Recessed lighting is a type of lighting that will be directly installed inside a wall, ceiling, or other surface in a home. Let’s take a look at everything homeowners need to know about this popular lighting option!
What Is Recessed Lighting?
Recessed fixtures are made of three main components, including housing, trim, and bulb. Housing is the majority of this fixture, typically hidden within a wall or ceiling. Its purpose is to contain the fixture’s electrical connections.
Trim, meanwhile, refers to the visible portion of the lighting, which can also include such things as shades or reflectors. The bulb ultimately produces the light coming from the fixture.
Lighting Installation Considerations
Prior to installing this lighting option, you will need to choose recessed lights that match both the space and access available in your home. For example, installing these lights in a finished surface makes remodel fixtures a popular choice.
Homeowners will be able to install these lights from the finished side of either a ceiling or wall. The material within your wall will also play a role in choosing the appropriate fixture. You must use an IC-rated recessed lighting in the event there is insulation present within the wall.
Specialty lights featuring shallow housings work best for walls that are quite thin. Homeowners can also use these fixtures outdoors, with wet location rated lights the ideal option.
Recessed Lighting Designs
Once you have chosen the best fixture for your home, you will be able to customize the lighting, if desired. A lot of recessed lighting designs can be unobtrusive, but trims can come in a wide range of finishes with a plethora of style options.
The majority of recessed lighting has a single bulb with either square or round trims. Fixtures with more than one bulb usually have rectangular trims and are the best choice for lighting larger fixtures, such as a bookcase.
Here are a few trim options and how they impact the type of light produced in the home:
- Reflectors can maximize the amount of light produced, directing it downward.
- Baffle trims will reduce glare and offer a subtle setting indoors.
- Eyeball or adjustable trims can help change the direction of the lighting.
- Lensed trims come with solid covers, protecting the bulbs and wiring.
- Wall wash trims can direct the lighting to the sides.
Conclusion
The final component of this lighting is the light bulb type. For example, compact fluorescent bulbs are energy-efficient, producing very little heat overall. However, they do contain minimal amounts of mercury.
Oftentimes, LED’s are seen as the best option for recessed lighting fixtures. Recessed lighting is undoubtedly a great way to add different styles of illumination inside your home. To learn more, contact the experienced professionals at Shield’s Electric today!
SHIELD’S ELECTRIC IN TEMPE, ARIZONA
Family owned and operated since 1957, Shields Electric, Inc. is one of Arizona’s most experienced electrical contractors. Our commercial, residential and institutional clients benefit from our decades of experience in a wide range of market segments and project types throughout the state of Arizona. Contact us today for a free quote!
