What Are They?
Recessed lighting is light bulbs installed just above the ceiling. They are referred to as recessed lights, can lights, pot lights, or high hats, depending on what part of the world you are in. They have a rim around them and the bulbs can be dimmed or brightened to create a certain atmosphere. Recess cans illuminate and update a home, giving it a more modern look. There are three parts to each can light—the housing (that part that’s between the joists of the ceiling), the ceiling trim (the different styles of the visible part of the can that covers the hole’s edges), and, if you’re using an incandescent, the bulb or lamp (there are different kinds that are used for different effects). It’s important that the trim and housing are compatible.
Why Should I Install Them?
Not only does recessed lighting improve and update the look of your home, it also creates a feel and atmosphere. As mentioned before, these lights can be brightened or dimmed as you wish. They can also be used to wash a wall with light or to highlight architectural features or certain decorations in your house.
Where Should I Put Them?
Recessed can lighting can be used in a lot of different ways—to illuminate a wall (as said before), spotlight different features of your home, or light up a decoration/painting, etc. They can also be placed under cabinets, in walk-in closets, entertaining areas, and the bathroom. In those places, it’s best to put dimmers on them as well.
How Do They Work?
The usual aperture (aka the hole) is 6 inches in diameter. However, the modern look is leaning more toward 3-4 inches. It also depends on what the purpose of the light is. You’ll need a bigger-sized hole if it’s intended to light a room vs. if it’s just meant to highlight or accent a specific space (then it could be as small as 1-2 inches). In addition, you need to take into consideration the height of the ceiling you’re installing it in. The higher it is, the bigger the light you’ll need for it to sufficiently illuminate the room.
Each light is installed in the ceiling. There are two types of housing used by them—new construction and remodel. New construction housings are installed between the ceiling joists while remodel housings are placed in ceilings that are already finished and connected to the drywall or sheetrock by clips.
Something to take into consideration when you’re installing a can light is the IC Rating (Insulation Contact Rating). IC Rated housing means that you can have the insulation up to or over the housing of the light. Non-IC Rated housing needs a buffer or clear zone in order for it to work safely.
As far as power goes, there are two ways the lights are provided energy—line and low. Line voltage comes from the normal 120 volt current that’s already running through the house. With this, you don’t need any special modern-dimmers or transformers. It provides general illumination and can use up to 150 watt bulbs. The other kind of power is low voltage. It uses a 12 volt current and is much more energy efficient. However, if you want a dimming feature, you’ll need a special modern-dimmer and a transformer that reduces the voltage. This type of power is best for high-contrast or accent lighting.
Should I Use LEDs in My Recessed Lighting?
Yes, it is wise to look into it. However, many people still like the warm glow of incandescents or even a more modern halogen. Therefore, it is smart to check and see whether it is mandatory that you use LEDs in high-efficiency projects that require a permit. If you decide to (or must, in some cases) use LEDs, be sure to get the more expensive option. Yes, it may cost more upfront but they use less energy (saving you money on your bill) and demand less attention and maintenance (they last a very long time). Choosing the “pricier” option is also important because if you desire that warm lighting feel, they are more consistent in their color quality.
What Trim Should I Use On The Lighting?
There are both different sizes and separate styles. As far as looks go, there are round and square trims. Round is obviously more traditional, but square ones have been being used lately as well. There are also more specific types that have particular purposes. Adjustable or gimbal trims are used to accent a feature, while wet-rated or shower trim are used in areas that could be damp such as the outdoors or a bathroom. If you’re using recess cans for general lighting, you’re going to want to take into consideration the color and shape of the baffle because that’s what diffuses the light. It also does a better job at this than an open trim would.
As mentioned before, there are also different sizes of trims as well. While smaller ones are more modern, they might not always be the most practical choice. Take a look below.
6” — residential downlight or wall wash illumination
5” — task lighting or general lighting (on a smaller scale)
4” line — task or accent lighting with short throw distance and/or lower light requirement (such as a bar or counter)
4” low — picture accenting (because of the low voltage) or MR16 trims (inconspicuous yet powerful precision accent lighting)
I spoke of a few styles above, but here are some basic descriptions of a few more.
Baffle Trims — the most popular trims, usually used in living spaces. These absorb excess light and reduce glare. The black ones reduce the glare from the bulb and the white eliminate the appearance of the dark holes in the ceiling.
Reflector Trims — used on very high ceilings and commercial applications. These maximize the light from the bulb with a highly polished and smooth interior. They may also have multiple tints to hide the bulb from view or to warm the room.
Adjustable Trim — used for general lighting, task lighting, accent lighting, and wall washing. They allow the bulb to “float” inside to enable it to shine on a desired area.
Lensed Trims — protects the bulb and interior of the housing from water (used in bathrooms and outdoors).
Wall Washed Trims — combination of a directional reflector and a light “scoop” to channel light toward the wall. They use A-lamp or CFL lamps and high wattage commercial styles use R/BR Lamps.
Decorative Trims — become popular in recent years. They create a pleasing look on the ceiling and use an low voltage and efficient halogen.