Recessed Down Lights

Recessed down lights (sometimes called can lights) add drama to rooms and are great for “pushing” usable light where it is needed. When used in new construction or a remodel, they must be IC rated for safety.

However, the recessed lighting choices available can be overwhelming. Especially in spaces with low ceilings.

Choosing a Light

Recessed down lights add style and functionality to a variety of spaces. They can provide ambient lighting for ceilings or accent your favorite wall art or décor. They’re available in a wide range of sizes and styles. Some feature a dimmer built into the fixture for added versatility.

When choosing a light, consider its color temperature, which can affect the mood of the room. Cooler colors (3,000 Kelvin and below) are more relaxing, while warmer colors (6,500 Kelvin and above) give the space a brighter feel.

Also consider the beam angle. A wider angle produces more general light, while a narrower angle highlights LED Downlight a specific spot or item.

Depending on the application, you may want to consider an LED option. They offer greater longevity and durability than traditional incandescent bulbs, and they are better at directing light. They also emit a more natural light with less glare.

Many recessed downlights are sold as an integrated LED kit, meaning that the trim and LED light are one unit that can’t be replaced separately. This can simplify installation and save on replacement costs in the long run. Other kits feature a transformer that converts or steps-down your home’s voltage to 12 volts, so you can use compatible dimmers. Be sure to look for ENERGY STAR certification on the packaging, which indicates that it meets energy efficiency requirements.

Housing

The light itself and electrical wiring sit in a small housing that looks like a can (hence the name, can lights), which is installed into a cutout in your ceiling. You can install recessed lighting in new construction or use a retrofit kit to add them to an existing room.

Recessed downlights provide overall general illumination or can draw attention to specific objects, spaces and features. The type you choose depends on your goals for the space.

For example, if you want to create a home theater, a row of recessed cans angled down toward the seating area may be ideal. But in kitchens, a wider spread of light may do better for work surfaces and walkways.

A recessed downlight that’s fully regressed, with the bulb seated deep inside the fixture, reduces distracting glare from the light source itself, which can contribute to eyestrain and fatigue. You’ll also find air-tight rated downlights that prevent the conditioned air below the ceiling from seeping into unconditioned space above, which helps save on heating and cooling costs.

You can also find a growing number of ultra-thin, “wafer style” LED fixtures that don’t require a housing and are designed to fit into existing ceilings. They’re available in a range of sizes and have adjustable color temperatures, so you can choose between energizing cool white, relaxing warm light or daylight that replicates outdoor sunlight.

Trim

The trim, or finishing part of the fixture, is what makes your recessed down light look unique. It comes in a variety of sizes, styles and colours to suit personal tastes. The trim is also what determines how much light you get out of your recessed lighting. The style of trim you choose should be based on both your ceiling height and how the space is used.

The most popular recessed lighting trims are either smooth or baffle. Smooth trim is perfect for a clean, modern look while baffle trim has uniform grooves that help to absorb excess light and reduce glare, providing soft illumination that’s easy on the eyes.

There are also a variety of adjustable trims available, such as pinhole and eyeball, which allow you to point the lightbulb in various directions. There’s even a canless trim that’s perfect for spaces with low ceilings.

If you’re working with new construction or a renovation, recessed down lights your choice will depend on how the ceiling is built. For example, new construction recessed lights can be installed into open framing using bar hangers (before installing drywall) and work with joist ceilings. If you’re renovating an existing ceiling, however, you’ll need to select a remodel can that fits your needs and complies with local building codes. These cans can be secured to drywall or plaster with remodeling clips and will work with your existing insulation.

Dimming

A dimmer switch is an essential component for your lighting system. You can find a wide variety of LED dimmers that are compatible with your downlights. Dimmers help control the brightness and create a comfortable atmosphere in your home or business. They also reduce energy consumption and allow you to control the light’s color temperature.

Recessed down lights (also called can lights or pot lights) are ideal for general lighting, as well as highlighting specific areas of a room or focal point. They can be installed in new construction projects or retrofitted into pre-existing spaces. They are available in many different sizes, styles and finishes. Some are super thin, allowing for even more light in tight spaces. Others have a frosted cover to soften the light output. Some are IC rated, meaning they emit very little heat and can come into direct contact with insulation. Sunco’s popular Disk Downlights, for example, are a great choice for a sleek, modern look and are available in both slim and remodel holes.

Installing recessed down lights is relatively straightforward and requires access to the ceiling above. For new construction, hanger bars are secured to above-ceiling framing members and the fixture is then inserted into the housing. For remodel style downlights, a hole is cut using a template and then the fixture is wired into a junction box. In bathrooms, a shower or bathtub, be sure to select fixtures that are wet rated.