Low Voltage Recessed Cans

Low Voltage Recessed Cans

What is a Low Voltage Recessed Can: A low voltage recessed can is just like a regular high voltage can except that it has a built in transformer. For residential purposes, each can is fed 120 volts just as if they were high voltage cans. The difference is power is connected to the transformer and then the low voltage output from the transformer is connected to the socket.

What are the Different Types of Low Voltage Recessed Cans:Like high voltage cans not all low voltage recessed cans are built with the same specifications for example, some recessed cans are rated to have direct contact with insulation and some should never touch insulation. Here are some of the different types of available low voltage recessed cans:

New Work non IC

• Designed to nail to ceiling joists during rough construction but can not come in contact with insulation. These would be good for the 1st floor of a 2 story building.

New Work IC Rated

• Designed to nail to ceiling joists during rough construction and is rated to have contact with insulation. This can is perfect for attic spaces.

Remodel non IC

• Designed to be installed after the drywall or finished ceiling material has already been installed. Non IC means that it can not have direct contact with insulation (non insulation contact).

Remodel IC Rated

• Designed to be installed after the drywall or finished ceiling material has already been installed and is rated to have contact with insulation.

Air Tight Rated

• Air tight rating just means that the fixture was built to restrict air leakage resulting in higher energy efficiency.

Aperture Size

• Low voltage recessed can sizes are primarily 2”, 3” and 4”. 2” is very rare and 4” is the most common.

What are the Benefits of Low Voltage Recessed Cans:

Smaller Size

• Low voltage cans are typically smaller than standard voltage cans so when size matters low voltage recessed cans are a great option.

Versatility

• Low voltage recessed cans are very versatile. They utilize all of the same trims as higher voltage cans but they have a secret weapon. The MR16 bulb. The MR16 bulb is a game changer.
• There are many different beam spreads from 15° to 80°. The different beam spreads allow recessed can lights to be used for many different applications like spot lighting a small sculpture, illuminating a painting, and even general lighting.
• LED MR16s come in many different color temperatures ranging from Amber 2200k to cool white 6000k.
• The wattage of LED MR16s range from 2-10 watts. This would be approximately equivalent to 20-75 watt incandescent. This is a wide range suitable for almost any kind of lighting from accent to general.

Energy Efficient

• Low voltage recessed can lights use less energy than standard cans.

How to Dim a Low Voltage Recessed Can:

• The first step to dimming a low voltage recessed can light is to know what kind of transformer is being used. Low voltage recessed cans use 2 types of transformers:
• Magnetic
• Electronic
• The 2nd step is to make sure that the bulb is dimmable and make sure that it is dimmable with whichever type of transformer is being used. Some bulbs are not dimmable at all. Some bulbs are only dimmable with magnetic transformers. Some are only dimmable with electronic transformers and some are dimmable with either.
• The 3rd step is to make sure that the dimmer switch is compatible with the transformer. Dimmer switches are not all the same. Some dimmer switches are made specifically for magnetic transformers. Some dimmers are made specifically for electronic transformers and some will dim both.

For optimal dimming performance, it's crucial to follow these three steps precisely. If any of the components are incompatible, you may encounter various issues, such as flickering bulbs, buzzing or humming transformers, or transformer and or dimmer switch failure.