Choosing which and what type of recessed can to use can be difficult. There are
numerous types of cans, trims and bulbs to choose from. The first choice you need to
make is whether you are going to opt for the best in energy conservation. If that is the
way you want to go a high hat or recessed can that uses Compact Fluorescent Light
bulbs(CFL) are your best choice. These fixtures, because they are made specifically
for a CFL bulb, make the most of the light with specially designed reflectors in the
fixture. You can find examples of these type of fixtures at manufacturers websites like
Halo, and Juno.
Compact fluorescent bulbs and the fixtures have come a long way in the last few
years. The advantages are high energy efficiency and long lasting bulbs. On the
downside initial costs for the product will be more than an average recessed light.
There is also the issue of light output. While they have improved, they still don't give
that real punch that say a halogen bulb can. When it comes to highlighting, task and
good general lighting, I still think incandescent lights win over.
If you choose to go with some form of incandescent, there are still more questions
that will arise. There are 2 basic kinds of incandescent cans, line voltage and low
voltage. The advantage low voltage recessed lighting has over line voltage is in it's
sharp direct beam of light. The bulb life is also longer and more efficient. They don't
normally work well for general lighting for the simple reason that the beam is more
confined and you would need a great deal more of them compared to a normal
incandescent. They are excellent though for accenting a particular area or object.
Recessed incandescent lights are best suited for all types of general lighting. The
beauty of a well thought out recessed lighting plan is the two types can be mixed in the
same setting. There is one factor that should be noted. If you use low voltage mixed
with line voltage cans, the bulbs in the line voltage should be halogens. This is because
the halogen bulbs are the same type of light as a low voltage MR-16 bulb.
Armed with this information, you can begin to decide which suits your needs best.
Some other factors that may help you along in this decision is the outward appearance
or aesthetics of the fixtures themselves. CFL fixtures have the least amount of options
for how the finished trim will look. Incandescent recessed lights have a great deal of
trims and accessories to choose from. Low voltage cans have some of the most
unique and best looking trims. The reason for this is the bulb is so small it allows
flexibility in then design of the fixture
If you have questions please visit our Lighting Forum or email us
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