1

RECESSED

LIGHTING BUYING

GUIDE

A step-by-step guide to choose products and plan your kitchen

lighting design properly

Published by Yale Appliance + Lighting

22

Recessed lighting is often considered the main task and accent lighting for a room.

Following are some terms and illustrations to provide insight into the industry, and make it easier to converse intelligently with

electricians, contractors, designers and other trades people.

Recessed lighting is separated into two pieces, the trim and the can.

The can is the electrical piece that sits in the ceiling and the trim is the decorative part that is actually visible.

R e c e s s e d L i g h t i n g

Overview

Photo credit: Kenwood Builders via Houzz

33R e c e s s e d L i g h t i n g

Overview

Photo credit: Creative Design Construction, Inc. via Houzz

The 4 Elements of Lighting

4

LED:

Effective LED output has doubled from just 2014 to 2,000

lumens from just a 3 inch aperture.

A 24 watt LED is now roughly equivalent to a 160 watt bulb.

Small is the new Large:

In 1970, the standard aperture was 6 inch. In 1990, the

standard was reduced to 5, then 4 inch.

Now you can buy a 1 inch LED aperture with better output

then a 5 inch incandescent. Smaller is better, because it is less

noticeable in your ceiling.

R e c e s s e d L i g h t i n g

What’s New

Photo credit: AMI Designs via Houzz

Recommended Read:

Best New LED

Recessed Lights

Watch Video:

Best New LED

Recessed 1” and 3”

Lights

5

TermsCommon terms you will hear while

shopping for recessed lighting

How to BuyHow to plan your project and

what to prioritize

R e c e s s e d L i g h t i n g

Table of ContentsClick the circles to move between sections

6

About YaleProud to be family owned

and operated since 1923

7

TERMSCommon terms you will hear while shopping for recessed

lighting

Photo credit: Conestoga Valley Custom Kitchens Inc./

Houzz

8T e r m s

New Work vs. Old Work

New Work vs. Old Work: Industry terms meaning if your ceiling is open or closed. The composition of the can changes

depending on the installation. New Work / “Open” ceiling housings are simply bolted to the ceiling studs from the top. They are

often more square in shape. For “Old Work / Closed” ceilings, a hole is drilled and the can is simply placed through.

VS

9T e r m s

IC vs. Non-IC

IC-Rated vs. Non-IC Rated: Simply, some housings are designed to be in direct contact with

insulation (IC-Rated) and some are not (Non-IC Rated) typically white.

The cost difference is minimal and the IC-rated can does not allow air to infiltrate through the

ceiling, thus making it more energy efficient.

10

Diameter:

The size of the trim and housing can vary from 1” to 6”

in diameter.

With the advent of more powerful LED, you do not

need a larger diameter. For new construction, 1-4

would be appropriate.

Proper sizing relates to the height of the ceiling.

Normal ceilings, or those of about 8’ or 9’, can use 4”

or 5” trims and housings.

A 6” recessed light would be inappropriately sized for

normal ceiling height.

T e r m s

Diameter

Photo credit: Bunker Workshop via Houzz

Watch Video:

Best New LED

Recessed 1” and 3”

Lights

11

Trims can come in a variety of styles and finishes to

complete the application of your project. We discuss

common styles of trims on the following pages.

T e r m s

Trims

Photo credit: Yale Appliance

12

Angled or sloped ceilings require a specialized

housing.

T e r m s

Ceiling Slope

Photo credit: Avante Interiors via Houzz

13

The standard trim for most applications, which

features a louvered (or horizontally lined) metal.

These are most commonly available in white, but are

also available in other finishes as well.

T e r m s

Baffle

Photo credit: Houzz

14

The eyeball trim protrudes slightly from the ceiling

trim and is best used for accenting a wall (or “wall-

washing”) by angling the “eye.”

There are more updated versions of the eyeball, such

as the gimbal ring, the regressed eyeball, and the

adjustable scoop.

Eyeballs are frequently used to shine walls and accent

other objects.

Eyeballs of all forms including regressed eyeballs and

scoops should be removed from your plan.

Look for a trim with adjustable bulb sockets. Some trims

can adjust as much as 35% within the trim.

T e r m s

Eyeball

Photo credit: Houzz

15T e r m s

Cone vs. Pin Hole

Cone:

This is also called a “multiplier,” it is

anodized and more reflective than the baffle.

Pin Hole:

Accent trim allows less but more

Focused light. There are a variety of

trims which accent depending on the application.

VS

Photo credit: Houzz

16For more information on the difference in watts, lumens, and energy savings, check out the chart below:

Yale Appliance + Lighting

17T e r m s

KelvinScale

Kelvin Scale is a color rating scale for bulbs.

Sunlight and fluorescent are rated at 5000

degrees Kelvin. This is a harsh light and not

good for the kitchen and bathroom.

Incandescent is considered good at 2500

degrees and is very flattering, “yellow” light.

Look for a bulb around 2500-3000 Kelvin for

best effects.

18

Halogen is the most versatile bulb for recessed. It is

available in smaller sizes for 3” and 4” sized recessed

trims and housings.

Halogen is a whiter light than regular incandescent

and a cheaper option than low-voltage. Halogen for

recessed is typically 120V, or line-voltage.

The most commonly used version of the PAR type

bulb halogen is the GU10 MR-16.

T e r m s

Halogen

Photo credit: Ward-Young Architecture & Planning via Houzz

19

LED Light Bulbs are considered the “bulb of the

future” due to their longevity (15-25 years) and their

efficiency (up to 10 times more efficient than

incandescent). There are a couple different ways to use

LED bulbs in a recessed application.

LED Retrofit: There are LED replacement/retrofit

housings for some sizes by Nora. These are available

for 5” and 6” housings. Basically the retrofit kit plugs in

to the existing housing, enabling the customer to use

LED dependant trims.

LED Dependent: LED dependent recessed housings

are just that- they can only use LED bulbs. They

require a special trim and housing. They are often

available in different Kelvin units and usually include

the light bulb.

T e r m s

LED

Photo credit: Bulhon Design Associates via Houzz

20

LED Bulbs: Interested in LED but don’t want to

completely commit? Try replacing your incandescent

bulb with an LED bulb. The LED bulb has evolved to

include a base that fits into regular sockets and can

dissipate heat better through the back fins. This is

often the easiest and most cost-effective solution

to purchase. Also, most sizes are currently available,

so it is easy to retrofit existing fixtures.

It’s easy to upgrade almost any unit with an LED

bulb.

T e r m s

LED (cont.)

Photo credit: Bulhon Design Associates via Houzz

21

When comparing LED housings to low-voltage

housings, there a few factors to consider.

Low-voltage housings include a transformer within

the fixture, which converts the 120V line voltage down

to 12V. Low-voltage bulbs cast a whiter light than

regular incandescent bulbs, and illuminate counters,

tile, and cabinets better. However, low-voltage bulbs

are still considered incandescent. They will heat to 300

degrees and have a life-span of about 7 months. Low-

voltage housings are around $50.

LED housings include an LED driver within the fixture,

which similarly to low-voltage, bring the voltage down

so the LED bulb will work. However, an 11W LED bulb

will emit more light than a 50W low-voltage bulb.

Additionally, the LED bulbs are cooler than low-

voltage. The color renderings are improving, meaning

the LED bulbs look closer to the same light that

incandescent put out. LED light bulbs last a lot longer

than low-voltage, averaging about 20 years. LED

dependant housings start around $90.

T e r m s

LED and Low-Voltage

Photo credit: 186 Lighting Design Group via Houzz

22

How to BuyHow to choose the right products for your home or

project

Photo credit: Charlie Allen Renovations / Houzz

23

First, stick with a smaller can of 4 to 5 inches on a

normal ceiling. I like the baffle for kitchen and gimbal

rings for accent a wall.

In terms of bulbs, LED is the best and has a current

payback of 2-3 years, and it is only improving.

It’s time to consider LED for efficiency, longevity and

yearly annual savings.

I love the new 1-3 inch for the best look in your

ceiling. 4 inches offer less lumens but are more cost

effective.

R e c e s s e d L i g h t i n g

How to Buy

Photo credit: Candlelight Homes via Houzz

24

It really depends on the room, ceiling height and

objects to be illuminated.

In a kitchen, we recommend placing lighting by the

refrigerator and sink, because they are a high traffic

areas.

Placement of the recessed lights between the cabinets

and counters is better for illuminating both.

Never place a light source behind you to prevent

shadowing. Roughly space recessed 4-5 feet apart.

H o w t o B u y

How to Apply

Photo credit: NKBA Puget Sound via Houzz

25

For bedrooms and baths, you want to focus and cross

illuminate certain key points like the mirrors and bed.

H o w t o B u y

How to Apply

Photo credit: Jason Dallas Design via Houzz

Recommended Read;

How to Light a

Bathroom with

Recessed Lighting

Recommended Read:

How to Use Recessed

Lighting for Wall

Washing or Accenting

Recommended Read:

Best Recessed

Lighting for Wet

Locations

26

Buy where you’re comfortable

There are tons of stores and products, but a limited

number of consumers. Check review sites like Yelp,

CitySearch, Google and the Better Business Bureau

before you purchase.

Remember, any store can sell an appliance; the biggest

issues are shipping and service.

B u y i n g S t r a t e g i e s

Wisdom of Crowds

27E x c l u s i v e O f f e r

Appliance Delivery Checklist

Our free checklist will help you avoid a delivery nightmare. At the

end, you will know what to ask from your local, national, or box

store appliance dealer.

Delivery is one of the biggest causes for your dissatisfaction.

You need to be prepared.

In the Delivery Checklist you’ll learn:

• How to choose a dealer with a first class delivery experience

• Which questions to ask to spot a quality delivery team

• The importance of online reviews to help your appliance

search

Get the Free

Appliance Delivery

Checklist

28

ABOUT USProud to be family owned and operated since 1923.

Photo credit: Coupard Architects and Builders / Houzz

29

Sales

Browse our two

15,000 sq. ft.

showrooms guided

by our sales staff

with 269 years of

combined

experience

Delivery

We bring the

products right into

your home, not just

to the curb. Every

delivery includes

removal of the old

appliance

Install

Our professional

install team can hook

up your new

dishwasher or re-

configure your

cabinets to accept a

new wall oven

Repair

20 service techs on

the road every day

backed by our Yale

Warranty. Service is

the largest

department at Yale

A b o u t U s

The Yale Difference

30

Yale has been based in Boston for over 90 years and operates two showrooms; in Boston and Framingham. We operate the largest

independent service and repair department in New England with 50 people and 21 service technicians. Our sales staff has an

average of 7 years experience, and our staff chef can help you learn to use your new appliances.

Family owned and operated since 1923. Now with two

locations.

Since 1923

R e c e s s e d L i g h t i n g

About Us

31

VISIT OUR STORESNow you can schedule a free, private showroom visit to go over the needs of your project.

Choose a time that works for your schedule to visit our Boston or Framingham, MA showrooms.

Schedule a Showroom

Appointment

3232

Showrooms

Boston

296 Freeport St

Framingham

215 Worcester Rd

Contact Us

617-825-9253

help@yaleappliance.com

yaleappliance.com

Social Media

Facebook.com/YaleApplianceLighting

Twitter.com/MyYale

YouTube.com/yaleappliance

R e c e s s e d L i g h t i n g

Contact Us