How to Design & Measure Recessed Lighting Size for Kitchens & Other Rooms in Newport Beach, CA

To just about any area in your home, you can install recessed lighting as a versatile means to provide both ambient and practical lighting. Recessed lighting is also known as pot lighting and can lighting, they are more commonly mounted in the ceiling, but are also mounted in the wall as well, as opposed to being installed on the surface. Recessed lighting offers functional differences and aesthetic differences. A few examples are recessed lights with trim rings in different colors or metallic finishes, square lights instead of the traditional round ones. Today, we at Peterkin Electric would like to continue relating the basics of recessed lighting to help you better understand your options.

Recessed Lighting Placement

When deciding on adding recessed lighting, you need the help of a professional that is qualified to install lighting fixtures, such as an electrician or contractor. A lighting plan or design is the first step. Understanding the recessed lights can help you design a more effective design, and with the various layers of lighting that include ambient, task, accent and decorative can help you achieve your goals. Keep in mind where the lights are going to be installed, ensure there are enough of them and the appropriate bulbs will be used in the layering process, as well as the fixture and trim during your designing. Letting a professional do the planning can help you maximize the lighting potential, but when you are in the consultation, you can better articulate your ideas.

Recessed Light Housing

There are types types of lighting, based on the lamp, or light bulb, you can use to illuminate your home; they include incandescent, fluorescent and LED (Light Emitting Diode). Recessed lighting has two main components, the housing and trim. The trim is primarily decided on your personal taste, but the housing has more technical factors. Housing stems from whether the home is a remodel or new construction. With the different applications, the accessible space for light placement is a factor. A new construction offers more space, allowing for bulkier housing, where remodel typically has limited space, requiring smaller housing. Another critical technical aspect to choosing the right housing is whether you need IC or Non-IC rated components. The fixture can come in direct contact with thermal insulation if it has an IC (insulation contact) rating. A fixture that can’t come in direct contact with thermal insulation will need to be kept at least 3 inches from any insulation, are the Non-IC (non-insulation contact). The last technical element to housing choice is determining whether you want line or low voltage in your recessed lighting. Line voltage is recommended, as it operated directly off of a standard residential 120 volt current. Low voltage is more energy efficient and uses a 12 volt current, which will require a special transformer to reduce the voltage along with special modern-dimmers are required if you want a dimming feature. If you want high contrast or/and wanting the recessed lights to create accent or task lighting.

Recessed Lighting Trim

The trim is the visible part of the lighting; it reflects your style and the purpose of the recessed lighting. Trims are available in multiple sizing, ranging from 1″ – 6″ in diameter. The size is your personal preference, but the larger the trim the broader amount of light is produced. More architecturally desirable are the smaller trims, as they are less conspicuous. Style is another element to choosing the trim. Baffle trims are a popular option as they help to reduce glare and are offered in black or white colors. This trim is often found in dens, dining rooms, living rooms, and bedrooms. Reflector trims are the generally the popular choice for commercial use, kitchens, and high ceilings. With a smooth interior it maximizes the light production. Adjustable trims are used in general lighting, task lighting, accent lighting and wall washing. They allow the bulb to float so it can be pointed in desired areas. Lensed trims protect the bulb and interior housing from moisture or making contact with water. They are best used in bathrooms, above showers, and in closets. Decorative trims are the trending option as they are aesthetically pleasing and efficiently illuminate.

Electrical Repairs & More in Laguna Woods, Santa Ana, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Irvine, Lake Forest & Orange County, California

When opting for recessed lighting in Greater Orange, CA the professionals of Peterkin Electric can help you with the technical factors of your individual circumstances as well as assist you with the aesthetic options as well. Call us today to install your recessed lighting.

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