How to Select the Housing for a Recessed Lighting Project

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

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.

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.