Recessed lighting head spin!

So I want to install recessed lights in my renovation. I'm looking online to try and figure out what I would like to use and it seems to be a bit overwhelming. I will have 2x6 ceiling joists to work with. Even though it is an attic space above, I will be using it for storage. There will be no insulation in contact with the lights. I would like to use non-IC cans because this should give me the option to use LED lights in the future.

Of course I am looking for something inexpensive, but it seems like the retrofit kits fit that requirement the best. Seeing how I am gutting the room and installing new drywall, I just don't see this as a worthy option. I suppose I coudl do it, but how do I prepare for a rough inspection?

Another issue is how many lights should I use? I personally don't enjoy sitting underneath overhead lighting like that while I am at home, but the bedroom is not going to be used by myself. I consider overhead lighting useful for popping into the room until more suitable lighting can be lit, and for utility tasks like cleaning.

The bedroom I am currently working in is on the second floor in a finished attic. The ceiling intrudes into the space and is 14/12. The dimension of the room is roughly 10' x 15'. The ceiling runs along the 15' dimension, is 4' wide and is 7' from the floor. I am thinking 4 - 4" cans would be fiarly generous with the lighting. Does anyone think this would be too much? Would 2 cans do it?

I have some pics of the room here: Renovation - a set on Flickr
I started a general thread about the entire reno here: http://www.doityourself.com/forum/ge...enovation.html

 

IC-cans are fine for use with LEDs. Not sure where you are getting this info. We have also used the retrofit trims from Big Orange and they work quite well.

In your case, since you are taking the drywall down, you will want to install some "new construction" cans. These will nail between the joists and you can wire them as normal. With only 2x6 joists you will likely need to use shallow cans though.

I suggest using 6" as they are the least expensive and will give you the most options for trims and lamps. 4" cans are a waste of time, and money, in my opinion. I suggest 4 - 6" cans. If it is too much light, you can always install a dimmer.

 

Can I get a 6" can to fit in a 2x6 space? Are they harder to find?

I went back and found where I read about the LEDs in IC rated cans. It says some manufacturers of LED bulbs say not to use them in IC rated cans. I don't know who those manufacturers would be that say that and how many of them do. Just want to keep my options open. My insulationg will be at the roof line and not the ceiling, so I don't need them to be IC rated.

 

Yes you can. See here: Halo H27T Shallow recessed cans Big Orange sells them. Other big box stores and manufactures likely do as well.

I have not see or read any warnings about LED's in can lights. However, we have only used the can trim retrofit models so they might be different then an LED bulb.

 

IMO a 4" recessed is only for accent lighting. I would not try to light a room with them. The beam spread is too narrow. I agree with Toyln about the 4 5 or 6" recessed as a better option.

 

The only thing negative I have heard about some LED bulbs is that they can get too hot and then short out. To solve the problem though some bulbs have a tiny fan in them that keeps the bulb cool so that isn't really an issue and they will still save you a tremendous amount of money over time. I have also heard of retrofit kits being universally available but that may vary by manufacturer. I suggest you go to an electricians supply store and talk to someone there before buying anything as they are generally more knowledgeable than the people at the big box stores.

 

I'm not ready for the LED bulbs yet. Between the cost and color, I don't think they are quite there yet for me to invest in. I'll be fine with incandescents or halogen in the meantime. I did buy one of the Philips A19 LED bulbs and it is pretty good. The color is real close to a normal light bulb. I have it underneath a white shade and I think that helps a lot.

 

2700K is the color that matches an incandescent the closest. The higher up the Kalvin scale you go the cooler/bluer/whiter you get, but as you know, is not necessarily the light you want. I try to tell people that 3500K is the highest you want to go.

 

Even when you are close to 2700K it just doesn't seem the same. I think when coatings are used to achieve the color, there is still something different about it.

The problem with the bluer/whiter lights is that it feels brighter to the eyes, but there is less contrast so it is harder to see in that light.

 

I like 6500K in fluorescents, in many applications, and I like it for the color rendering. Kitchens and laundry rooms are two places I want that.

 

Ok. I ordered the Halo 6" shallow recessed lights and open trims. Now I am unsure about what bulb to get. Perhaps I made an error in getting the open trims because it seems that I will need a larger bulb to fill the space. The largest one I can get would be PAR38 and that is only 4.75". If the trim is actually 6" ID, then I'll have a good sized gap around the bulb. I really don't want to see easily into the can. Plus a PAR38 is really bright. Probably more than I want. I guess I'll see how things really look when they show up.

 

We normally install open trims (white baffle) and use a par30 lamp. Everybody seams to like them.
PAR38's will fill almost all of the trim.

 

These are just open with no baffle.

 

Do you have a picture of one, or a link to an image or a model #? I'm unfamiliar with recessed fixtures that have no baffle on the open trim.

 

6 in. White Open Trim-301P at The Home Depot

That's the one I ordered. The picture may not be that great because it shows a light bulb installed. I did get my housings and trims tonight. I measured the inside diameter and it is 3 7/8". So a PAR30 will fit well in that opening. I wish they would post better specs for this things. I guess you know better if you deal with them all the time. I think the next thing I need to find out is if I need to be concerned with long neck bulbs fitting in this shallow housing.

 

With an assembled height of 7-1/2", I wouldn't worry about that. JOC, what do you mean when you talk about long neck bulbs?

 

They aren't 7 1/2" tall. They are shallow housings for 2x6's. I saw "long neck" bulbs for sale on amazon. I don't know if that are actually longer or just have long narrow necks on them. Shrug! I'll look at my housings and see what HD has for sale.

 

HD should have both 50-R30-equivalent CFLs and halogens on the shelf. That's where I buy mine.

 

Ok. So I picked up some halogen PAR30 long necks from HD. I tried them out in the housing with the trim on. They look good. They offer a "short neck" and they definitely different lengths.

 

Glad you worked it out. I've never heard of there being two different shapes. Do you have model numbers or links to the two different types?

 

Amazon.com: Sylvania 14768 75-Watt PAR30 Wide Flood Long Neck Halogen Light Bulb: Home Improvement

Amazon.com: Sylvania 14606 PAR30 75-Watt Flood Capsylite Bulb: Home Improvement

They were right next to each other at HD.

 

Nash, the bulbs are the same profile, only the neck is longer.

 

Sorry, I was thinking indoor floods, like this: GE Soft White BR30.