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Recessed Can Lights

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Recessed can lights, also known as recessed ceiling lights or canister lights, are lighting fixtures that are installed into hollow openings, or "cans," within the ceiling. Recessed can lights typically consist of a cylindrical metal housing, referred to as the "can," which is concealed within the ceiling or another structure. The housing contains the light source, electrical components as well as any necessary insulation to prevent heat transfer. Recessed can lights are installed by cutting an opening in the ceiling or wall, into which the housing is fitted. The fixture is then secured in place using mounting brackets or clips, and the trim or cover is attached to the outer edge of the opening to create a finished look. Having a dedicated housing distinguishes recessed can lights from integrated LED downlights which come with a fixture-as-heat-sink design. Integrated LED downlights are designed with the LED module directly integrated into the fixture itself. Instead of a separate housing, the fixture of an integrated LED downlight often serves as a heat sink, dissipating heat generated by the LEDs to ensure proper functioning and longevity.

In North America, the housings of LED downlights are available in two main types: new construction units and remodel units, both of which adhere to the UL1598 standards, ensuring safety and quality. Remodel housings are specifically designed for retrofit applications, where access to the back side of the ceiling is limited or not possible. The aluminum housing of remodel housings can be installed through an opening in the ceiling from below. They are then secured in place using torsion springs and pressure clips, making installation relatively straightforward without the need for extensive ceiling access. New construction housings come with bar hangers that provide stability and support when installing them in joints and T-bar grid ceilings. They are intended to be installed before the ceiling is enclosed during construction. This allows for precise coordination of the location of recessed downlights with other structural elements in the ceiling, such as joists, ducts, wiring, or plumbing. By installing them before enclosing the ceiling, adjustments can be made to ensure proper alignment and avoid interference with other components. In both new construction and remodel housings for recessed downlights, a junction box is commonly included as part of the fixture. This junction box is typically positioned laterally to the housing, either within the plaster frame or positioned externally to the plaster ring. The placement of the junction box is strategic. It is situated at a certain distance from the luminaire to prevent the LED driver from overheating. By keeping the junction box separate from the luminaire, heat generated by the driver can dissipate more effectively, reducing the risk of overheating and potential damage to the electrical components. The junction box and its snap-on covers are required to meet specific thickness standards for safety and durability. If the junction box is made of steel, it must be at least 0.05 inches thick. If it is made of aluminum, it must be at least 0.09 inches thick. These thickness requirements ensure that the junction box provides sufficient protection for the electrical connections inside and maintains structural integrity over time.

New construction housings for recessed downlights are categorized into four groups based on two main criteria: whether they can be installed in direct contact with insulated ceilings and whether they are airtight. Non-IC housings are designed for use in ceilings where there is no insulation or where the insulation is kept at least 3 inches away from the fixture. They are not rated for direct contact with insulation and may not be airtight. Non-IC housings require adequate ventilation to prevent overheating. IC (Insulation Contact) housings are designed to be installed in direct contact with thermal insulation. They have built-in thermal protection to prevent overheating when surrounded by insulation. IC housings ensure that the heat generated by the fixture does not pose a fire hazard to the surrounding insulation. Non-IC air-tight housings are designed for ceilings with insulation but are not rated for direct contact with insulation. However, they are constructed to be airtight, meaning they prevent air from leaking into or out of the living space through the fixture. This helps improve energy efficiency by reducing heat loss or gain through the fixture. IC air-tight housings combine the features of IC and airtight housings. They are designed to be installed in direct contact with insulation while also being constructed to be airtight. This ensures both safety regarding insulation contact and energy efficiency by preventing air leakage.

The design of the recessed can light determines which type of LED lighting option it can accommodate. Some recessed can lights are designed with sockets or fittings that allow for the installation of LED lamps. These fixtures typically feature standard bulb sockets, such as E26 or GU10 bases, which can accept a variety of LED light bulbs. The LED lamps can take the form of reflector bulbs, including GU10, MR16, PAR, R, BR, or ER types, which are ideal for directional or accent lighting purposes. Additionally, general service bulbs, such as A19, are available for broader ambient lighting needs. Alternatively, other recessed can lights are engineered with integrated LED assemblies, where the LEDs are built directly into the fixture's housing. These fixtures do not require separate bulbs; instead, the LEDs are permanently integrated into the fixture. Integrated LED assemblies often offer advantages such as a sleeker design, optimized heat dissipation, and compatibility with specific dimming systems.

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