Spacing a ceiling fan and recessed lighting - help!?
mmg623
7 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (20)
GN Builders L.L.C
7 years agosunnydrew
7 years agoRelated Discussions
Recessed lighting & ceiling fan installation advice
Comments (2)I'll see if I can answer some of your questions... "(1) What are the SMALLEST size cans out there? And are smaller cans more difficult to install than the bigger ones? Generally for recessed down lighting, a 4" can is the smallest one should go." Installation of the can are not really an issue, it is more of a lamp replacement issue. Harder to replace a lamp inside a 4" can than a 6" can, less room to maneuver your fingers! "(2) Are 4" (or smaller) cans a fire hazard while 5" (and larger) cans are not????" It depends on the manufacturer's recommendations, whether a fixture is IC rated or not. Common speak, if the enclosure or assembly of the fixture is fire rated or not. Even if a fixture is NOT fire rated, an inspector will usually allow two layers of 5/8" drywall, in a box shape, around the fixture. This adds additional burn time before the fire reaches the attic. "(3) Is it true that recessed light dimmers will *not* work with energy efficient lights?" I am assuming you are talking about the CFLs. The first generation of CFLs were NOT manufactured to work with dimmers, yet people used them this way, thus cutting the life of the lamps down. Newer CFLs are labeled for dimming purposes. "(4) What lights / voltage is recommended for recessed lighting?" 110V-120V is fine. Low voltage is generally better for track lighting. "(5) Is it "harder" to install a fan with a shorter "rod" or "flushmount" fans (for a low / shorter ceiling) than one with a longer "rod"?????" Just the same, unless the installer attached the blades BEFORE lifting the assembly up. If your electrician is having a hard time installing a fan, go to the next one. Also, a ceiling fan rated junction box will need to be installed. These boxes are rated to hold weight of 50 or more pounds. "(6) How "difficult" is it to install a dimmer for the lights and program a remote control for the fans?" Two part question. 1.)To replace an existing single pole switch(common in bedrooms, baths) with a dimmer, simply remove existing and replace with new dimmer. To install a NEW dimmer switch next to an existing switch requires adding wire and fishing it thru the wall into the ceiling and to the fixture. 2.)Remote control for the fan is wired in between the incoming wire(existing wire in the ceiling) and the fan. VERY easy to do. It is basically a black box with a remote wire, power(black), neutral(white) and ground(bare copper or green) wire for incoming, and a power(black), neutral(white), ground(bare copper or green) and light(blue) wire for the fan. The box sits in the junction box of the fan....See Moretapping into 14/3 ceiling Fan wiring to add recess lighting
Comments (3)Forgive me if I'm dense, but let me make sure I'm operating with a correct understanding of the facts. There are two wall switches. One controls the lights for both ceiling fans. The other controls the two lights. Furthermore, there are not two switching points (i.e., three-way switches). Is this correct? IF I'M MISUNDERSTANDING, IGNORE THE FOLLOWING AND CORRECT MY ASSUMPTIONS. In this case, you should be able to tap either of the fan/lights to add a couple of cans. Of the two hot wires (one red, one black), it's not possible from the information given to tell for sure which controls the fans and which controls the lights. There are a couple of ways to tell which is which. For one, you can look at the switches to see which controls which. Another, and perhaps more foolproof, way is to use a circuit tester to figure out which wire controls lights and which controls fans. Once you know which is which, you should be able to tap one of the fan/lights with the appropriate red/white or black/white combination to feed additional cans. It is, of course, possible that circuit capacity is at issue here (i.e., that the cans you plan on adding will overload the circuit), but I'm ignoring that for now because I don't have the information to assess and, in any event, a couple of 50 watt bulbs is a fairly light additional load....See Morerecessed lights, ceiling fan, center light??
Comments (2)If you are using LED downlights in the kitchen, which it looks like they are , then you have enough light in the kitchen using the lights you have at the moment. There is a formula that can be used to work out the amount of light needed. It is a rule of thumb formula that we use in our business and we find it is quite successful. If you measure the size of a room and let us say a room is 4 m x 4 m giving 16 SQM you then multiply that by 70-100. (100 if you need lots of light) So 16 SQM x 100 is 1600. This means the room would need 1600 lumens. Any half decent downlight or globe will have a lumen count on the box. Therefore if the downlight output is 800 lumens then 2 downlights would in enough. You then do need to consider placement of the lights but generally this formula works well. Hope this is of some help....See MoreRecessed lights and ceiling fans
Comments (3)You can get a battery operated puck light, and hold it up to position to see if you get any interference from the blades. If you keep a distance away, I'm sure it will work with the fans. Or, get a light kit for the fan. I would try to solve your lighting needs with portable table and floor lamps first, especially in the bedrooms and living room. Just using overhead lighting from recessed cans is not good lighting design - it's not very flattering and looks more institutional....See Moremmg623
7 years agoGN Builders L.L.C
7 years agommg623
7 years agommg623
7 years agoL J
5 years agoBrandit Enterprise
4 years agoJames Rule
4 years agoGhost2Post
3 years agoDeryl Spielman
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoGN Builders L.L.C
3 years agolascatx
3 years agoDeryl Spielman
3 years agoGN Builders L.L.C
3 years agoDeryl Spielman
3 years agoLeah Ivey
last yearGN Builders L.L.C
last yearjoan achwartz
6 months ago
Related Stories
LIGHTINGGet Your Home's Recessed Lighting Right
Learn the formula for how much light a room needs plus how to space downlights, use dimmers and more
Full StoryLIGHTINGRecessed Lighting 101
Looking to brighten a drab, dim space? Recessed lighting may be your answer. Here's what you need to know
Full StoryBATHROOM DESIGNKey Measurements to Help You Design a Powder Room
Clearances, codes and coordination are critical in small spaces such as a powder room. Here’s what you should know
Full StorySTANDARD MEASUREMENTSThe Right Dimensions for Your Porch
Depth, width, proportion and detailing all contribute to the comfort and functionality of this transitional space
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDESThe Ceiling Fan That Blows Away Ceiling Fans' Bad Rap
Modern, simple and even usable in some outdoor spots, Ron Rezek's Cirrus ceiling fan will change your mind about this much-maligned fixture
Full StorySMALL SPACESDownsizing Help: Storage Solutions for Small Spaces
Look under, over and inside to find places for everything you need to keep
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDESAre Ceiling Fans the Kiss of Death for Design?
Ceiling fans get a bad rap for being clunky and outdated, but these streamlined styles and a bevy of pros beg to differ
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESKey Measurements for a Dream Bedroom
Learn the dimensions that will help your bed, nightstands and other furnishings fit neatly and comfortably in the space
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNKey Measurements to Help You Design Your Kitchen
Get the ideal kitchen setup by understanding spatial relationships, building dimensions and work zones
Full StorySTORAGEDownsizing Help: Shelve Your Storage Woes
Look to built-in, freestanding and hanging shelves for all the display and storage space you need in your smaller home
Full Story
GN Builders L.L.C