Can light LED retrofit vs. new LED bulb
#1
05-14-15, 09:21 PM
Can light LED retrofit vs. new LED bulb
So I have some can lights, and I'm thinking about putting LEDs in and adding a dimmer switch. I'm looking at these as LED retrofits: Commercial Electric 5 in. and 6 in. White Recessed LED Trim with 90 CRI, 2700K-CER6730AWH27 - The Home Depot
However, it looks like there's nothing more than a simple 40W incandescent in the lights now. I could replace it with a dimmable LED bulb for probably a little less than the cost of the can light retrofit kit.
Is there an advantage to the retrofit kit over swapping the bulbs, or am I just making things needlessly complicated?
However, it looks like there's nothing more than a simple 40W incandescent in the lights now. I could replace it with a dimmable LED bulb for probably a little less than the cost of the can light retrofit kit.
Is there an advantage to the retrofit kit over swapping the bulbs, or am I just making things needlessly complicated?
#3
05-15-15, 08:01 AM
If the current fixtures are Edison base bulbs it will allow you to change lamps for future desires, improvements, or failures. Some LED fixtures have a specific lamp and the couple I have purchased they had no idea about a replacement LED. Supposed to last almost forever, but at the rate technology is advancing there will probably be reasons to use something else long before that LED fails. I have already rotated several of my first LED bulbs to less critical locations in favor of better performance. It isn't all about energy use anymore, color, dimming performance, and who knows what else they will invent.
Bud
Bud
#4
05-15-15, 06:44 PM
I don't see why the current fixture couldn't accept LED bulbs. It's a standard Edison base.
Some bulbs state that they're not for fully enclosed luminaries, does that include a can light? And is it likely that I would run into any issues dimming it in a can , so long as the bulb is dimmable?
Some bulbs state that they're not for fully enclosed luminaries, does that include a can light? And is it likely that I would run into any issues dimming it in a can , so long as the bulb is dimmable?
#6
05-20-15, 05:28 PM
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I just replaced a bunch of 65w can light bulbs with LED floods. They're for can lights, and work fine. These are "dimmable" LED bulbs and worked fine with our dimmers. The color is good, they're brighter than the 65w bulbs, and lots cooler.
I had looked at a replacement can retrofit, but they didn't actually fit my cans right, and the bulbs screwed in like any other light bulb. The LED bulb was the same price or less.
I found the ones I'm using at Costco. They're inexpensive and work fine.
I had looked at a replacement can retrofit, but they didn't actually fit my cans right, and the bulbs screwed in like any other light bulb. The LED bulb was the same price or less.
I found the ones I'm using at Costco. They're inexpensive and work fine.
#7
05-21-15, 03:42 AM
Hi SS,
I'm guessing, but "Some bulbs state that they're not for fully enclosed luminaries," I would interpret the fully enclosed as zero ventilation. Most can lights are open on the bottom which in combination with the lower heat produced by the LED lamps would greatly reduce the potential buildup of heat.
As Lou has said, I have and I have seen many LED bulbs installed in can lights. I don't use dimmers, but as Ray said, you just have to find ones that work.
Note, my latest LED lamp (I like to try them all) is the GE doughnut style. They are plastic, available in a couple of color temperatures (I have 5000K) and under $3. And I love it, has worked great and I like the day light color. Orange Box store I believe.
Bud
I'm guessing, but "Some bulbs state that they're not for fully enclosed luminaries," I would interpret the fully enclosed as zero ventilation. Most can lights are open on the bottom which in combination with the lower heat produced by the LED lamps would greatly reduce the potential buildup of heat.
As Lou has said, I have and I have seen many LED bulbs installed in can lights. I don't use dimmers, but as Ray said, you just have to find ones that work.
Note, my latest LED lamp (I like to try them all) is the GE doughnut style. They are plastic, available in a couple of color temperatures (I have 5000K) and under $3. And I love it, has worked great and I like the day light color. Orange Box store I believe.
Bud
