Recessed lighting is mainly used for brightening offices and residences, offering a good amount of light while giving a contemporary touch to your interiors.
This lighting is also known as pot or can lights, and it is a downlighting fixture that places into the ceiling opening. LED downlights is also considered recessed lighting.
Parts of LED recessed ceiling lights:
Housing, trim, and the bulb is the three-part of the recessed lighting.
– Housing: This structure holds all of the important electrical components and is hidden in the ceiling. This is also the main protective structure of the light.
– Trim: The molding that surrounds the opening of the light.
– Bulb or Light source: A various range of bulbs is available for LED can lights, from focused halogen to wide flood style light bulbs. In the scenario of LED retrofit trims, there is no bulb required as the light source is merged into the trim.
LED retrofit kits are the best and easy way to update existing recessed lighting fixtures to an energy-saving LED. This kit is a substitute for existing trim. They are easily screwed into the socket and held with clips.
How to select Recessed Housing
To choose suitable recessed housing, first, you need to understand their installation process.
• New Construction Housings
The drywall or sheetrock ceiling is installed. They also use hanger bars to connect the ceiling joints.
• Remodel Housings
These housings are intended to use where the ceiling entry is limited. They are smaller, installed through a mini hole cut in the sheetrock or drywall. They are held using clips.
Housings have Insulation Contact (IC) rating. Make sure that your selection will pass the codes of building in your area.
• IC Rated Housings
These are made with extra heat shielding and also allow insulation.
• Non-IC Housings
These cannot offer the same level of protection from heat, so they are suitable for un-insulated ceilings.
At last, there are two different power options available in the recessed fixture.
• Line Voltage Systems
You can easily connect these systems to the home’s standard 110-120 volt, the same as any other ceiling light.
• Low Voltage Systems
These have a transformer that steps down or converts the current to a lower voltage. These mainly offer a more focused or controlled beam of light.
How to Choose Your Trim
Make sure to choose the same brand, product, family, and size as housing while selecting the recessed light trim.
There are various types of trim, and each has its own particular advantages.
-Reflector trim heightens the illumination with its reflective interior.
-Baffle trim minimizes the glare with its ribbed interior.
-Gimbal Trims adjust and pivot to focus the light as per your choice. This is good for wall decorations and art.
– Wall wash trim confine and direct light to a particular area of the wall.
General Tips You Should Consider for LED can lights.
Light Placement
Placing lights 4 to 6 feet apart is better for general room lighting.
Lights can be placed closer together for countertops and other workspaces, at 1 to 2 feet apart.
Direct the light using an angled gimbal trim for artwork. Keeping the beam at a 30-degree angle can minimize the glare.
Dimmers
Using dimmers will add extra ambiance and versatility to the system. Make sure to use a compatible LED dimmer for LED lights.
A line voltage system with traditional bulbs works well with a regular wall dimmer.
Sloped Ceilings
Choose specially designed trim and housing if you have a sloped or angled ceiling.
Shower Lighting
For covered outdoor spaces and showers, use trim and housings rated. They are made to protect vital electrical components from openness to steam and moisture.