Beautiful lighting doesn’t just happen.
Recessed Lighting
One of the most common service call requests we often get is a client calling because their pot lights are not working or that they are constantly having to replace light bulbs. The reason for this is quite simply, a poorly constructed pot light. You see, pot lights are one of those items that you must be ready to pay for up front, so that you can avoid such hassles later.
Many contractors will purchase the big box store “contractors pack” of pot lights and then install them at an unbelievable low price. Sure, buy them cheap, install them cheap. But as mentioned before, this will only be the beginning of your troubles.
For that reason, we only install high quality recessed lights. We also avoid installing low voltage halogen recessed lights. These pot lights require a transformer of some sort to lower the voltage, another failure point, which in the end only provides the same type of light that a line voltage halogen would provide.
Below you will find some additional information on the recessed lights we recommend. We are not limited by these options, however, this should give you a place to start.
Recessed Light Options
1. Standard Retro-fit Recessed Light (Line Voltage)
These are used in non-insulated ceilings and can be installed after the drywall is in place. They accept a Par 20 Halogen lamp and/or a L.E.D. equivalent.
Pros – Accepts a variety of types of trims – including articulating/swivel trims to allow for control of light direction.
Cons – Cannot be installed in insulated ceilings unless placed in an insulated housing. Limited by the location of where lights are located due to obstructions like framing, plumbing, and duct work.
2. IC (Insulated Can) Rated Recessed Light (Line Voltage)
Used in insulated ceilings and must be installed before the drywall is installed unless there is access to the attic. Accepts a Par 20 Halogen lamp and/or a L.E.D. equivalent.
Pros – Accepts a variety of types of trims – including articulating/swivel trims to allow for control of light direction.
Cons – Limited by the location of where lights are located due to obstructions like framing, plumbing, and duct work.
3. L.E.D. Disk Light
Used in both non insulated and insulated ceilings.
Pros– Because of its low profile the disk light can be placed anywhere along a ceiling surface that has a depth of ½ inch. The disk light is a self-contained unit with no lamp to change. They have a life expectancy of 100,000 hours. Newer technology now allows for the same light temperature/colour (3000k) as a standard 50w Halogen. Low energy consumption (9w per disk).
-Come in a selectable colour change option such as 3k,4k,5k all in the same light.
Cons– They cannot articulate/swivel.
4. L.E.D. Traditional Gimbal Style
Used in both non insulated and insulated ceilings.
Pros– They mimic your traditional style pot light that you see in older homes. However the L.E.D is integrated into the fixture and has up to a 100,000 hour lifespan. Newer technology now allows for the same light temperature/colour (3000k) as a standard 50w Halogen. Low energy consumption (9w per light). They cannot articulate/swivel.
Cons– Limited by the location of where lights are located due to obstructions like framing, plumbing, and duct work.
Do I need a new circuit?
The fact is some lighting additions will require a new circuit from the electrical panel. Think about it, most homes were wired to save money, not future proof for your future electrical additions. Many contractors will rob power from existing circuits in the home out of convenience giving no thought to the electrical load. There are certain circumstances and allowances where this may be okay but most often it is not the case. This is because code only allows 12 devices (lights and outlets) on general purpose 15 amp circuits in the home. Lighting only circuits can exceed this but it requires a demand calculation to ensure a properly loaded and safe circuit.
Where to go from here?
Call us today to book an appointment and we will provide you with a free estimate to install your new pot lights.
Kawartha & Harcourt
Durham Region
GTA