TYPES OF RECESSED LIGHTING

It is a light fixture that is installed into a hollow opening in a ceiling. When installed it appears to
have light shining from a hole in the ceiling, concentrating the light in a downward direction as a
broad floodlight or narrow spotlight. Recessed lighting creates a stream-lined modern effect in
your home by hiding your light fixtures inside your ceilings. While there are many styles of
recessed lights available, the housing or "can" that holds.

The LED recessed lights are divided into two basic types:

 IC rated
 Non-IC rated.

Each of these types might be further divided based on how they’re installed.

IC Rated Housing

IC rated, or insulation contact, housings are used with recessed lights that are installed in an
insulated ceiling and are designed to withstand heat buildup caused by the insulation. This type
of housing requires that the light source be located closer to the trim than non-IC rated housings,
which can increase glare. IC rated housings are attached to the ceiling joists. Most of these
housings are rated for a 75 watt maximum.

Non-IC Rated Fixture

Non-IC rated housings are used in recessed LED or simple recessed lights that are installed in
un-insulated ceilings. These housings are attached to the ceiling joists as well but are typically
rated for up to 150 watts. Non-IC rated housings are typically installed in first-floor ceilings
where there is no insulation between the ceiling and the floor above

Both IC rated and non-IC rated recessed light housings can be further divided based on how and
where they’re to be installed. New construction housings are designed for use in new
construction and remodels where you have access to the ceiling structure or where you can
access the joists through an attic. These are installed directly onto the ceiling joist via arms that
extend from the housing. The ceiling is then installed later. Remodel housings are designed to be
used when there is already a ceiling in place and little or no access to the ceiling joists. These
housings have clips that attach to the ceiling drywall.

When choosing recessed lighting, it’s important to know what size of housing will fit inside your
ceiling. The housing mounts between your ceiling joists, so if you don’t enough space for the
can, it won’t be recessed. The height and distance between the ceiling and the interior side of the
roof or the upper floor is called the plenum. The depth of the plenum determines what size of
housing you can install. Standard ceiling joists depths are typically 7 5/8 inches, 9 5/8 inches, or
11 5/8 inches. A standard residential recessed fixture is typically 7 1/2 inches deep, which means
it will fit most ceilings. However, shallow fixtures are available with housings that have a depth
of 5 inches or less. If you have a sloped ceiling, there are specially designed housings available
where one side of the housing is longer than the other to accommodate the slope. These resemble
a scoop shape and are sometimes called a shovel-cut can. To choose the right size of sloped
ceiling housing, you must know the pitch of the ceiling.