View Articles by Category
There are no sub categoriesCategory » Recesed Lighting
Information on Recessed Lighting Terms
There were 12 articles found in this category:
How does Wattage relate to light output?
Wattage is a measurement of the electricity usage of a bulb. Lumens is a measurent of the total light output of a bulb. The efficiency of a bulb is calculated by comparing the light output to the energy usage. The efficiency of a bulb is similar for light bulbs of the same type, so you can expec ...- Is light output the same for reflector bulbs?
For reflector bulbs like an R20 or an MR16, Lux is more important than Lumens. Lux is a measurement of light on a surface. Reflector bulbs are available with different beam spreads. A bulb with the same wattage and a narrower beam will have a higher Lux. If you are lighting an object from a dist ...
- What is the difference between halogen and regular incandescent bulbs?
Halogen bulbs produce a whiter light and are 10 to 20% more efficient than regular incandescent bulbs. Halogen can produce more light with a smaller bulb, and are often used in modern fixtures with sleek designs. Both types of bulbs can last as long as 6000 hours on average, but halogen bulbs te ...
- What is a Line Voltage (120V) Housing?
Line-Voltage Housings do Not require any transformer, they can be directly wired into your home's 110V/120V electrical system. Line-Voltage Housing are more commonly used because of their lower cost due to not needing a transformer, and also offer more versatility allowing the use of incandescen ...
- What is a Low Voltage (12V) Housing?
A low-voltage housing requires lower power input than the standard 110V/120V found in most homes requiring the use of a voltage transformer. Many housings have integrated transformers which convert Line-Voltage (120V) to Low-Voltage (12V), which other housing need a remote transformer. Low-Volta ...
- Can I use Different Brands of Recessed Light Housings and Trims Together?
Westside recommends that you only use the manufacture recommend trims, designed specifically for the housing.
- What is a Remodel Recessed Housing?
A Remodel Light Housing is meant to be used in existing home with no access to the ceiling joists. Remodel housings attach to the ceiling drywall with clips, so these housings cannot be used in open ceilings.
- What is a New-Construction Recessed Housing?
A "New-Construction" Housing is meant to be used when there is open access to ceiling joists. A New-Construction housing has hangers bars that allow the recessed housing to be mounted directly to the joists. If you have open ceiling access a New Construction housing can be used on existing hom ...
- What is an Air-Tight Housing?
An "Air-Tight" or "Air-Tite" housing is sealed to stop air from escaping through the recessed housing cut-out into the ceiling or attic. Many states currently require the use of Air-Tight housings in order to meet energy conservation codes, check local codes for more information.
- Do Recessed Light Housings Come with Trim Rings?
No. The majority of recessed light housings do Not come with a trim ring, requiring it to be purchased separately. Choose a trim ring that is stated to be compatible with the specific housing you have/will purchase. If you are unsure if the trim you are interested in works with a housing, it is ...
- What is a Non-IC Recessed Light Housing?
Non-IC light housings are for use in areas where they do Not make direct contact with ceiling insulation. If your application requires the housing making direct contact with insulation, purchase housings that state they are "IC" rated. This means that these housings can NOT make direct contact w ...
- What is an IC Housing?
IC stands for "Insulation Contact", and should be used in ceilings where the recessed light housing would be in direct contact with insulation material. If your home has insulated ceilings you should purchase housings that state that they are IC rated.