Recessed Lighting

When it comes to recessed lights, several specific steps need to be taken, regardless of construction type. If one is not experienced with electricity, a licensed electrician should be consulted. Shut off power to the area from the fuse/breaker, or house-wide to be thorough. Before installation, plan the placement of the lights and ensure there are no ceiling joists in the way. If attic access is available, check for ducts, pipes, wires, or conduit. Make a template of the light by tracing its outermost points onto a material like paper or cardboard. Drill a pilot hole for the center of the opening, and then begin installation. Cut the necessary hole in the ceiling for placement of the light with a hole saw of the correct size. Run the designated size of electrical wire from the power source to a switch box, and then to the first recessed light. Allow 24 inches of extra wire for ease of installation. Open the junction box, draw the wire through the designated knockout, and strip back no more than half an inch of insulation from the black (hot) and white (neutral) wires. Connect like-color wires with UL-listed wire connectors. The ground wire is typically bare or covered with a green insulation. Make sure the wires are properly arranged in the junction box, replace the cover, and repeat the process for each recessed light.

It is possible to install recessed lighting without a can. A canless recessed light, furnished with a remote driver, is the solution. The light is inserted into the ceiling and secured using the spring clips on each side of the fixture.

Different recessed lighting housings and trim options are available, such as new constructions, remodels, IC-rated, airtight and more. Furthermore, trims range from baffles, reflectors, gimbals, pinholes and wall-washes.

Recessed lighting is ideal for creating a functional and stylish ambience. Common applications include living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, hallways, and bathrooms. It can also be used to highlight artwork or to provide accent lighting in a room.

Compute the number of recessed lights by assessing the size and type of the space where they will be fitted. Measure the length, width, and height, then divide the ceiling height by two to determine the correct spacing. For instance, if the ceiling is 12-feet tall, the recessed lights should be spaced 6-feet away from the walls and from each other.

For a recessed light to be removed correctly, certain steps need to be taken. Ensure the power at the breaker box is turned off before starting. Remove the recessed light bulb and trim by prying one side with a putty knife or screwdriver, then pulling the trim down and disengaging tension clips. Removing the housing differs between remodel (old-work) and new construction cans. For old-work, pry metal clips in the housing to release from drywall and carefully remove. For new construction, remove from attic or cut with saw, replacing drywall after. Access and disconnect the wires in the junction box. Disconnect the wires, and remove wire nuts by turning counter-clockwise. Pull wires through connector, then terminate ends using old work box. Insert box into ceiling and secure with screws, then pull wires through knockouts and terminate with wire nuts. Wrap wire nuts tight with electrical tape. Install blank plate onto ceiling box and turn power back on.

The size of the recessed lights for a kitchen should be dictated by the size of the space and the ceiling height. For low ceilings in smaller rooms, 4-inch lights are recommended; but for larger kitchens with higher ceilings, 6-inch lights offer superior lumen output and a wider light distribution pattern.

For a recessed light to be IC rated, it must be designed to be used amidst insulation, usually boasting double-wall construction or a shielding feature that prevents insulation from reaching the light source.

When installing recessed lights in a bathroom, a more compact size is preferred to avoid being too conspicuous. A 4-inch recessed light is commonly used, due to its minimal size and high lumen output.

Due to their broad light output, 6" recessed lights are regularly chosen to light living rooms, which are usually the largest spaces in a home. This approach reduces the number of fixtures needed to adequately brighten the area, and avoids an overwhelming presence of lights on the ceiling.

To select the optimal LED recessed lights for your needs, consider their efficiency, longevity, and quality. Efficiency means that the fixture offers high lumen output with the lowest wattage. Longevity is the duration in which the lights can function; credible fixtures can last for up to 50,000 hours or 5 years. Quality of the fixture is dependent on the manufacturer; select one with great efficiency and long life expectancy for maximum value.

LED recessed lighting brings an array of benefits to any space. Aside from lasting up to 10 times longer than traditional lighting, LED recessed lighting is also more energy efficient, using up to 85% less energy than incandescent lighting. LEDs also generate less heat, reducing the risk of fire or burns. Install LED recessed lighting to take advantage of all of these benefits.