Recessed Lighting FAQ
Types of LED Recessed Lighting and Common Jargon
What is Recessed Lighting?
Recessed lighting is heavily used in modern lighting design and is a great option for replacing or upgrading the lighting system in your home or office. Their best feature is that it takes up no space and offers a lot of options. Often referred to as downlighting or can lighting, it refers to light fixtures installed into a hollow opening in a ceiling. When installed, they appear to be part of the ceiling, concentrating the light downward as a broad floodlight or narrow spotlight.
What Are Pot Lights?
A pot light, sometimes called a can light or retrofit light, is an enclosed fixture that protects the bulb and usually comes with rods and hooks for hanging it. Recessed lighting is also known as pot lights. Their name comes from the fact that the bulb's housing resembles a pot or can.
What is a Wafer Light?
Wafer lights are called wafer lights because of their ultra slim, flat design that allows for installation in tight spaces without compromising lighting quality. They can be installed with as little as a few inches of depth in the ceiling. These lights can fit under joists and are typically used in new construction projects. NuWatt has an array of ultra thin recessed lights that will fit any project.
Just what are LED Downlights?
LED downlights are light fixtures embedded into ceilings. Downlights are interchangeable with Wafer lights and Pot lights, they are all generally recessed lights.
What is the Difference Between Flush Mount and Recessed LED Downlights?
Recessed lights are set into the ceiling, while flush mount lights are placed on the surface. The sleek and contemporary appearance is enhanced by recessed lights, which sit flush with the ceiling. Recessed lights offer a more streamlined and modern look as they sit flush with the ceiling.
What is a Retrofit LED Light?
Often known as "recessed can lights" because the LED lighting components are housed in a ceiling recessed canister. A retrofit LED light is designed to replace traditional light bulbs in existing recessed housing or cans. If you have a recessed can that is pre-installed into the ceiling it’s much easier to upgrade your existing ceiling lights to LEDs in a quick and easy fashion since it only requires you to attach the LED fixture to the most common type of light bulb socket called an E26 base or a GU5.3 base. Before purchasing a retrofit LED light kit be sure you know what type of screw or base type your recessed housing/can has.
What is a Canless LED Light?
Unlike retrofit LED lights, canless LED lights do not need a pre-installed housing or metal canister to hold the light to the ceiling. Since they do not need a housing they can be installed in ceilings with a clearance of 2 inches.
Learn more about the differences between canless and retrofit lighting by reading our in depth blog here: RETROFIT CAN VS. CANLESS RECESSED LIGHTING: WHICH IS BEST FOR YOUR DIY?
How Long Do LED Lights Really Last?
LED lights are marketed as having a long lifespan, typically around 10 years, based on an average usage Lights left on for 12 hours per day will remain lit for more than 11 years, while those left on for 8 hours per day will remain lit for approximately 17 years. Recessed downlights do not have removable bulbs and thus do not require you to replace them once they burn out, their long lifespan is a major benefit over traditional incandescent bulb setups.
Are All LED Downlights Dimmable?
Not all LED downlights are dimmable. When purchasing LED downlights, it’s essential to check the product specifications to ensure they are compatible with dimmer switches. Using non-dimmable LEDs with a dimmer switch can cause flickering or damage the lights. Never purchase non-dimmable LED lights, that is a big indication the entire fixture is low quality and made of cheap materials.
Difference Between Color Temperature and CRI?
The appearance of light emitted by a light source is defined by its color temperature, measured in Kelvins (K). In contrast, color rendering index is a metric that compares artificial light to the natural sunlight we see outdoors. In contrast to color temperature, which quantifies the actual light color, color rendering index (CRI) quantifies the degree to which colors of objects indoors look. The color temperature scale runs from very warm (yellowish) to very cold (bluish) light, and it is typically expressed in Kelvin (K). Only buy recessed downlights with a CRI of 90 or greater and 5 selectable color temperature options.
Recessed Lighting Color Temperatures:
- Soft White 2700K
- Warm White 3000K
- Neutral White 3500K
- Cool White 4000K
- Daylight 5000K
To learn more about color temperature of recessed lighting please read our blog about this: KELVIN VS. LUMEN: UNDERSTANDING COMMON LIGHTING TERMS
And to learn more about the importance of CRI read our blog: THE IMPORTANCE OF CRI IN LED LIGHTING
Where to Use Wet Rated LED Lights
IP65 Wet rated LED lights fully resistant to water. They are ideal for use in showers, outdoor soffits, or above stovetops where humidity can build up.
Are LED Lights Safe in the Bathroom?
Bathrooms, often smaller and requiring precise lighting for tasks like grooming, benefit from recessed lights with a higher IP rating. An IP65 rating and above indicates water resistance, making them suitable for bathroom installations. LED lights can be safe in bathrooms if they are rated for damp or wet locations. These ratings indicate that the lights are designed to withstand moisture and humidity. Wet or damp rated recessed lights are needed if you are going to place them in the shower or in an outdoor area.
Can You Put Insulation Over LED Downlights?
LED pot lights or downlights produce very little heat compared to traditional incandescent or CFL bulbs. However, they still produce some heat, and proper installation and insulation are necessary to prevent overheating. Check the specification of your recessed light and make sure they are IC rated, more on that later.
Can Downlights Cause Fires?
LED downlights are less likely to cause fires compared to traditional bulbs due to their lower heat output. However, improper installation, such as covering non-IC-rated fixtures with insulation, can pose a fire risk. If you are looking for IC rated recessed lighting I would recommend that you consider NuWatt Canless Recessed Lighting, all of their canless downlights are IC rated and offer superior quality and energy efficiency.
What Are IC Rated LED Downlights?
IC stands for Insulation Contact. IC-rated downlights can be covered with insulation, making the installation process easier and safer. IC-rated (Insulation Contact) downlights are designed to be safely covered with insulation without overheating, ensuring energy efficiency and safety. Canless recessed lights should always have an IC rating since they do not have recessed can or housing in between the LED light panel and the insulation.
How to Tell if Recessed Lighting is IC Rated
Check for a label on the light indicating it is IC-rated. If the back of the light is closed, it is likely IC-rated, while an open back indicates it is not. Look for labels or markings on the fixture indicating "IC" or "IC-AT" (Insulation Contact - Airtight).
What Causes LED Lights to Flicker?
Using incompatible dimmer switches can cause LED lights to flicker, or low quality materials can cause the wiring to be become unreliable or defective.
How Much Energy Do LED Lights Save?
LED lights are highly energy-efficient, consuming significantly less power than traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs. LED lights save up to 75% of energy compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. They convert a higher percentage of electricity into visible light, reducing energy consumption and costs.
Do You Need an Electrician to Replace LED Downlights?
NuWatt encourages users to seek professional electrician assistance for light installation. Should you need technical support, please contact us. You can reach out via our contact form or call us at 862-801-2006 any time between 8AM-5PM PST Monday – Friday!
Final Thoughts on Recessed LED Lighting
Navigating the world of LED recessed lighting can be confusing with so many terms and options. However, understanding these common terms can help you make better decisions for your lighting needs. By mastering these concepts, you can improve the functionality and ambiance of your spaces while maximizing energy efficiency and longevity. Whether you're upgrading your home, office, or starting a new construction project, a solid grasp of lighting terminology empowers you to choose the right fixtures and create the desired atmosphere
For questions or technical support, use our contact form.