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Can I replace a recessed can light w/ a 4-ft long rectangular light?

8 years ago

This might be more of an electrical question, but maybe someone here can answer. I just bought a condo w/ a long, narrow hallway (abt 8 ft I guess). In it is a double bi-fold door closet, closet w/ the hvac unit, and a closet w/ a stacking washer/dryer Open the door and it's right there, you don't step in there). The only light is one lonely recessed can light that's not very bright right in the middle of the hallway. Should I be able to replace the can light w/ something like this? I'm concerned more about is the wiring/wattage compatible than the looks. I don't know a lot about electrical, so I don't know if I can switch out willy-nilly. It goes w/o saying that I won't be actually doing the work myself, LOL.

Flushmount Florescent Light

Thanks!

Featured Answer

randy427

8 years ago

Yes, it can be done. Hopefully the cable to the recessed light will extend into the new fixture, but a competent electrician can do it.

The four-tube fixture you linked would probably be too much light. I'd opt for a two-tube unit.

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Comments (7)

straitlover
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks! Still looking for the exact light. Just chose that one as an example.
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I've been going back and forth on your post for awhile now just looking and thinking. I have oak cabinets too and we changed out the hardware to ORB. I love it. I hear your pain on painting the cabinets! DH is the same way but has always been fine w/ me painting our cabinets. We've just never gotten around to it though. Leaving the cabinets as is until you cajole your DH into painting I think that white is a good decision for table and chairs. But Let me toss this idea out to you: Should you eventually paint your cabinets would you consider painting your table base in a pale shade of grey/ blue? I suggest this just because I think that those curtains need something a little 'weighty' in the kitchen w/ the addition of the brown sectional being in the other room. Or maybe not. I forgot that you were painting the wals green and I don't feel like erasing everything that I just typed!
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ionized_gw
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Do yourself a favor, get a light with program start ballasts, not instant start. The former allows much longer lamp life if you are going to be turning it on and off more than once per day.
PRO
Candela Corp
8 years ago
if you haven't tackled this yet, look for an LED fixture with integrated lamps. Try an electrical wholesale house such as CED or Graybar, IF you aren't worried about cosmetics. Have your electrician check for you. Don't bother with big box stores. They only carry basics. Honestly, I would be looking for something more aesthetic than what they call a troffer fixture. Maybe you don't care about the looks but for resale, there are many attractive options like adding more cans that could operate on the same switch. Your issue is not replacing one fixture with another because there is just a wire in the ceiling that will be used to power any fixture you choose to use.
straitlover
Original Author
8 years ago
Haven't done anything yet. Don't close until 7/10, and it's not a pressing issue, so i will take the time to evaluate all my options. Thanks!
ionized_gw
8 years ago
If appearance in the hall is important, is there room for an additional utilitarian light behind the doors over the laundry?
straitlover
Original Author
8 years ago
No room for a light (or anything at all) in the laundry area. The door (slatted) opens and the stackable w/d (old school kind w/ the washer on the bottom w/ the lid, not the new fancy front loaders on top of each other) is right in the door opening, filling the whole opening. I don't want to do any extra wiring if possible anyway. Just hoping to change out one light for another when we are also replacing the hideous chandelier over the dining table area.

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