A recessed light fixture, also known as a can light, is installed so that most of it is hidden behind the ceiling, rather than being on the surface of the ceiling or hanging down from it. Recessed lighting gives a room a neat and orderly appearance by fitting snugly in the ceiling. It can bring more illumination into a room, emphasize wall hangings or other special components, or expand areas so they seem and appear larger.

Recessed light fixtures, similar to other types of light fixtures, use 120-volt household circuits for their power and are operated by wall switches. Normally, can lights have tiny flood-style bulbs, yet these may be incandescent, CFL, or LED. LED bulbs are becoming more and more popular in recessed fixtures. These fixtures are more compact than their antiquated counterparts, making them simpler to set up and offering more options for diverse lighting effects.

Are recessed light fixtures a good choice for you? Read on to discover for yourself.

Recessed Light Fixture Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Flush ceiling profile.
  • Aims illumination.
  • Creates dramatic effect.
  • Hides light source.

Cons:

  • Can look dated.
  • Can pose fire hazard.
  • Thermal energy loss possible.
  • Tricky Installation.

Cost

In general, recessed lighting is usually more costly than the traditional type of lights that are mounted on the surface or the basic fixtures that hang from the ceiling. This is the reason why a recessed light fitting needs to have a metallic frame, an encasement to keep the bulb with the socket, and an integrated wiring connection box where the unit is linked to the electrical wiring. Recessed lighting is usually more affordable than prominent illuminated decorations such as hanging chandeliers.

You can find recessed light fixtures starting at a low of $5 to $10 for the simpler choices, and they can go up as expensive as $50 or more for LEDs designed to fit it. Items that are specifically designed to be used with LED lightbulbs usually cost more, yet the long-term benefits of the energy efficient bulbs make it a valuable purchase. There are now recessed lighting fixtures available that can communicate with your wireless network, allowing them to be managed with a remote controller, a phone, or a voice-activated system via Bluetooth. The price for these advanced variations begins around $40 to $50 for each item.

Buying recessed light fixtures in packages of two to six is usually more cost-effective than buying each one separately.

Maintenance and Repair

Once installed, the maintenance of recessed lights is just as easy as with traditional lights, meaning it only requires the changing of lightbulbs if they ever burn out. Replacing a fixture that is no longer functioning can be more difficult than if it was a typical surface-mounted or hanging fixture.

Design

The primary advantage of having recessed lighting is being able to produce distinctive decorative effects. Recessed lights sit very close to the ceiling, creating a look which is both low and neat. Recessed lights are better at directing light, making them good for creating a spot of emphasis or lighting a countertop.

Certain kinds of recessed lighting have turrets that can pivot, enabling you to direct the illumination to wherever you choose. This type of mounting gives you the same options that you would get with track lighting.

Recessed lights are ideal for providing extra light to rooms, like highlighting particular architectural features like fireplaces or walls full of bookshelves. They are not suitable for lighting a room up, which is better done using ceiling lights or lamps set on the floor.

Here are some lighting design tips that can help you use recessed lighting effectively:

  • Match the size of your recessed lighting fixtures to their spacing. The common rule is that 4-inch fixtures should be placed at least 4 feet apart and 6-inch fixtures about 6 feet apart.
  • Center recessed lighting fixtures on the objects you wish to light—a painting, bookshelf, or drapery panels, for example—and about 12 to 18 inches away from the front of that object.
  • Recessed lights used for reading or task lighting should be carefully placed overhead so your head and shoulders will not block the light.
  • When lighting a three-dimensional object, such as a fireplace, sculpture, or flower arrangement with recessed lighting, it is more effective to light it from two or three different angles.
  • Install a combination of recessed lighting (in the ceilings) and under-cabinet lighting (in the cabinet bottoms). The light will wash your countertop with focused light while illuminating your kitchen properly.

Recessed Light Fixture Installation

It is most ideal to put in recessed light fixtures during the initial building of a space or when a considerable remodeling job is being completed as this provides opportunity to attach the holders and wiring boxes to the ceiling joists. It can be harder to substitute existing ceiling fittings for a recessed one if the ceiling is already finished. This may require taking down some of the ceiling covering to make changes to the framework. Even though recessed fixtures are typically larger and more complex to install, particularly those designed for LED lightbulbs, newer models are much tinier and simpler to put into the already existing ceilings. Certain fittings have been constructed with the express purpose of being installed into an existing hole in an electrical box.

The standard dimensions for the “aperture” diameter are 4, 5, or 6 inches. Six-inch lights can be good for large entryways or in double-level hallways, whereas the smaller four-inch models look more modern and don’t take up as much space, making them better for confined areas.

Be sure that all of your fixtures are IC-rated for use in an area with insulated ceilings. If a ceiling has not been insulated, it is permissible to use a fitting with a non-IC (insulation contact) casing. An additional benefit of LED lighting fixtures is that they generate relatively little heat and do not need any additional fixtures to be mounted in order to be placed next to ceiling insulation. Most LED light fixtures are designed to be used in close proximity to ceiling insulation.

People who want to install recessed lighting fixtures, but who don’t have experience with both carpentry and electric wiring, often hire a licensed electrician to complete the job.

Things to Know Before Installing Recessed Lighting in Your Home

Recessed Lighting Layout

Beginning with an arranged and organized plan for recessed lighting will result in the greatest illumination effect. The plan should comprise of where the lights should be positioned and which type of lights are to be set up. Think about whether you would prefer to have lights that illuminate the entire room, lights to emphasize specific elements, lights for specific activities, or a mixture of all three. The kind of recessed light used will be determined by what spot in the room it should be placed in and what outcome is wanted. Poor planning can result in inadequate lighting

When planning the can-light positions for a family room, one may opt for open-type can lights with not much trimming, and the most suitable bulb type to use in the primary living area is a conically shaped one. A wall-wash can light can highlight a cherished painting by directing light on it and keeping the light from spread too far out. If a study area is established in a corner of the living space, placing recessed lights in the ceiling should provide ample lighting in order to reduce any potential strain on the eyes.

Installing recessed lighting is simple when used in new building construction, although it is possible to fit it into an existing ceiling.

It is most practical to install recessed lighting when constructing a new building or having a major restoration project before putting up the ceiling material. Recessed lighting that is meant to be installed when the building is being made is put in the ceiling between the joists and connected with mounting brackets that have been hammered onto the cross pieces.

The electrical wiring is connected to the power supply, and the holes are cut into the drywall and fit around the lights. It’s possible to install recessed lighting without removing lots of drywall even if you don’t have complete access to the ceiling joists. Search for recessed lights that can pass through a minuscule hole in the ceiling and are affixed to the drywall using clips as opposed to strap ties.

Placement is key.

You can apply recessed lighting to illuminate a general space, or focus on a particular task, or highlight a specific feature – or a mix of these – however, while you can reposition table lamps or floor lamps, you only get one attempt to place recessed lights in the ideal location. Think about the sections you want to be brightly lit, such as over a seat for reading or a kitchen center.

If you need an extra source of light, make sure it is placed above the workspace instead of above where you are sitting or standing. Doing so would cause you to be in the dark area underneath your own shadow. Place recessed lights at least two feet away from the walls.

Bulb size will also help guide your placement. The common practice is to space the lights out equally, at a distance identical to the width of the bulb in inches. Therefore, a light bulb that is four inches in diameter should be placed four feet away from the next one. Bulbs that measure 4 inches in length are suggested for regular height ceilings while 5- and 6-inch bulbs work better for ceilings that are taller since they can give off a more powerful illumination.

Consider Your Circuitry

A home’s circuitry is its entire electrical system, which typically includes 15-amp circuits in living areas, great rooms, bedrooms, and 20-amp circuits that power kitchen appliances, dryers, ceiling heaters, and garage workshops.

The majority of downlight fixtures are able to be attached to 15-amp circuits, allowing multiple to be placed on just one electrical route. A circuit is a path that moves electricity, beginning at the main service panel and then flowing through switches, outlets, and lights before returning to the main service panel in a continuous loop. In most dwellings, two hot wires (red and black) and a neutral (white) line make up the lighting wire cables, with a copper or green ground wire included.

It is simpler to put in recessed lighting with electric circuits that are already in place, as opposed to having to set up new ones.

Most people who enjoy DIYing can easily install recessed lighting by replacing their current can lights, and simply reusing the existing wiring. A 15-amp circuit can handle up to 1,800 watts, but it is recommended that only 80 percent of this capacity should be used in order to protect against the breaker tripping. The total wattage of all the recessed ceiling lights on one electric circuit should not exceed 1,440 watts. Maximum wattage will appear on the can light’s packaging.

  • Existing circuit: An existing circuit will consist of a light switch and one or more ceiling lights. For those planning to replace an existing ceiling light or ceiling fan with recessed lights, keep in mind the new LED recessed lights use minimal wattage, and you can install dozens without overloading the circuit. Depending on the current wiring layout, installing new recessed lights on an existing circuit may entail removing part of the ceiling drywall and drilling through ceiling joists to run new wires.
  • New circuit: For new construction or for those adding an addition to their home, a new electrical circuit will be necessary to install new recessed lighting. In some communities, adding a new circuit to the service panel requires the services of a licensed electrician, so check before you start.

When deciding on the types of lightbulbs to use, it is important to consider the effect they will have on your lighting design, so make sure to pick wisely.

You may be overwhelmed by the great range of possibilities when you are picking out a lamp for recessed lighting. Every style of light bulb has something it can contribute, from looks to energy savings. Here’s how some of the most popular shake out.

  • “A” bulbs: A standard incandescent bulb that serves as a solid, inexpensive option, particularly for general lighting. Requires the use of a reflector trim (the housing that surrounds the bulb) to amplify the light.
  • “R” bulbs: Good for general lighting, particularly in living spaces, these are popular because of the built-in reflective surface that warms up its incandescent light and casts either a flood or spotlight pattern.
  • Halogen: This type of bulb offers a white, bright light with a controlled beam, great for general lighting (particularly in kitchens and bathrooms), as well as task and accent lighting. Low-voltage halogen bulbs, which require a transformer and special low-voltage housing, are a great way to go—energy efficient, excellent light quality, and longer life.
  • LED: LED light bulbs can last up to 11 years at 12 hours of use a day. You can find them in a variety of color temperatures, making them versatile enough for all rooms of the house. Plus, they don’t generate heat, and they offer energy efficiency and appealing color quality. Be warned: You’ll pay a bit more for them up front.

Beginning a Recessed Lighting Installation

Putting in recessed lighting is most efficient when one can access the attic, allowing for the possibility of running wires and creating openings for the light fixtures. If you’re unable to reach the ceiling of your home or if there are multiple floors, you can still put in a recessed light fixture starting from the room below. The most distinguished variance is that you will need to put in can lights that are tailored for retrofitting.

Retrofit can lights are not secured to the ceiling joists; instead they are attached to the bottom side of the drywall on the ceiling. These items are incredibly light and fastened securely along the ceiling with clips. Once the lights have been hooked up, they just need to be inserted.

Are Recessed Light Fixtures Right for You?

When it comes to supplying specialized accent or task lighting in a room, recessed bulbs are a great option.

Familiarize yourself with the structure of your home prior to buying lighting fixtures, as every application will be distinct. Find out from a knowledgeable electrical sales expert what components are required for your area—such as custom wiring, transformers, lamps, or IC-certified enclosures. In certain places, you must get a permit from authorities to put in or replace recessed lighting fixtures. If the project is too complicated for you to handle, get a certified electrician to put in your new lights.

Jonathan
Author: Jonathan