Can I Use Led Bulbs In Recessed Lighting

When considering recessed lights pay attention to the type and size of bulb or lamp the fixture uses.

Can i use led bulbs in recessed lighting.

On average these light bulbs produce about 600 lumens. Using led lights in light fixtures is not fatal or lethal. Similar to fluorescents leds require a driver to regulate the voltage current flowing to the diode. In fact most remodel recessed lighting is now led type lighting because of the ease of installation as well as the energy efficiency.

It is not advisable because the main reason for choosing led lights over cfl or incandescent bulbs will be diluted. The performance of the light bulb. For this application i m a big fan of the halo recessed retrofit led downlight. These led marvels install easily and contribute to energy savings which can add up when you consider that most recessed lighting layouts in a home consist of multiple bulbs.

So use only in open luminaries i understand that to mean don t use with recessed light fixture that need lenses since your retrofits already have a lens or completely enclosed like in the shower light or maybe a covered porch light. Some recessed lights work with screw in bulbs while others use pin base bulbs. Scott caron a licensed master electrician and the owner of caron electric in lexington mass appears regularly on tv episodes of ask this old house. Halogen and led bulbs are the most common bulbs for recessed lights.

Most folks simply replace burnt out bulbs with what they pull out. So when looking for a led equivalent look for one that has a light output of 600 or more. Led bulbs that are plug and pin based can only be used in dedicated led fixtures that contain a driver. A light fixture can house more than one led light depending upon the structure and the design of the fixture.

By retrofit downlights i m assuming led downlights with the trim built in. Generally speaking screw base led bulbs will have a have built in driver and are designed to be used in any standard base recessed fixture. Others go to the local hardware store and just buy what looks right on the shelf. It only takes one person to screw in a light bulb usually.

So if you don t like how your new led light bulb looks or performs you can switch it out for a different one with minimal hassle. If you aren t familiar with light bulbs and all the different types it s hard to know where to start. Most recessed lights use a br30 65 watt light bulb. Choosing the correct light bulb for recessed can lighting can be a daunting task.

Depending on the size of your recessed can you can use led reflector lamps or a lamps. Plug and pin based led light bulbs require a dedicated led recessed fixture that has a driver.