Recessed light

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A recessed light or downlight is a ceiling light fixture that is installed into a hollow opening in the ceiling. When installed it appears to have light shining from a hole in the ceiling, concentrating the light in a downward direction. There are two parts to recessed lights, the trim and housing. The trim is the visible portion of the light. It is the insert that you see when you look up and also includes the thin lining around the edge of the light. The housing is the fixture itself that is installed inside the ceiling and contains the light socket. Also known as canister lights.

History

The earliest recessed lights were developed around the early 1940’s. Prescolite was one of the first companies to introduce recessed lighting with through wiring and a pre-wired junction box. During that same time more light manufacturers were producing recessed lighting for residential and commercial developments. In 1982 Prescolite was the first manufacturer to introduce the compact fluorescent recessed light.

Types of housing

There are four types of recessed housing. IC or “insulation contact” rated new construction housings are attached to the ceiling supports before the ceiling surface is installed. IC housings must be installed wherever insulation will be in direct contact with the housing. Most IC housings are rated to a 75 watt maximum. Non-IC rated new construction housings are used in the same situations as the IC rated new construction housings, only they require no insulation or at least 4” spacing from insulation. These housings are typically rated up to 150 watts. IC rated remodel housings are used in existing ceilings where insulation will be present. Non-IC rated remodel housings are used for existing ceilings where no insulation is present. Once again, these also require no insulation or at least 4” spacing from insulation. Sloped ceiling housings are available for both insulated and non-insulated ceilings that are vaulted.

The main purpose of the housing is to ensure that no flammable materials come into contact with the hot lighting fixture; badly housed downlights can be a fire hazard.

Trim Styles

Recessed lighting styles have evolved with more manufactures creating quality trims for a variety of applications. You can find recessed lighting trim with the standard baffle in black or white, which is the most popular. They are made to absorb extra light and create a crisp architectural appearance. There are cone trims which produce a low brightness aperture. They offer multipliers which are designed to control the omni-directional light from A-lamps and CFLs. They also offer lens trim which is designed to provide a diffused light and protect the lamp. You will normally find lensed trims in wet location settings. The luminous trims combine the diffused quality of lensed trim but with an open down light component. Adjustable trim allows for the adjustment of the light whether it is eyeball style, which protrudes from the trim or gimble ring style, which adjusts inside the recess. These lights allow for full versatility. Lastly, there are the wall washer trims, which are designed to eliminate the often seen "scalloped light effect."

Lamp Types

There are two types of lamps for recessed lighting. Directional lamps and Diffuse lamps. Directional lamps contain reflectors that direct and control the light. Diffuse lamps control light distribution through their omni-directional light.

References