Recessed down-lights are a sensible way to provide ambient, unobtrusive illumination without clashing with the décor of your home. Available for both new construction and remodeling applications, recessed lighting (can lights) can be used in just about any type of ceiling, from shallow to sloped; insulated to non-insulated. A variety of diameters and bulb capabilities are available to give you the flexibility of mixing and matching lighting functions throughout your home. Recessed trims come in a wide selection of colors and styles ranging from traditional down-lights to contemporary glass rings. 

Recessed lighting can be used to border a room with light, accent pictures or objects d’art and illuminate work areas. Use it as general-purpose lighting, or as a compliment to other types of lighting fixtures. Down-lights in a bathroom eliminate shadows and light areas such as a shower or Jacuzzi. Adjustable eyeballs add drama to fireplaces and shed light on dark bookcases or curio cabinets. Emphasize space with wall washers around the perimeter of a room, or add drama and detail to textured surfaces with wall grazing. Use baffled down-lights in a kitchen soffit, or enclosed, gasketed fixtures under outdoor eaves.

“IC” rated recessed fixtures can be covered with insulation. Fixtures that do not carry the IC rating must be installed in ceilings where there is a minimum of three inches between the fixture (including ballasts and junction box) and any type of insulation.

All U.L. approved recessed cans manufactured since the early 1980’s have a thermal protection switch that is an integral part of the fixture. If the can gets overheated, the switch will turn the light off until the temperature cools down. Once that happens, the light will turn itself back on. If this is happening to your recessed light fixtures, consult with a licensed electrician to determine what is causing the problem.

It depends on the type of lighting distribution you are looking for. For the number of fixtures needed for general lighting, first find the spacing ratio for the type of trim and bulb you are using (consult manufacturer literature or lighting showroom consultant). Multiply the spacing ratio by the fixture’s mounting height above the area to be lighted. This will give you the maximum spacing needed for even illumination.

For grazing a textured surface, place your recessed fixtures approximately 12 inches from the wall, and 12 inches from each other. This will minimize reflections, highlight details and create a scalloped effect along the wall.

Follow the American Lighting Association chart below to determine the number of fixtures needed for wall washing. Divide the length of your wall by the spacing (S) to get the correct number of fixtures needed to achieve the light level you desire. Install the fixtures the same distance from the wall as (S). Example: For medium light level with wall washers using a 100W “A” bulb, five fixtures are needed to wash a 10-foot wall.

For the most part, the answer is NO. Interchanging different manufacturer products may cause your recessed fixtures to function improperly, and will immediately void U.L. listings and any warranties or guarantees on the product. However, many manufacturers do offer recessed can types that adapt to several of their trim styles. Be sure to consult with the manufacturer literature, or an experienced lighting consultant to determine if you are installing a compatible trim.

Try and stay away from trims with white baffles or reflectors. While these trims widely reflect light, they also produce glare and hot spots. Black-baffled trims absorb glare as well as some of the reflected light, and you can still see the light source when looking up at the ceiling. Alzak reflectors, available in several different colors, absorb glare but are highly reflective. Perhaps, the most unobtrusive recessed trim is the black Alzak reflector. The light source cannot be seen unless a person is standing directly beneath the recessed fixture.