Fluorescent Lighting in Recessed Ceilings

Selection Criteria

• The choice of fluorescent lighting for recessed ceilings depends on whether the lighting is for new construction or renovation. New construction ceilings that are open for electrical work allow access from above. New construction housings, also called high-hats or cans, are the appropriate electrical fittings to install. For finished ceilings, there are remodel housings available that install from under the ceiling. Thermal insulation is also a factor in the selection of recessed lights. An IC, or insulated ceiling, rating is a requirement for housings or recessed fixtures that come into contact with thermal insulation. For example, the home’s top floor is usually thermally-insulated. IC kits are available for other insulated areas. Areas that are not in direct contact with thermal insulation accommodate non-IC rated housings. Custom recessed lighting or recessed light kits in finishes like white baffle, black baffle, clear alzak, gold alzak, polished brass, cobalt blue and etched glass are among the selections available.

Function

• Websites like Lighting Fixtures and Ceiling Fans suggest function as the starting point in selecting the ideal fixtures to maximize certain recessed lighting effects. For instance, recessed lighting can create a serene effect that bathes the entire room in downlighting. Alternatively, wall washer lighting focuses attention on a specific wall that houses an art collection. Recessed lighting also skillfully spotlights a single, stunning sculpture or several pieces of art displayed throughout a room. Recessed lighting also provides task lighting for the bath, kitchen, bedroom dining room and home office.

Voltage

• Compact fluorescent housings offer choices in sizes between four and eight inches and in trims to match. Recessed lighting offers a choice between low voltage and line voltage. Low voltage is 12 volts while line voltage is 120 volts. A major attraction of low voltage is that it uses less energy, and saves on the cost of electricity. All it takes to switch to low voltage recessed lighting is a transformer that reduces the electric current from 120 volts to 12 volts. A further attraction of low-voltage recessed lighting is that it gracefully complements a centerpiece light fixture, like a chandelier or pendant, without overshadowing it.

Alternatives

• Conventionally, recessed fluorescent lighting complements offices and commercial buildings with grid ceilings and is available in a wide range of sizes and lamp and ballast combinations. Sheetrock or plaster ceilings accommodate flanged, recessed fluorescent lighting fixtures. Providing an alternative to standard recessed lighting are recessed, direct/indirect fluorescent lighting fixtures and recessed parabolic lighting fixtures that provide the additional advantages of less glare and greater operating efficiency. Most recessed fluorescent lighting fixtures include the option to purchase emergency battery packs.