Full Answer
Are recessed lights symmetrical or asymmetrical?
Most of the recessed lights that we can buy on the market are also symmetrical, unless otherwise specified. Basically symmetrical recessed lights are the most common and have the widest range of applications. What Does It Mean By Asymmetrical Recessed Lights?
What is the best pattern or layout for recessed lights?
The pattern or layout of recessed lights should be planned according to each type of lighting that is needed in a room. It could be general lighting to enhance the entire room, task lighting above a counter top, accent lighting to highlight a portrait on the wall, or a combination of all three.
What are the best recessed lights for wooden ceilings?
Perhaps you are looking for adjustable recessed lights. You might consider a stamped metal fixture that looks terrific as an accent light on wooden ceilings, in offices or in other places where you seek an elegant touch. One possibility would be a WAC Lighting HR-8417 Recessed Light Trim which we like a lot.
How do I determine the distance between my recessed lights?
To determine the distance between your recessed lights when you plan to provide ambient lighting in a room, you will first need to determine the length of the room (L) and the total number of lights per row that you need to illuminate it (N).
How Do You Align Recessed Lights?
Can You Have Too Many Recessed Lights?
Does recessed lighting need to be symmetrical?
The General Lighting Layout The recessed lights should be aligned and equally spaced across the ceiling. Resist the temptation to place the lights according to objects in the room (such as furniture). Below are some of the most common layouts for general lighting.
Should recessed lights be wired in series or parallel?
Should recessed lights be wired in series or parallel? The LED rating will determine if you can wire the lighting in series. Wiring in series reduces the voltage of each light. For example, if you have four lights rated for 12 volts, they will need to be wired in parallel to receive the full 12 volts.
How should recessed lights be spaced?
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 a room with an 8-foot-high ceiling would be 4 feet between each light.
Should can lights be staggered?
A general rule of thumb when installing can lights is to space them as far apart as half the height of the walls. In a 20- by- 20-foot room with 8-foot-high walls, that would mean installing one can light every 4 feet apart in the ceiling and the same distance from the edges of the room.
How far apart should 6 inch recessed lights be?
If a 6-inch light has a spacing criteria of 1.5 and the ceiling height is 8 feet, the maximum space between each light should be 12 feet. This formula is critical for lighting a space because if the lights are too far apart, they will look like spotlights with big shadows between each other.
How many recessed lights can you put on one switch?
The main limitation on the number of recessed lights that a single switch can control is the rating of the circuit breaker controlling the circuit. Each incandescent or halogen 60-watt bulb draws around 1/2 amp, and therefore, standard lighting with a 15amp breaker can manage 30 lights.
How many recessed lights do I need for a 10x10 room?
Measure your room to see how many fixtures you will need. A common rule of thumb is that you use one recessed light for every 4 to 6 square feet of ceiling space.
How far should 4 inch recessed lights be from the wall?
Keep your fixtures between 1.5 and 3 feet away from the wall. Space fixtures equidistant from each other. Place adjustable trim away from the wall. Place fixed trim close to the wall.
How do you calculate how many LED recessed lights are needed?
Formula: total sq. footage x 1.5 = total wattage needed. Total wattage divided by 60 watts (or whichever wattage you select) = total amount of recessed can lights. Example: 240 square foot room x 1.5 = 360 divided by 60 (the bulb wattage I'd like to use) = 6 recessed lights needed.
How do you stagger recessed lighting?
This ensures your lighting isn't harsh and unflattering. If you don't know how far apart to space your recessed lights, divide the height of the ceiling by two. As a baseline, for an 8 foot ceiling, you should space your recessed lights approximately 4 feet apart.
Is recessed lighting outdated?
Recessed lighting will never go out of style. However, the finishes and sizes will vary and change as time goes by. There are too many advantages of having the lighting recessed for them to eventually go out of style or phase out.
How many can lights in a 10x10 kitchen?
To properly light the task areas of a 10 ×10 kitchen with an average height ceiling, 8 (4 inches – 8 watt) can lights or 4 (6 inches 12 watt) can lights are required whereas for general illumination, 8 ( 4 inches 10 watt ) or 4 (12 watt 6 inches) can lights are required.
Is it better to wire in series or parallel?
Speakers are always louder when wired in parallel. Series wiring leads to more impedance and thus less voltage per speaker which translates to less volume per speaker. A parallel circuit reduces the resistance and impedance on each speaker and equates to more volume.
Should LED ceiling lights be wired in series or parallel?
A parallel connection is required with LED lighting on 12V, 24V, and 230V. In this case you use a voltage power feed.
Should I connect in series or parallel?
Connecting in series increases voltage, but wiring in parallel increases battery capacity. The total voltage doesn't change. This means that two 12V 30Ah batteries in parallel would give you a total capacity of 60 amp hours. Voltage stays at 12 volts.
How do you wire recessed lighting together?
1:544:30All About Lights | How to Install Recessed Lights | This Old HouseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOff strip the wire twist them together and make a nice tight connection. We will add the wire nut.MoreOff strip the wire twist them together and make a nice tight connection. We will add the wire nut. And the connection will not come apart.
What is the difference between recessed and asymmetrical lighting?
Recessed lighting should be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Their main difference is the shape of the light spot emitted by the lamp. Because they have different lighting properties, they are suitable for different scenes, such as flat ceiling or vaulted ceiling.
What Does It Mean By Asymmetrical Recessed Lights?
Asymmetric recessed lights mean that the lights are focused on a specific area. Instead of a perfect circle, asymmetric lighting can create elliptical or other irregularly shaped light spots. We can use different types of reflectors to change the reflection direction of light in the recessed light, so as to obtain an asymmetrical lighting effect.
Can a reflector change direction of light?
We can use different types of reflectors to change the reflection direction of light in the recessed light, so as to obtain an asymmetrical lighting effect. Asymmetric recessed lighting will not cause eye fatigue, so they are frequently used in the office building.
Can you install a recessed light horizontally?
If you install a single recessed light on the ceiling horizontally, a circular spot will be illuminated on the ground. Symmetrical recessed lights are suitable for flat ceilings and larger areas. As long as we distribute the lights evenly on the ceiling, we can evenly illuminate the entire room.
Should Recessed Lights Be Symmetrical?
Recessed lights should be symmetrical if the ceiling is flat. Because we can evenly distribute the lamps on the ceiling to improve the lighting uniformity. Of course, we also need to consider the location of the furniture. If some taller furniture is not under the recessed lights, this will easily produce shadows, and in severe cases, it may make people unable to see the ground.
What is recessed lighting?
Compact and low-profile, recessed lights give you a clear, sleek ceiling line. These epic lighting fixtures suit low-ceiling rooms and confined spaces. They cast light in any direction you like, making a special impression. They match most modern interior design styles. You are just to size and position them properly.
How many lights in two rows?
8 or 10 lights in two rows or lines are apt. It’s the simplest solution. But you might consider the position of your:
How to make your intimate space peaceful?
Your intimate space should be calm and peaceful. You are to create a romantic and relaxing atmosphere. At night and evening hours, try to avoid bright artificial light. It may affect your sleep. Individual differences also matter. Therefore, dimmable luminaires are preferable.
How many layers of illumination are needed in a living room?
In every space three layers of illumination are necessary. Ambient light is a basic solution. Besides, your ceiling fan might be a source of ambient or accent illumination. It would create a mental mood in your living room at night. Are these lights not bright enough?
What is the best lighting for makeup?
Detailed and precise works require bright, focused light. The best lighting for makeup is soft and sufficiently bright. You are to prevent cast shadows or dark spots. The lights are to cover the space evenly. The color temperature also matters.
Do recessed lights work in California?
If you have no other overhead illumination solution, it would do the job. Recessed lights provide stellar, diffused light. It would be its first or initial layer. After the natural sunlight, for sure. In California, it’s abundant and efficient. Even in late fall and winter, we get not less than 11 and a half daylight hours.
Is a wider beam angle better for a high ceiling?
A wider beam angle is opportune in the case of the high ceiling. General or ambient light solutions feature it. Thus, illumination in your living room is to be comfortable. It’s brighter than in a bedroom but duller than in a kitchen. Your best flexible track lighting is also bright and focused. What about the light intensity? Let’s figure it out.
Look good if recessed lights are not symmetrically distributed?
I have a living room of size 16'x13'. Family room is of similar size. Right now, there are no lights there. The ceiling is only 8' high. I'd like to have Cree recessed LED lights installed. I would either buy 6" 600 lumen ones from local Home Depot or the Cree CR6-800L 800 lumen ones from online.
Comments (3)
The logical approach would be to use the symmetric layout (not taking into consideration the ceiling joists and other obstructions above the ceiling).
What should the pattern of recessed lights be?
The pattern or layout of recessed lights should be planned according to each type of lighting that is needed in a room. It could be general lighting to enhance the entire room, task lighting above a counter top, accent lighting to highlight a portrait on the wall, or a combination of all three.
How should lights be spaced?
If more than one light is required, the lights should be equally spaced and aligned with each other above the surface.
What is general lighting?
The General Lighting Layout. The purpose of general lighting is to provide even lighting throughout a room or area. The recessed lights should be aligned and equally spaced across the ceiling. Resist the temptation to place the lights according to objects in the room (such as furniture). Below are some of the most common layouts for general ...
What is the purpose of task lighting?
The purpose of task lighting is to provide light for a specific work surface or area.
Do accent lights need to be aligned?
The guidelines for an accent lighting layout are: The lights do not need to be aligned with your general or task lights. If more than one light is required, the lights should be equally spaced and aligned. Use adjustable trims to direct and hide the source of the light.
Who is Andrew from recessed lighting?
Hello, I’m Andrew. I'm a lighting contractor in Southern California who specializes in residential recessed lighting. I run this website to help homeowners who are interested in recessed lighting, and also for my fellow electricians and contractors who install them.
Is a sloped ceiling the same as a flat ceiling?
The layout rules are the same on a sloped ceiling as they are on a flat ceiling. The only difference is that I recommend using either sloped-ceiling fixtures or adjustable trims to compensate for the slope’s angle and allow the light to point straight down. This will significantly reduce glare, especially in rooms where the seating faces the slope of the ceiling.
What is recessed lighting?
Recessed lighting is a light fixture that’s installed into the hollow area of a ceiling. And to be completely forthright, getting the layout of your lighting just right will take a bit of research and simple calculation on your part.
How to determine distance between recessed lights?
To determine the distance between your recessed lights when you plan to provide ambient lighting in a room, you will first need to determine the length of the room (L) and the total number of lights per row that you need to illuminate it ( N). You will then divide the room length by the total number of lights per row ...
How to use recessed lights as task lighting?
If your goal is to use your recessed lights as task lighting, you will use the same formula as for ambient lighting unless your task area is close to a wall. If it is, measure the distance from the ceiling to the surface that you want to illuminate rather than to the floor.
What is ambient lighting?
Ambient lighting is used to illuminate your entire room. It should offer a comfortable, evenly dispersed glow without being overpowering in its brightness. Ambient lighting generally begins with a lighting source in the center of the room that you can then use to evenly space your lighting around.
What is the overarching goal of lighting?
The overarching goal of your lighting will determine the layout style and individual calculations that you will use. Here are three primary types of lighting goals that will likely alter the layout calculations that you use: 1. Ambient Lighting. Ambient lighting is used to illuminate your entire room.
Why do we need task lighting?
Task lighting is used in areas where you work so that you can reduce eye strain. For example, you might want to install recessed lights under your kitchen cabinets or under a decorative stove hood. After all, you want to be able to fully see what you’re doing as you prep that balsamic-tinged chicken caprese dish.
Why do we need dimmers?
When you use dimmers, you also have the added benefit of extending the life of each bulb since you are using less energy when the lights are dimmed.
How to create a balanced lighting scheme?
1. Using only one source of light. Layering light at different heights is key to a balanced lighting scheme. To do this, mix a variety of overhead or ambient lighting, along with floor or table lamps. A pool of warm light can draw people in and create a sense of intimacy. Ambient (or general) lighting is typically provided by ceiling-mounted ...
What is ambient lighting?
Ambient (or general) lighting is typically provided by ceiling-mounted luminaires (light fixtures), it provides light mainly for orientation and general vision. Examples of ambient lighting include recessed downlights, pendants, and flush/semi flush ceiling lights. Ambient lighting alone can be unexciting and bland.
What is task lighting?
Task lighting is then used to provide functional illumination for specific activities requiring more light, like reading, working, personal grooming and preparing meals. It may be part of the general lighting system or portable lighting such as table lamps, floor lamps or adjustable desk lamps. 2.
Do you need recessed lighting in the closet?
Don’t forget to light your closet. Solid recessed lighting is clearly going to help to distinguish between clothing and so will under-cabinet or led strip lighting on shelves. When you’re getting dressed in the morning and hesitate to awaken another person in the room, having a clear and crisp light sources in the closet will help you choose between materials and colors quickly when getting dressed.
Can OTT lights be recessed?
OTT With Recessed Lighting. Many people fall into the trap of believing that the more recessed lights, the better. 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.
Can you use dimmers in the kitchen?
No Dimmers. Set the right mood within the home by making sure lighting differs based on the area it is being used in. Dimmers come in handy for the kitchen where you may want one level of light during tasks like cooking meals, and another entirely for the dining area to set a different mood.
Can you space lights closer together?
Depending on the décor in the room, the type of fixture and their light output, you may want to space the lights either closer together or further apart. Dimmers, discussed below, can be a lifesaver in these instances, as you may control separate lights in the room to achieve the perfect balance. 3. No Dimmers.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
I have had a lot of inquires lately about how to lay out your recessed cans and what size cans are best to use. There seems to be a trend going toward smaller cans to light up entire rooms, one I cannot understand. In my opinion the recessed can is not for looks but for function.
Do's and Don't of Recessed Lighting
I have had a lot of inquires lately about how to lay out your recessed cans and what size cans are best to use. There seems to be a trend going toward smaller cans to light up entire rooms, one I cannot understand. In my opinion the recessed can is not for looks but for function.
How Do You Align Recessed Lights?
To align recessed lights, think of your ceiling or surface as a rectangle or square. Draw parallel lines down the length of it and place your lights at even intervals on those lines.
Can You Have Too Many Recessed Lights?
Lighting affects our mood. And just as one can have too little light in a room, you can also have too much. According to one design firm, many builders and contractors might get overzealous when adding recessed lighting. This can leave your room feeling more like a commercial office building than a cozy living room.
