed lights, ...
What is IC rated recessed light?
IC-rated recessed lights are appropriate for ceilings that contain insulation as they can be covered over with insulation. Non-IC-rated recessed lights must have clearance above and around the light housing in the ceiling area.
How long has Lee been remodeling?
Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years.
Do you have to remove a ceiling box if you have recessed lights?
If a standard electrical ceiling box is present, as shown, it must be removed if a recessed light is being installed.
Can you run a ceiling light with an existing circuit?
Existing Circuit: An existing circuit may already power a ceiling light or ceiling fan near the center of the room. Or, if you already have recessed lights, you may be able to continue the run of lights. Searching in the attic may produce ideas for spare circuits. Blank faceplates on the ceiling or wall often contain live circuits inside.
What are the components of a recessed light fixture?
Recessed lighting fixtures are often comprised of three main components: the housing, the trim, and the lamp. Housing: The housing refers to the physical component that is recessed, or hidden, into the ceiling, wall, or ground. It houses the light source and all of the necessary electrical parts of the fixture.
How big is a recessed light?
In most cases, recessed lighting fixtures come in sizes that range from three to six inches in diameter , however, some reach as high as seven or nine inches. The size that you choose depends entirely on how to plan to use the fixture and where it’s going to be installed.
How do incandescent bulbs work?
Incandescent bulbs operate by an electric current passing through the tungsten filament inside. This causes the filament to heat up to a temperature that results in the production of light. Though these types of bulbs are quickly being outshined by more modern, energy-efficient options, they can still work for recessed lights.
What is the trim on a light fixture?
The trim rests inside of the housing and juts out to form the outer ring, or molding, of the lighting fixture. When it comes to selected the right trim, make sure that you choose one that is the same size, brand, and product family in your housing. Also, choose based on the function the light is going to serve and the overall décor you’re trying to achieve.
What is recessed housing?
As previously mentioned, the recessed lighting housing is the part of the fixture that is mounted into the ceiling (or wall).
How do halogen bulbs work?
Halogen bulbs work by producing more light, while also using far less electricity.
Where is the trim on a recessed light fixture?
Aside from the light source, the trim is the only component that you’re going to see with the naked eye. The rest of the recessed lighting fixture – the housing – is concealed behind your ceiling. The trim rests inside of the housing and juts out to form the outer ring, or molding, of the lighting fixture.
What is angle recessed lighting?
Angle recessed lighting to illuminate steps or a walkway. Outside, in-ground lighting can uplight architectural and landscape features. It’s also an excellent way to illuminate a pool.
How to use accent lighting?
Use accent lighting to draw attention to a certain item. Interior spotlights can illuminate a sculpture or painting. Exterior accent lighting showcases architectural details and landscaping. Aim the spotlight at a 30-degree angle to reduce glare on your focal point.
What Type of Light Bulb Should You Use?
Some recessed lighting called integrated LED, doesn’t need a bulb. Others have special lamp holders for specific fluorescent or halogen bulbs.
What is canned lighting?
Canned lighting is most common on ceilings, but it works in walls and floors, too. In a ceiling, recessed lights perform a downlighting function. For example, canned lights over a kitchen countertop provide focused task lighting. Angle recessed lighting to illuminate steps or a walkway.
Why do fluorescent bulbs last so long?
Fluorescent bulbs operate at a low temperature and save money because they last a long time. The light is cool compared to an incandescent bulb. But, you can buy fluorescent lamps that produce a warmer glow.
How to reduce glare on a reflector?
Get an open reflector trim to shine the most light. Reduce the amount of light with a baffle. A specular trim can reduce glare.
How big is a kitchen light fixture?
Residential fixtures range from 3 to 7 inches in diameter. The 3- and 4-inch fixtures are often used for task and accent lighting on lower ceilings. A 4-inch fixture in an 8-foot ceiling provides good kitchen countertop lighting.
What is recessed lighting called?
A: Traditional recessed lights were what we called “hot burning,” which meant they had exposed hot surfaces that would be near combustible items such as carpeting or what is called a “chair rail.” These have been replaced by what are also known as “canless” fixtures because of their sleek look and modern feel!
What type of outlet do recessed lights use?
With recessed lights, you don’t have to worry about what type of bulb they are using because these LED bulbs use what we call a standard household 120-volt outlet. You install what is called an “IC Rated” junction box cover plate and plug them into your existing electrical wiring system for instant light without any hassles or expensive rewiring!
What is canless recessed lighting?
Canless recessed lighting is what it sounds like—a type of light that doesn’t require cans. This means there are no wires or cords, making the installation process much easier and faster than other types of lights out on the market today! The style also makes them great for any room in your home because they work with existing wiring.
How much does LED lighting save?
With LED lights, you can expect to save more than 70% of what it would cost for traditional bulbs! These are perfect for areas that don’t have much traffic or need frequent changing.
What is the trim ring on a light that isn't lit up?
If you are worried about what your light covers look like when they aren’t lit up, these lights come with what we call a “glossy white painted trim ring” that will make what is called “the can” blend in nicely with the ceiling when it isn’t lit up!
Do LED lights spark?
If the LED lights have a transparent lens cover, it would be what we call “arc fault rated,” so if there were an electrical surge or something similar occur when the power was turned back on after installation, these bulbs will not spark. If you choose light covers that are not what we call “arc fault rated,” there is a small chance of the glass breaking when it overheats.
Can kids use hot lights?
As they don’t have any exposed hot surfaces , these lights can be used in areas where children might play or run around without worry!
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″.
