recessed can lighting questions

2 months ago

last modified: 2 months ago

Hello all;

I just bought a house built in 1973 and it came without any lighting fixtures. Apparently previous owner used floor lamps. I had recessed lights installed in my previous house and really loved them. Those recessed lights had a screw receptacle which would accept either E26 or BR30.

Now fast foreward to today, I am having the kitchen remodeled in my newly bought home mut every one of my remodelers want to install recessed lights with integrated (Non replacacle) LEDs. YES I know LEDs are supposed to last 50,000 hours. However I do a lot with home automation and would love to get a housing with easily obtainable and replacable bulbs.

One remodeler said the type with replacable bulbs is "old school" and outdated. Is this true or are they still used?

It seems when I search for recessed lighting housings, I only see the versions with non replacable/integrated bulbs. What is this type of housing called? What do I search for to find recessed housing that will accept a E26 or BR30 bulb? Thanks. Tim

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Comments (4)

3onthetree
2 months ago
An "Edison socket" (the standard socket size in the U.S. for A19/BR/PAR shaped 'bulbs' is called E26) housing is not so much outdated, it's probably moreso that the general public buying from Home Depot is buying more integral LEDs, and electricians find some of them easier to install, and the stores are stocking them. I don't think there are any regulations about not selling Edison socket lumenaires, but some locales (like CA) have codes that require only integral LED (so Wago style clips insteads of screwing in a 'bulb').

Integral LED lumenaires have not quite gotten to the same amount of offerings in lighting design that decades of Edison socket lighting has achieved, but I'm sure it's just a matter of time.

If you would like to stick to Edison socket housings to be able to screw in a 'bulb,' just search for a "new construction housing" or "remodel housing" and buy the trim kit separate. At any time in the future, you can still go with a retrofit LED trim instead of screwing in LED 'bulbs.' For a BR30 that you'd like you need a 4" housing.
Krista Deng
2 months ago
While integrated LED recessed lights have become more common in recent years, there are still plenty of options available for recessed lighting with replaceable bulbs. These types of fixtures are often called "retrofit" or "remodel" housings and are designed to be installed into an existing ceiling without the need for major modifications.

Retrofit/remodel housings typically come with a standard screw base (E26) or a reflector (BR30) that can accept a range of different bulbs, including LED bulbs. These fixtures offer the flexibility to change the color temperature or brightness of the light as desired and make it easier to replace bulbs when they burn out or become outdated.

If you're having trouble finding retrofit/remodel housings, try searching for "recessed lighting housings with replaceable bulbs" or "E26/BR30 compatible recessed lighting." You can also check with a local lighting supplier or electrician to see what options are available in your area.

In addition, if you're interested in home automation, consider looking into smart LED bulbs that can be controlled through a smartphone app or voice assistant. These bulbs can often be dimmed and adjusted to different color temperatures, making them a versatile and convenient option for any home.
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Most of the time, the recessed cans are sold separately from the trim. Where that typically differs is with vapor-tight lights that are sold. Sometimes vapor-proofing is required where explosive gases (no, not toilet/husband related) as might be found in a shop or a laboratory might be ignited by an arc or spark. If you go to Home Depot or Lowes, they sell cans. Various types. You'll want an air-tight can, one that's rated for insulation contact. You can buy the can size that you want and then get a trim ring to fit it, but typically you'll find a trim ring of a certain size and then buy the correctly sized can to fit the trim ring. Shower trim kits sold at HD usually have a glass lens to contain the bulb, as well as a "sticky" rubber gasket that gets pinched between the trim ring and the can when the spring-loaded ring is snapped into place. Those are good enough for a shower, but they're typically not good enough for a steam room. Vapor-tight for residential steam showers? Those lights have a gasket between the trim ring and the housing, and screws that hold them together to truly make it tight tight tight. They're usually quite a bit more expensive. Realize that some cans are "remodel" and some are "new work". Remodel is if you're going to cut a round hole in the drywall and insert the can into the hole. New work is if you have the ceiling gutted and you can see the joists. You install the can, then hang the drywall, then cut the hole out so the can can pop through. So, how to shop? Go to a store and find a shower trim kit that you like. It'll be a certain size, 4", 5", or maybe 6". Now find a can to fit it. Choose a new work or remodel can based upon the stage of your project. Make sure it's air tight and insulation contact rated. Inside the can is a sticker that shows the maximum wattage for various types of bulbs that can be used in that can. Don;t exceed the wattage. If you do, the can could overheat. IC-rated cans have a thermal cutoff that will cut off power if the can temp gets too high. Most cans are a standard depth. They make shorter cans for low-clearance situations too. At HD, the can may run you $10. The "wet" trim kit may be $20-40. Vapor-tight lights intended for steam rooms? They can be $75-$300. Confused? I am! Best, Mongo
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3onthetree
2 months ago
@Krista Deng I'm expecting you to return and edit all your posts to add a spam link.

"Retrofit" has become the term designating an integral LED trim installed in an existing housing.

"Remodel" housing is the type that can be installed without removal of ceiling finish.

E26 is the size of screw base.

BR30 is the size and shape of lamp (lamp is commonly called a "bulb").

Housings and trim styles vary in the size and shape of lamp that fit properly, and are rated for it's use.
wdccruise
2 months ago
last modified: 2 months ago
"One remodeler said the type with replacable bulbs is "old school" and outdated. Is this true or are they still used?"

No, they are not "old school" and yes, they are still used.

Ignore the comment above from @Krista Deng.

"It seems when I search for recessed lighting housings, I only see the versions with non replacable/integrated bulbs."

If you want recessed lighting with replaceable bulbs you need three things: housing, trim, and bulb. I recommend the following:
- Juno 17 trim or Juno 17SQ trim (I used the Juno 17HZ-WH with the white trim and haze reflector but if you scroll down the list or click on 'Downloads' and open the brochure you can see there are many other options
- Juno TC1R remodel housing (or equivalent).
- Euri Lighting PAR20 bulbs. (Try 4000K but if too white, use 3000K)
Don't use BR30 bulbs. Those have the round lenses and look old. Don't use 6" housings; stick to 4". E26 is the bulb base, not the bulb shape or style.

recessed can lighting questions

Comments (4)

3onthetree

Krista Deng

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