Lighting and Ceiling Fans - Do It Yourself Tips

Recessed lights are characteristically used where spot lighting is needed and or low-hanging fixtures are not desirable. Most commonly used in kitchens and living areas where they provide concealed lighting, recessed light can also illuminate a specific area. Some recessed light rotate and focus at an angle to illuminate or bathe a particular object a favorite painting, sculpture, or antique in light.

Recessed light fixtures fall into two categories: insulated ceiling (IC) and non-insulated ceiling (NIC). It is best to opt for IC light fixtures so that you can put insulation right up against the metal fixture housing in an attic floor or cathedral ceiling. Non-insulated ceiling fixtures require, for fire safety, a minimum clearance of 3 inches between the housing and insulation and a clearance above the fixture so as not to entrap heat (NEC Section 410.66). Most housings have two adjustable arms that are mounted to adjoining ceiling joists. The exposed surface of the fixture is extended below the joists just far enough to be flush with the finished ceiling. A decorative cover is snapped into place when the ceiling is finished. After the fixture has been mounted, the power branch-circuit cable is run into the electrical box attached to the housing.

Recessed lights don’t draw much electrical current, so they can be wired into a standard light or receptacle circuit. They can be wired using either 14 or 12 gauge wire.

Recessed canister lights, also called “pot lights,” use 60 to 150 watt floodlight bulbs. They’re ideal for task lighting, highlighting artwork, or grouped to illuminate whole rooms.

Cans get hot. Position them at least 1inch away from wood and other flammables. Always follow manufacturer’s instructions.

If the joists are exposed, use a new-work can light. For ceilings already covered by drywall or plaster and lath, buy a remodel can that clips into a hole cut in the ceiling. It’s also called an old-work, or retrofit, can.

Choosing canister lights
Can lights are designed to suit specific situations. Here’s how to choose the right one:

If there’s insulation in the ceiling, but IC (insulation compatible) lights. Standard recessed lights will dangerously overheat when surrounded with insulation.

But tiny low-voltage can lights. They’re stylish accent lights, but they are expensive. They’re wired in the same way as standard can lights.
Use bulbs of the recommended wattage or lower. Bulbs with too-high wattage will dangerously overheat. When putting a number of cans on a dimmer, add up all the wattage and make sure you dimmer is rated to handle the load.
If you have less than 8 inches of vertical space above the ceiling, purchase a low-clearance canister.

Anatomy of a can light
A Standard remodel canister fixture has an approved box, suspended far enough from the light so it will not overheat. A thermal protector shuts the light off if it becomes too hot (for example, if you use a bulb of too high wattage). If you have less than 8 inches of vertical space above your ceiling, purchase special cans designed to fit into this smaller space. Be sure they are IC (insulation compatible) rated so there will be no danger of overheating.

1. Option A: Cut the hole. Lightly mark all light locations. Use a stud finder to make sure they do not overlap a joist. Or, drill a hole and poke a bent wire up into it to make sure the hole is entirely between joists. Use the template provided with the light to draw a circle on the ceiling. Draw and cut each hole precisely. If it is even a little too big, the can may not clamp tightly. Wearing safety glasses, cut the line lightly with a utility knife; then cut along the inside of the knife line with a drywall saw. Take care not to snag any wires that may be in the ceiling cavity.

2. Option B: Use a Hole-Cutting Saw. This tool saves time and cuts holes precisely. You don't have to draw the outline of the hole on the ceiling; just mark the center point. Check to see that you will not run into a joist. Check that the lights fit snugly without having to be forced into place. Note: This tool is costly (the saw and the arbor are sold separately), but it's worth the price if you have more than six holes to cut through plaster. A less-expensive tool (inset) is available for cutting through drywall only.

3. Rough-In the Wiring. Run cable from a power source to a switch box, and then to the first hole, allowing at least 16 inches of extra cable to make wiring easy. Work carefully and use a drill with a long bit to avoid cutting additional access holes that will need patching later.

4. Wire the Light. Open the light's junction box. Usually, there's a plate that pops off. Run cable into the box and clamp it. Strip insulation and make wire splices-black to black, white to white, and ground to ground. Fold the wires into the box and replace the cover.

5. Mount the Light. Most remodel cans have four clips that clamp the can to the ceiling by pushing down on the top of the drywall or plaster. Pull the clips in so they do not protrude outside the can. Slip the can's box into the hole; then push the can body up into the hole until its flange is tight to the ceiling. With your thumb or a screwdriver, push each clip up and outward until it clicks and clamps the fixture.

6. Add the Trim. Most trims are mounted with coil springs or squeezable rod springs (as shown). If you have coil springs: Hook each spring to its assigned hole inside the can (if it is not already there). Pull out each spring and hook it to the trim; then carefully guide the trim into position. If you have rod springs, squeeze and insert both ends of each spring into their assigned holes; then push the trim up.

General Lighting

A basic form of lighting that replaces sunlight, general lighting is fundamental to a lighting plan. General lighting provides an area with overall illumination. Also known as ambient lighting, general lighting radiates a comfortable level of brightness, enabling one to see and walk about safely. It can be accomplished with chandeliers, ceiling or wall-mounted fixtures, recessed or track lighting.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting adds drama to a room by creating visual interest. As part of a decorating scheme, it is used to spotlight paintings, houseplants, sculpture and other prized possessions, or to highlight the texture of a wall, drapery or outdoor landscaping. Accent lighting requires at least three times as much light on the focal point as the general lighting around it. Accent lighting can be achieved with recessed lighting. A well-lit room takes into account the activity of the people using the space. Recessed and track lighting can provide general lighting as well as spots of light for tasks. Supplemental fixtures help layer the light as activities shift within a room.

Wall Grazing

For dramatic shadows on textured surfaces, such as draperies, stone, or brick, install recessed fixtures 6” to 12” from the wall, and space them the same distance apart.

Wall Washing

For non-textured surfaces, install recessed fixtures 2’ to 3’ from the wall, on ceilings up to 9’ high. Install between 3’ and 4’ from the wall on ceilings between 9’ and 12’ high. Space the fixtures the same distance apart as they are from the wall.

Task Lighting

helps you perform specific tasks, such as reading, sewing, cooking, homework, and more. It can be provided by recessed or track lighting , pendant lighting, or portable lamps. Task lighting should be free of distracting glare and shadows and should be bright enough to prevent eyestrain.

Living Rooms

When designing a lighting plan for a living room or family room, you need to consider the variety of activities that occur there. You’ll want to include general lighting for entertaining and watching televisions, task lighting for reading or sewing, and accent lighting for artwork, plants, and interesting architectural features. Dimming controls with incandescent recessed lights are ideal for the living room because they allow you to design the lighting to suit each mood and activity.

Fireplaces made or brick or stone can be emphasized with recessed downlights installed in the ceiling over the mantle to create an intriguing grazing affect across the surfaces. Wall sconces on each side of the fireplace are an attractive addition that draws attention to the fireplaces area, while providing general lighting for the living room.

Bedrooms

When lighting a bedroom, you will want to create an overall atmosphere of quiet relaxation, while providing some bright spots for reading and other activities. A combination of general and task lighting that takes into account the age and lifestyle of the occupant(s) is needed. Remember, dimming controls give you the flexibility to vary the light to suit different moods and activities.
For closets, a recessed or surface-mounted closet light is suggested.
For reading in bed , install recessed downlights over the bed to bathe pages with light.

Kitchens

The kitchen is primarily a work are, but it is also gathering place for family and friends. Lighting that is comfortable as well as functional is required.
General kitchen lighting can be achieved by installing recessed lighting, evenly spaced, every 4-6 feet for uniformity and overlapping pools of light. Additional recessed lights can be added over a center island to increase light level and aid in tasks.
At the sink and range, an individual recessed downlight, equipped with an energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps, will provide you with adequate task lighting when installed in theceiling or in soffits over these two busy work areas.

Baths

In the bathroom, you need plenty of even, shadows-free lighting for shaving , grooming, and applying makeup. In small bathrooms, wall fixtures will illuminate the entire room, but in larger bathrooms, an additional ceiling fixture or recessed lighting is recommended for general lighting.
Tub and shower enclosures can be adequately lighted by placing an enclosed damp-location recessed downlights in the ceiling. These downlights are also recommended over whirlpool bath in saunas.

Entrances

Outdoor lighting enhances the beauty of your property, makes your home safer and more secure, and increases the number of pleasurable hours you spend outdoors.
Exterior recessed lighting can provide dramatic spots of light – highlighting architectural elements of your home, such as textures, or drawing attention to a beautiful front door. It is an investment that pays off handsomely in the value it adds to your home.

Eaves

Installed under eaves and uniformly spaced, outdoor recessed lighting adds accent lighting and security while adding dramatic curb appeal. Recessed lighting placed under the eaves highlights a home or building’s architecture and textural elements.

Dining Rooms

Dining room lighting should be both beautiful and functional. This requires a mix of general, task, and accent lighting that can set the mood for a number of functions, including to formal dinner, a family get-together, and other activities such as homework , hobbies, or family bookkeeping. Dimming controls enable you to vary the light for each occasion.
A ring of four recessed downlights around the dining table supplements the light from the chandelier, while providing accent lighting for tableware.

Hallways

Hallways should be illuminated every 8 to 10 feet for safety . You can accomplish this with ceiling fixtures, wall sconces, recessed, or track lighting.

Baffles

Designed to reduce brightness, glare, and light spread, baffles deflect light through a series of concentric ridges or grooves that ring the lower portion of the trim. Baffles are a popular trim selection as they deliver an interesting, architectural appearance. Lighting and Ceiling Fans baffles are available in black (which reduces the brightness) or white (which blends into most ceilings).

Multipliers and Cones

With a smooth reflective “liner”, multipliers and cones offer maximum light efficiency with broad light output.

Wall Washers

For highlighting a wall-texture , architecture or an object, wall washers provide an even “wash” of light. Wall washers are designated to eliminate the often seen “scalloped light effect”. Wall washers illuminate evenly on a wall from top to bottom and side to side to provide the illusion of a gloving wall.

Lensed Trims

Glass or plastic diffusers cover the light source and are designed o soften and eliminate direct light. Wet location listed trims may be used as shower lights – providing additional light for tasks as well as creating spa-like lighting.

Eyeballs

For an adjustable light source, eyeballs can be rotated and tilted to direct light onto a specific object or feature of a room.

Open trims

Open trims allow lamp, or light source, to sit even with the ceiling level providing for widespread, general illumination and an attractive overall appearance.
Tips for selecting the right recessed housing.

Remodel of new construction

Recessed housings are constructed for particular use – make note that the job/projects you are working on matches the type of housings ( remodel or new construction housings).

Select a Housing

Recessed housings are designed for specific use as well as performance outputs. In addition to option such as incandescent or energy-efficient, recessed housings are categorized throughout the industry as Non-IC, IC and AirTight.

Lamps needs

What will be the type of light needed in the room? Are you looking for a spot of light to highlight an object or are you looking to increase overall light levels? Select the light source that provides the light you desire. If the fixture will be on for long periods of time and used for general lighting, you may want to consider the benefits of energy-savings fluorescent lamps.

Non-IC housings: Utilized where insulation is a minimum of 3” away from the housing. Lighting and Ceiling Fans Non-IC housings have thermal protectors that safeguard against overheating.

IC housings : Listed for use with direct contact to insulation. Lighting and Ceiling Fans IC housings are safe and thermally protected to prevent overheating.

Product Selection Tips

Lighting and Ceiling Fans is one of the most sought-after brands of lighting today. Supporting buildings professionals and homeowners with a wide variety of recessed lighting solutions for any remodel or new construction projects. Lighting and Ceiling Fans designs its recessed housings for ease of installation and to exacting standards for quality and safety.

Many Lighting and Ceiling Fans recessed housings and trims are rated and listed for wet locations , making these fixtures perfect for shower, bath and outdoor areas. There is more to recessed lighting that meets the eye and Lighting and Ceiling Fans offers something for every project challenge or designs idea. From general lighting using incandescent housings to dramatic “spots of light” with low-voltage housings and trims to qualified ENERGY STAR housings that help save money and the environment. Lighting and Ceiling Fans is your lighting design solution.