Recessed lighting is a type of lighting that is installed within a ceiling or wall and concealed with a housing and trim. Instead of protruding from the ceiling or wall, recessed lighting is designed to be recessed or built-in.
It is an efficient lighting method that provides a powerful, uniform light in a small area. Popular types of recessed lighting include incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, and LED. Incandescent is the traditional form of recessed lighting and is the most common type.
Halogen offers a bright white light like natural sunlight, while fluorescent is often the most energy-efficient type. LED recessed lighting is widely popular due to its energy-efficiency, long life, and low heat production.
Recessed lighting can be used for many lighting applications including task lighting, accent lighting, wall washing, and general illumination. Thanks to its flexibility and inconspicuous design, it works great in almost all indoor spaces including bedrooms, bathrooms, hallways, kitchens, and living rooms.
What are recessed lighting made of?
Recessed lighting consists of various components, all which work together to cast a diffuse light from a ceiling. The main components of recessed lighting are the housing, bulbs, trim, and a baffle. The housing is a metal can-like solution that fits between joists and other structural elements in the ceiling.
It is designed to support the weight of the other lighting components and provides a mechanism for connecting wiring. The bulbs in recessed lighting come in various sizes, wattages, and types, including halogen, LED, fluorescent, incandescent, and xenon.
The trim connects the housing to the surrounding ceiling and frames the lights to finish the look. Trim options range from aluminum and plastic to wood and ceramic to create different design effects.
Finally, the baffle is an interior material that lines the inside of the housing and helps diffuse the light evenly throughout the space.
What is the difference between can lights and recessed lights?
The main difference between can lights and recessed lights is the type and size of the light fixture. Can lights, or recessed downlights, use a large metal or plastic housing that contains the light fixture and the reflector or trim.
This type of light fixture is large enough to house multiple bulbs and typically produce more intense light than other types of recessed lights. Recessed lights, on the other hand, use a small fixture that is typically installed flush with the ceiling and produces less intense light.
Can lights also require more insulation to prevent unwanted heat buildup, whereas recessed lights can be installed without additional insulation when used for general lighting. Additionally, can lights tend to cost more than recessed lights because of the amount of materials and labor required for installation.
Do LED recessed lights burn out?
Yes, LED recessed lights can burn out. While LEDs are typically more energy efficient than traditional incandescent and halogen bulbs, they can also suffer from some of the same problems. In particular, LEDs are susceptible to heat damage.
Poorly designed or installed LED fixtures can contribute to early burnout. The hot spots created by a poorly designed fixture, if combined with high temperatures, can cause the semiconductor material to fail and the bulb to burn out.
Keeping fixtures away from direct sunlight or other sources of extreme heat can help to reduce LED burnout. Additionally, low-quality LED bulbs may burn out faster and more frequently than high-quality bulbs, so it’s important to invest in well-made LED fixtures and bulbs.
Can you put regular light bulbs in can lights?
Yes, you can put regular light bulbs in can lights. Can lights, also called recessed lighting, are special fixtures with adjustable beam angles, giving you the ability to light up a room in the exact way you’d like.
These fixtures are designed to accept regular bulbs and can be used in many applications, including track lighting, recessed lighting, or other surface-mounted fixtures. You can also use LED or CFL bulbs if you’d like, and they fit inside the can lights just like regular bulbs.
When you are installing the can lights, make sure they are the right type and size for the bulbs you have selected. For best results, make sure to keep the wattage within the recommended range and to use bulbs with compatible bases.
This will help ensure that your lighting system will be safe and effective.
When should you use recessed lights?
Recessed lights can be used for a variety of purposes in nearly any room of your home. They are a great solution for providing general illumination and can also be used in an accent or task-lighting capacity.
In general, it is best to use recessed lights in spaces that lack natural light and need additional lighting. This could include living rooms, hallways, bedrooms, home offices, etc. Since they’re built into the ceiling, they don’t take up any valuable space and provide a more uniform lighting effect than other types of fixtures.
Additionally, recessed lighting can be used in areas where you want to draw attention to certain features such as artwork, furniture, or other architectural elements. For example, you could install a line of recessed lights around a fireplace or as accent lighting for an accent wall.
Lastly, recessed lights are also a great option for task lighting, such as in a kitchen or over a workbench. They provide an even flood of light in the area, making it easier to concentrate and work.
To ensure you’re utilizing the most effective type of lighting for your project, it is important to consult with a professional electrician who can provide guidance on the best type of light and the recommended number, size, and placement for your space.
Is flush and recessed the same?
No, flush and recessed are not the same. Flush refers to a lighting fixture that is installed directly on the wall or ceiling so that the fixture’s edge is in line with the wall or the ceiling. Recessed lighting, on the other hand, refers to lighting fixtures that are placed into the ceiling or wall so that the light is partially hidden.
The ceiling or wall requires a special cutout for recessed lighting and it cannot be mounted onto the surface like a flush fixture.
Can LED bulbs be used in can lights?
Yes, LED bulbs can be used in can lights. LED bulbs are low energy, long-lasting bulbs, which are perfect for use in can lights. LED bulbs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you should be able to find one to fit your can light fixture.
LED bulbs give off a bright, white light that is ideal for lighting a room, but be sure to select an LED bulb with a color temperature and brightness that will best suit your needs. When installing, make sure the bulb you choose is not too large for the fixture, and be sure to use the manufacturer’s suggested wattage.
If the bulb is too large, it can cause heat buildup and could potentially be a fire hazard. Additionally, check that the bulb’s base is correct for your fixture and that you have the correct voltage before turning on the bulb.
How do I change a recessed fluorescent light?
Changing a recessed fluorescent light is fairly straightforward if you follow the steps closely. It’s important to note that you should always turn off the power to the light before attempting any repairs.
1. Cut the power to the fluorescent light fixture at its circuit breaker. Twist the tab on the breaker to the “off” position.
2. Remove the trim ring surrounding the light. This can typically be unscrewed or have its clips released.
3. If there’s a Philips screwdriver, unscrew it and take out the screws connecting the retainer to the ceiling.
4. Carefully take off the retainer and lower it.
5. Pull out the fluorescent tube, being careful not to scratch it.
6. Remove the starter tube and check to see if the contacts are corroded. If they are, clean them with steel wool and sandpaper.
7. Install a new fluorescent tube, making sure the contacts at both ends of the tube make contact with the starter tube.
8. Put the starter tube back in place and screw the retainer back into the ceiling.
9. Reattach the trim ring and then turn the breaker back on to make sure the light is working.
Following these steps should help you successfully change a recessed fluorescent light.
Can you change the light bulb in a recessed light?
Yes, it is possible to change the light bulb in a recessed light. Depending on the type of recessed lighting fixture you have, the process of changing the light bulb may be slightly different. If your recessed light uses standard bulbs, you will simply unscrew the light bulb from the base and then replace it with a new one.
If you have a recessed light that uses a specialty bulb, such as a halogen bulb, you may need to use specialized tools to remove the bulb from the base. In any case, it is important to be sure to use the correct bulb for your light fixture and to also practice caution when replacing bulbs for recessed lights as it is easy to damage the surface of the fixture or the wiring inside when changing the bulbs.
How do I remove a recessed light cover?
Removing a recessed light cover is relatively easy and should take just a few minutes. First, turn off the power to the recessed light fixture at the circuit breaker. To be sure there is no power to the light fixture, you may want to gently test the wire with a voltage sensor before proceeding.
Once the power is off, use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry away the trim ring surrounding the light cover (also known as a trim or a baffle). Depending on the type of light you have, the trim ring may need to be rotated clockwise to unlock it.
Once the trim ring is removed, you may need to press down on the light cover clips to remove the cover. It is also possible that the cover will simply slide off the fixture without any extra effort. When you have successfully removed the cover, you can now replace it with a new one, reattach the trim ring, and turn the power back on.
How do you change integrated LED lights?
Changing integrated LED lights depends on the specific type of lights that are being installed. Generally speaking, the process involves removing the old lighting fixture and replacing it with a new one that is compatible with the LED bulbs that you want to use.
This means making sure that the voltage, wattage, and other features are compatible with the LED bulbs that you intend to use. Additionally, you should ensure that the LED bulbs you select provide the same light output and color temperature as the original lighting source.
Then, you need to remove the old bulbs, if applicable, and then install the new LED bulbs and reconnect the power. After that, you should check the connections and test the lights for proper operation.
How do you remove a ceiling light that has no screws?
Removing a ceiling light that has no screws can be done by locating the electrical wires that connect to it. Depending on your ceiling light, some connections may be concealed behind a plastic or metal plate that can be removed with a screwdriver.
Most bars or clips that are connecting to the ceiling will come off by pushing the tab with a small flathead screwdriver. After unclipping the wires from the fixture, use an adjustable wrench or needle-nose pliers to release the nut that is connected to the mounting bracket.
Carefully rewire the light and remove it from the ceiling. Be sure to test the connections after rewiring the light to ensure it is safe to use.
What does a can light look like?
A can light (also known as a recessed light) is an illumination fixture installed into a hollow opening in a ceiling. They are very popular and are commonly used in both residential and commercial buildings to provide ambient and/or task lighting.
Can lights feature a trim rim, which is usually made of metal or plastic and covers the opening in the ceiling. The trim is typically installed flush with the surface of the ceiling, which gives it a flush and modern look.
Inside that trim is typically a light bulb, which can be LED, halogen, or incandescent, depending on the type of can light that you’re using. Can lights are generally very energy efficient and, if properly installed, can last for many years.
Is canned lighting outdated?
Canned lighting can be considered outdated when compared to the newer modern technologies, however that doesn’t mean it still isn’t a viable lighting option. Canned lighting is good for certain scenarios, such as lighting up a hallway, kitchen, or a bathroom, because it is an efficient, practical, and cost-effective way to light an area without the need for several light fixtures.
However, the main downside to canned lighting is the fact that they are just recessed lights with a singular point of light and therefore, cannot be used to create multiple effects in a space or room.
Newer technologies such as LED lights, track lights and spotlights can add more depth and visual interest to a room, allowing for more creative lighting.
When deciding if canned lighting is the right choice for your room or space, consider the overall aesthetic you are trying to achieve. Canned lighting may be the best and most efficient choice for plain, practical lighting, but if you’re looking for something more creative and eye-catching, you might be better off exploring the many modern lighting options available.
Should you put can lights in bedrooms?
Whether or not you should put can lights in bedrooms depends on the specific lighting needs of the bedroom, as well as personal preference. Can lights, which are also known as recessed lights, can be a great way to provide bright, general lighting for a bedroom, as well as creating an aesthetically pleasing look.
Can lights are often built-in, which also helps to reduce visual clutter on the ceiling.
However, can lights can also be harsh on your eyes and can create a lot of ambient light that can be disruptive when you are trying to sleep. If you plan on using can lights in your bedroom, it is important to consider the various light sources and use dimmers or shades to reduce the intensity.
If your bedroom is especially small, recessed lighting can also be a great way to add style without taking up a lot of space.
Ultimately, whether or not you should include can lights in your bedroom will depend on the particular layout and design of the space and your own personal preferences. If you are unsure, it is always best to consult a professional before making a decision.
Can you have too many can lights?
Yes, it is possible to have too many can lights in a space. Too many can lights can make the room appear overly bright and can create a glare, making it difficult to see. Additionally, having too many can lights can create a flat and uninteresting light in the room, which can sometimes make the room appear cold and uninviting.
While it is good to have plenty of light in a room, it is important to consider the size of the space and the number of lights needed to adequately illuminate the room, without making it overly bright or creating an unpleasant glare.
Additionally, it is important to consider the use of other lighting sources, such as wall sconces, floor or table lamps, or chandeliers to provide texture and interest in the room.
Do recessed lights add value to home?
Recessed lights can add value to a home in several ways. First, they are a great way to brighten up a space and provide more focused light than traditional lighting. Recessed lights also allow you to control the placement and intensity of lighting in any area of the home, helping to create a more pleasing and efficient atmosphere.
Additionally, they can help to open up a space, making it appear more spacious. All of these can be attractive features to potential buyers and can lead to an overall increase in the value of your home.
Finally, installing recessed lights often requires relatively easy and inexpensive installations, meaning the investments required can be quite manageable.
Are LED lights better than can lights?
LED lights are becoming increasingly more popular than can lights across households and businesses alike, due to the tremendous advantages they offer. LED lights are significantly more efficient than can lights, emitting up to 90% less energy than can lights.
This results in much lower energy bills, as LEDs only need a fraction of the electricity compared to can lights to produce the same amount of light.
Furthermore, LED lights produce much less heat than can lights, which is beneficial to electricity usage. LEDs also last much longer than can lights; they can last up to 10 times longer, since they rarely ever require bulb replacement, while can lights always require frequent bulb replacement.
The lack of needing to constantly replace bulbs makes LEDs more convenient and less costly in the long run.
Additionally, LEDs have a much wider range of lighting options, from directional lighting to integrated color options, light brightness, and candle-style variations. It’s far easier to customize LED lighting to fit any mood or setting, but can lights fail to offer many design choices.
Overall, LED lights offer much more efficient, longer-lasting, and innovative options than can lights, which makes them a much better choice in households and businesses alike.
