#6 RECESSED LIGHTING LAYOUT FULL#

Reflector trims use a highly polished smooth interior trim to maximize the amount of light produced from the bulb. Reflector Trims are the preferred choice for use in kitchens, very high ceilings and commercial applications. Black baffles reduce the most amount of glare from the bulb, while white baffles help to reduce or eliminate the appearance of dark holes in the ceiling. Baffles help to reduce glare and are typically offered in two color choices, black or white.

These trims feature large uniform grooves which are designed to absorb excess light. They are the perfect choice for use in living spaces such as living rooms, dining rooms, dens, bedrooms, etc. The appropriate style is largely based on the application and the desired effect you are going for:īaffle Trims are the most popular choice of all recessed lighting trims. What Are The Types of Recessed Lighting Trims?Īfter you have decided on the size, it is important to understand the style of trim you want. Again, while the trim size can be based on your aesthetic, some common applications include:Ħ' trims are still the mainstay for general residential downlight and wall wash illumination, due to their ability to accommodate a wide range of lamps, wattages, and efficient optics.ĥ' trims have become popular for task lighting and even general lighting in smaller scale settings.Ĥ' trims are useful for task and accent lighting with short throw distances and/or lower light level requirements, such as over a bar or counter.ģ' trims and 2' trims are best for providing rooms with moderate and low levels of ambient lighting such as in the case of a dining room or living room. Obviously, smaller trims are less conspicuous and are hence often seen to be more modern and architecturally desirable. The size of the trim is a personal preference however, larger-sized trims are able to produce broader amounts of light. Recessed lighting trims come in multiple sizes ranging from 1' to 6' in diameter. The trim is the visible part of the light, therefore it should reflect your style and the application for which it is going to be used. What Sizes of Recessed Lighting Trims Are There Low voltage is recommended when you want to create high contrast and/or are using the recessed lights as a form of task or accent lighting. A special transformer is needed to reduce the voltage and special modern-dimmers are required if you want a dimming feature. Low Voltage recessed lighting is a more energy efficient alternative that uses a 12-volt current instead of a 120-volt current. Line voltage is recommended when you have high ceilings and/or the need to provide general illumination to a room, as you can use up to a 150W bulb. No transformer or special modern dimmers are needed. Line voltage operates directly off of the normal household 120-volt current. The final technical component of choosing recessed lighting is to determine whether you want line or low voltage. Non-IC, or non-insulation contact, rating means that the fixture can't come in direct contact with thermal insulation and should be kept at least 3 inches from any insulation. An IC, or insulation contact, rating means that the fixture can come in direct contact with thermal insulation. Understanding whether you need IC or Non-IC rated components is the other critical aspect to choosing the right housing. Should You Choose IC-Rated or Non-IC Rated? Remember, even though Remodel housings are less bulky, it does not mean that you won't have to remove sheetrock or make holes in your ceiling to accommodate your new lighting plan. This is common in apartments or homes without crawl spaces or attics. Remodel Housings are less bulky and appropriate when you have limited or no access to the space above the new fixture. The reason you need all this space is that new construction housings are bulkier and are installed in between joist beams or onto hanger bars from T-Bar or drop ceilings. Or you have access to the space due to an overhead attic, a pop out ceiling panel, etc.

#6 RECESSED LIGHTING LAYOUT FULL#

You are building in a new space where you have full access to the wall/ceiling/floor without sheetrock or plaster hindering your access to beams, etc. New Construction Housings are appropriate when you have accessible space around where the light is going to be placed. Although these terms seem straightforward, they are somewhat of a misnomer. In order to choose the correct recessed lighting housing, you will need to know whether to use a remodel or new construction style housing.

Frequently Asked Questions on Recessed Lighting Trims and Housing When to Choose Remodel or New Construction Housing

6 recessed lighting layout