How to Select the Housing for a Recessed Lighting ProjectFirst 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 the Lithonia Lighting Recessed Fixtures for any recessed application. All Lithonia incandescent 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 HousingsPlenum 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 2x8, 2x10 or 2x12. The actual depth of the ceiling joist will be 3/8” less than the 2x8, 2x10 or 2x12 name. That means the 2x8 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 2x8 roof construction. If your ceiling is lower Lithonia Lighting manufactures 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 fixtures 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. (Installing recessed fixtures will be covered more in my post on recessed fixture installation)
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. (Installation will be covered in a future post)
My next post will cover selecting the proper recessed lighting trim for the desired lighting function.
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 Article created on Aug 22 by colby
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