PROJECTS ONLINE: AN INTRODUCTION TO RECESSED LIGHTING
Project Difficulty:
Moderate
In the world of light fixtures, recessed lights are sort of the secret agents of illumination. Since most of their main parts are hidden between the joists in a ceiling, they offer you the advantage of bright lighting without the drawback of large fixtures that would interrupt the clean lines of your ceiling.
1.
Lots of Options
Because the fixtures are concealed and they often come with a wide variety of options and designs, you can use recessed lights with virtually any décor, from traditional to contemporary. Like track lighting, they can provide dramatic effects, whether your goal is to "paint" a wall with light, highlight a picture or sculpture, or brighten a busy kitchen. In Figure 1 shown here, the fixture is adjusted to provide good lighting evenly distributed on the performing musician and his sheet music.
2.
Check Before You Buy
Before buying a recessed system, you should read the installation instructions carefully. Some systems are designed to be installed before a ceiling is closed in. This means they’re best suited for use in new construction or wholesale remodeling projects. Other systems can be installed from below, in existing ceilings.
Also, check the manufacturer’s data list for the housing of the light you are considering to make sure it will work in the space you have available. Because they are recessed, these types of lights can trap a lot of heat. To keep a fixture from overheating and possibly causing a fire, you’ll need a specific amount of clearance between the fixture and the ceiling insulation surrounding it, and between the fixture and any subflooring in the attic or room above.
Some units are designed specifically for contact with insulation. These are labeled "IC" for insulated ceilings. Units that are not designed for use with insulation usually have instructions for the minimum allowable air space clearance around the fixture. The National Electrical Code requires at least 3 inches.
If your location doesn’t provide enough height clearance for a standard recessed light, you might want to consider a low-profile downlight or a rectangular fluorescent fixture called a troffer. These can be used in spaces as shallow as 4 inches.
