Premium Recessed Light Housings and Trims

Premium Recessed Light Housings and Trims

Recessed lighting has become an integral part of interior design. It can provide high quality general lighting or accent lighting and because it is recessed into the ceiling it is unobtrusive and can be virtually unnoticeable. Whether you are remodeling your home, renovating commercial space or designing new construction, choosing the right recessed housings and trims is crucial to achieving perfect illumination.

Why Recessed Lighting is a Must: Recessed lighting or downlighting combined with the correct lamp and trim can provide either excellent general lighting or beautiful accent light all while blending in seamlessly with any decor. Offices, bathrooms, hallways or kitchens, it doesn’t matter, there is a housing, lamp and trim combination that will provide the perfect illumination.

Types of Recessed Housings

• New Construction: New construction recessed cans or housings are designed to be supported by the ceiling framing or joists during new construction or when a ceiling is open.
• Remodel Housings: Remodel housings or cans are designed to be inserted into a finished ceiling without causing damage.
• IC Rated: IC (insulation contact) recessed housings are designed to be installed in ceilings that are insulated. They are specially designed to be able to handle the extra heat build up caused by insulation.
• Non-IC Rated: Non-IC rated recessed cans are designed to go in ceilings that are not insulated. If a non-IC rated can is installed in an insulated ceiling where the insulation was touching or covering the can more than likely the can would over heat and trip the thermal protector, Self-Heating Thermal Protector or commonly called the SHTP.
• Airtight Housings: An airtight rated, AC rated, housing is designed to restrict air leakage resulting in higher energy efficiency.
• Fire Rated Housings: Fire rated housings are designed to meet fire safety standards to prevent the spread of fire. If a 1 hour or 2 hour fire rated ceiling is penetrated for a recessed light fixture, then the rating for the recessed housing must meet or exceed the rating of the ceiling. Fire rated housings are more common for multifamily developments.

Types of Recessed Trims

• Baffle Trims: Baffle trims are one of the most common types. They are usually cone shaped with a ribbed interior. The ribs or grooves reduce glare and create a soft, diffused light. Baffle trims are great for any room that requires soft lighting like bedrooms and studies. They are also nice for living rooms with low ceilings.
• Reflector Trims: Reflector trims have a smooth, polished interior so that the maximum amount of light is directed outward. Reflector trims work best for any room that requires a lot of light. Reflector trims are especially found in commercial buildings with high ceilings.
• Adjustable Trims: Adjustable trims allow the bulb to gimbal so that light can be directed in other directions other than straight down. Adjustable trims are commonly used for accent lighting, such as spotlighting sculptures, vases, or highlighting wall art.
• Shower Trims: Shower trims are designed to be moisture resistant. The bottom of the trim is typically protected by a piece of glass or lens that is specially designed to enhance or soften the light.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

• It goes without saying that a bad bulb or a popped breaker are both common problems so start with these first.
• Once you eliminate the bulb and breaker and the recessed can still does not work it’s time to dig deeper. With the switch on, test the socket for voltage. If you don’t have voltage the next step is to test the light switch or dimmer.
• If you find that the light switch or dimmer is working properly and you have a low voltage recessed housing, test the transformer.
• If you do not have a low voltage recessed can, then test for loose wires.
• Test the socket for continuity.
• If you do not find any loose wires or connections and the socket has continuity, then test the Self-heating Thermal Protector or commonly called the SHTP. The SHTP is located on the inside of the can. Depending on the brand it may have 2 or 3 wires leading in and out. If the switch is stuck open and has no continuity then it must be replaced with exact manufacturer specifications. The SHTP protects the recessed can from overheating and igniting fires so this little part is a huge life saver.