Monthly Archives: August 2007

How to Select the Housing for a Recessed Lighting Project

Posted on August 22, 2007 by colby

First and foremost make sure that your recessed housing carries a UL Listing, this shows that the electrical fixture has been evaluated for compliance with the National Electric Code (NEC). Recessed lighting is actually built into the structure of the home so these fixtures are subject to very strict standards. I recommend using Lithonia lighting recessed fixtures for any recessed application. All Lithonia incandescent recessed downlights include a thermal protector that stops power to the fixture when the fixture becomes to hot. This happens when the fixture is installed with a lamp that exceeds the rated maximum wattage.When choosing a recessed housing you must know a few things about your ceiling conditions.

Different Ceiling Plenum Heights Use Different Recessed Housings

Plenum is the space above the ceiling. Recessed lighting housings come in many different depth measurements; there should be enough plenum above the ceiling for the fixture to fit. If you have attic space measuring will not be necessary. If you do not have attic space you will need to know the beam or ceiling joist depth. These ceiling joists are most commonly made of wood and are normally 2×8, 2×10 or 2×12. The actual depth of the ceiling joist will be 3/8” less than the 2×8, 2×10 or 2×12 name. That means the 2×8 is actually 7-5/8” deep. Take that measurement and add the thickness of the ceiling which is normally ½” to 5/8”.

Most recessed lighting fixtures are 7-1/2” deep which will fit in the standard 2×8 roof construction. If your ceiling is lower, use a standard low profile recessed housing that is 5-1/2” deep for lower ceiling plenum heights.

NOTE: The deeper the recessed housing the less visible glare will be seen from the light bulb because the light bulb is higher in the recessed housing.

Standard recessed fixtures are the low cost option

Premium recessed fixtures offer the ability to use higher wattage lamps, more trim options, better shielding and light reflection

What Recessed Housing to Use for an Insulated Ceiling?

Recessed lighting installed in insulated ceilings must be able to handle heat build up and be UL Listed for this type of application. Insulated ceilings must use IC-Rated recessed housings. IC rated housings place the light bulb a little closer than NON-IC Rated housings to limit heat. This increases glare and IC-Rated housings use lower wattage light bulbs to reduce thermal stress.

What Recessed Housings to use for Existing Ceilings?

When your ceiling is existing and you are installing recessed lighting as a remodel project use a remodel recessed housing a.k.a. remodeler. A remodeler is a frameless recessed downlight that can be installed in an existing ceiling with out damaging the ceiling. After measuring and positioning the location of where the recessed fixture will be installed, cut out a whole based on the factory instructions for the fixture and slide the remodel housing through the ceiling cut out.

If your ceiling is open you will want to use new construction recessed housings. A new construction recessed housing comes complete with hanger bars that attach to the ceiling joists between the ceiling joists.

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What Type of Lamp Should I Use for My Recessed Lighting?

Posted on August 8, 2007 by colby

Light bulbs a.k.a. lamps are a very important factor in a recessed lighting layout plan. Different light bulbs affect different light levels, color and recessed fixture spacing, which in turn could result in different moods. In the end choosing the lamp is just as important as choosing the right recessed light fixture.

Here are a few questions you should ask your self at this level of your recessed lighting layout.

Do you want the room to feel warm and cozy? Or Bright and efficient?
Will the space in your project be for performing tasks, or will it be a relaxed space just needing light to walk through safely?
Do you have artwork, statues or entry ways that need special lighting techniques to emphasize their presents.

Different Types of Light Bulbs and their Effects

NOTE: Lamp size is calculated by the number of 1/8 inch units across the widest part of the glass casing. Example – A21 = 21 one-eighth-inch units across, which is (2-5/8″ across)

Incandescent A-Lamps

These lamps create a warm amber light with a good color rendition. Light shines in all directions with this light bulb so this light should be used for general, ambient or wall washing applications. A-Lamps work best with a reflector in the recessed trim. A-Lamps can be used with a light dimmer to create a softer light. Low bulb cost – .99 to $ 1.39
Sizes = A15, A17, A19 (most Common) and A21
Lamp Life = 750 to 1250 hours
The A-Lamp is available in compact fluorescent energy saving lamps starting at $ 5.99 and has a lamp life of 7000 hours. (compact fluorescent lamps can not be used with a light dimmer)

Incandescent BR and R lamps

BR and R lamps create a warm amber light with a good color rendition. A reflector is built-in to the lamp that directs light where needed. BR and R lamps should be used for general, ambient, task, accent, grazing or wallwashing applications. BR and R lamps can be used with a light dimmer to create a softer light. Low bulb cost - $ 1.39 to $ 2.39
Sizes = R20, BR30 and BR40
Lamp Life = 1500 to 2000 hours
The R and BR lamps are available in compact fluorescent energy saving lamps starting at $ 6.39 and have a lamp life of 7000 hours. (compact fluorescent lamps can not be used with a light dimmer)

Halogen PAR lamps

PAR lamps create a bright white light with true color rendition. A reflector is built-in to the lamp for very good light beam control. Halogen PAR lamps should be used for general, ambient, task, accent, grazing or wallwashing applications. Halogen lamps can be used with a light dimmer to create a softer light. High bulb cost - $ 4.39 to $ 8.39
Sizes = PAR16, PAR20, PAR30 and PAR38
Lamp Life = 3000 to 4000 hours

Low-Voltage Halogen lamps

These lamps create a bright white light with true color rendition. A reflector is built-in to the lamp for very good light beam control. Low Voltage lamps have the best control of light output. Low-Voltage lamps require a step down transformer from 120volts to 12 volts. Low-Voltage lamps should be used for task, accent, grazing or wallwashing applications. Low-Voltage lamps can be used special low-voltage light dimmers to create a softer light. High bulb cost - $ 4.39 to $ 8.39 (fixture cost is usually a little more expensive as well)
Sizes = MR16, AR11 and PAR36
Lamp Life = 3000 to 4000 hours
Low-Voltage Bi-pin halogen bulbs are available in LED energy saving lamps starting at $ 36.39 and have a lamp life of 40,000 hours.

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL)

CFLs consume up to 75% less energy than incandescent and halogen lamps. CFLs create a cool white light with a low color rendition although, technologies on CFLs are improving to provide softer light and better color rendition. Light shines in all directions with this light bulb so this light should be used for general, ambient or wallwashing applications unless you use the R Lamp type CFLs that include a built-in reflector. CFLs work best with a reflector in the recessed trim. High bulb cost – $ 3.99 to $ 8.39

Styles = 2-pin, 4-pin, candelabra base and medium base

Lamp Life = 7000 hours

Suggested Light Levels for Various Applications

General or Ambient Recessed Lighting Layout

Should use low to medium light levels (5 to 20 foot candles). We Suggest using these lamps:

A Lamps or BR30 lamps for ceilings 10′ or lower
BR40, PAR30 or PAR38 for ceilings 10′ or higher
Medium based R type CFLs (can not be used with a light dimmer)

With an 8 foot ceiling, space fixtures 3 feet from the walls and 6 to 7 feet apart in a balanced pattern. With a 9 foot ceiling, space fixtures 3.5 feet from the walls and 7 to 8 feet apart in a balanced pattern.

My past post on lighting design software can assist you with a computer generated recessed lighting layout.
Task Recessed Lighting Layout

Should use medium to high light levels (35 to 55 foot candles). We Suggest using these lamps:

PAR30 lamps for ceilings 10′ or lower
PAR38 for ceilings 10′ or higher

With an 8 foot ceiling, space fixtures 3 feet apart, with a 10 foot ceiling, space fixtures 4 feet apart positioned over the edge of the work space to avoid shadowing.

Accent Recessed Lighting Layout

Should 4 to 5 times more intense than the general or ambient light levels (60 to 100 foot candles). We Suggest using these lamps:

PAR30 or MR16 lamps for ceilings 10′ or lower
PAR38 or PAR36 for ceilings 10′ or higher

With an 8 foot ceiling, space fixtures 18 – 24″ from wall, with a 10 foot ceiling, space fixtures 30 – 36″ from wall. Light framed art and photos at a 30 degree angle from the suggested distance from the wall. When lighting a free standing object use two lights from each side for a more dramatic appearance.

Wallwashing Recessed Lighting Layout

Should provide an even light level across wall with evenly spaced fixtures (35 to 55 foot candles). We Suggest using these lamps:

A19 lamps or Compact Fluorescent Lamps

Space fixtures 3 feet from the wall and 3 feet apart for even light distribution. Washing a wall gives you the feeling of a larger room.

Grazing Recessed Lighting Layout

Should emphasize wall textures with a shadowed appearance (20 to 25 foot candles). We Suggest using these lamps:

BR30, PAR30 or CFL

Space fixtures 6 – 9″ from the wall and 12 – 18″ apart for even light distribution. Grazing a brick, stone or heavy textured wall gives a deep shadow and light effect that will run down the vertical length of the wall.

These suggestions should assist you in understanding which light bulb you will want to use for your recessed downlight layout and you should know what type of light function you will want your recessed lighting to perform: General, Task, Accent, Wallwash or Grazing

All lighting function images and some research has been provided by American Lighting Association

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How to Choose Recessed Lighting for your Home

Posted on August 1, 2007 by colby

Choosing recessed lighting for your home can be very difficult when not done right. In the next five posts I will go into great detail on selecting the right type of recessed downlighting for your space. Recessed lighting can be a very effective light source yet literally unobtrusive.

What type of lighting function do you want to add to the space?

The first step in choosing recessed lighting is to figure out your lighting needs in the space you are working with. The following definitions will be very useful.

General or Ambient Lighting created by Recessed Lighting

recessed ambient lighting When you are trying to light a complete space you are usually performing general or ambient lighting with the recessed downlights that you choose. This is done by installing the recessed lighting in a evenly balanced pattern in the ceiling to create uniform illumination. Ceiling heights and the depth of the trim should be taken into consideration to produce glare-free lighting. General lighting is best when used with a light dimmer.

General or Ambient Recessed Lighting is usually used in

Living rooms
Great Rooms
Kitchens
Bedrooms
Foyers
Hallways

Perform Task Lighting with Recessed Lighting

recessed task lighting Task lighting is performed when you want to provide higher levels of light for activities such as food preparation, reading, grooming and many other specific tasks where increased light is needed. These recessed fixtures should be centered uniformly over the work space. The closer the recessed cans are the higher the light level of course. Task lighting is best when used with a light dimmer.

Recessed Task Lighting is usually used in

Kitchens (over islands or food prep areas)
Offices (over desks or bulletin boards)
Bathrooms (to highlight grooming spaces, showers and tubs)
Bedrooms (used in reading spaces or sitting areas)

Accent Lighting is Easily Done with Recessed Downlights

Use a concentrated beam of light to high light specific objects or surfaces. Accent lighting has the best effects when the object has a very high light level and the surrounding light levels are much lower. Accent lighting is great when you want to highlight wall hanging artwork, sculptures or entries. Accent lighting is best when used with a light dimmer.

Accent Lighting is usually used in

Dining Rooms (chandeliers and china)
Living Rooms (Sculptures and artwork)
Great Rooms (Sculptures, sitting areas, and artwork)
Bedrooms (Special areas)

Wall-washing when using Recessed Lighting

Wall-washing creates a uniform light on a wall to make that wall stand out and make the space seem expanded. This is a unique lighting function that can be used to accent large areas, book cases and murals. The recessed trims and housings should be evenly spaced 3 feet apart and 2 to 3 feet from the wall (depending on aperture size, explained later). Specific wall washing trims should be used when performing this lighting function or a scalloped lighting effected will happen.

Recessed Wall-washing is usually used in

Living Rooms (wash specific walls to make the room seem larger)
Great Rooms (wash a bookshelf or mural)
Offices (wash a wall that has important info on it)
Hallways (wash one or both walls for glare-free path lighting)

Grazing with Recessed Lighting

recessed grazing light The Grazing lighting function is when recessed lighting is used to accent specific architectural features such as stone walls, heavy textured finishes and creative vertical surfaces. Recessed lighting fixtures should be spaced 2 to 3 feet apart and 6 to 9 inches from the wall.

Grazing is usually used on

Fireplaces (to show the depth of the stone or brick)
Exterior eaves (to graze the exterior texture of the home)

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