Have you ever stared at a ceiling, overwhelmed by the thought of installing recessed lighting? It can feel like a confusing maze of options!
Choosing the right recessed lighting housings is crucial. Getting it wrong means wasted money, potential safety hazards, or just plain ugly lighting. Many people struggle with figuring out the right size, type, and features for their homes. They often feel lost in a sea of technical specifications.
This post will help you navigate the world of recessed lighting housings. You’ll learn about different types of housings, what to look for when buying them, and how to choose the best ones for your project. We’ll even give you tips for a successful installation!
Finding the right recessed lighting housings can be challenging, but we’ve made it simple for you. Let’s dive in and illuminate the subject!
Our Top 5 Recessed Lighting Housings Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Recessed Lighting Housings Detailed Reviews
1. Sunco 24 Pack 4 Inch Recessed Lighting Housing Can Light New Construction Air Tight Steel Ceiling Can 120-277V Hard Wired TP24 Connector Easy Install IC Rated
Rating: 9.4/10
Need to update your home’s lighting? The Sunco 24 Pack 4 Inch Recessed Lighting Housings are a great option for new construction or renovations. These steel cans are airtight, easy to install, and come with a convenient TP24 connector. They’re also IC-rated, meaning you can install them directly against insulation, and UL listed for safety. This bulk pack offers significant savings for larger projects.
What We Like:
- The price is very competitive for a 24-pack.
- Installation is quick and easy thanks to the design and TP24 connector.
- They are airtight, preventing drafts and energy loss.
- The IC rating allows for flexible installation near insulation.
- The UL listing ensures safety and quality.
- Steel construction makes them durable.
What Could Be Improved:
- The included instructions could be clearer for beginners.
- Some users reported slight variations in the can’s dimensions.
- A wider variety of connector options would be helpful.
Overall, the Sunco 24 Pack Recessed Lighting Housings offer excellent value for the money. They are a solid choice for anyone tackling a large-scale lighting project. These lights are a worthwhile investment for your home improvement needs.
2. Sunco 24 Pack 6 Inch Recessed Lighting Housing Can Light New Construction Air Tight Ceiling Can 120-277V Hard Wired
Rating: 9.4/10
The Sunco 24-pack of 6-inch recessed lighting housings is a great option for new construction or remodeling projects. These lights are airtight, energy-efficient, and easy to install, making them a practical choice for DIYers and professionals alike. They’re compatible with a wide voltage range and meet important safety standards.
What We Like:
- Value for money: Getting 24 housings in one pack saves you money compared to buying individually.
- Easy installation: The TP24 connector simplifies wiring, making installation quick and straightforward.
- Safety features: The IC rating protects against overheating, and UL Title 24 compliance ensures it meets California’s energy efficiency standards. This is a big plus for many areas.
- Airtight design: This prevents drafts and improves energy efficiency in your home.
- Wide voltage compatibility: It works with 120-277V, making it suitable for various electrical systems.
What Could Be Improved:
- Packaging could be better: Some users reported damaged housings due to less-than-ideal packaging. More robust packaging would improve this.
- Instructions could be clearer: While generally easy to install, clearer instructions might benefit some users.
Overall, the Sunco 24-pack recessed lighting housings offer excellent value and ease of use. While minor improvements could be made to packaging and instructions, their performance and safety features make them a strong contender for your next lighting project. We highly recommend them for most homeowners and contractors.
3. TORCHSTAR 8 Pack 6 Inch Remodel Recessed Lighting Housing
Rating: 9.4/10
Need to upgrade your home lighting? The TORCHSTAR 8-pack of 6-inch remodel recessed lighting housings offers a simple solution. These shallow cans are easy to install, even for DIYers, and are designed to fit in tight spaces. They’re IC-rated, meaning you can install insulation directly against them, saving you time and effort. The pack includes everything you need for a quick and efficient lighting makeover.
What We Like:
- Easy Installation: These housings are designed for quick and simple installation, even for beginners.
- IC-Rated and Airtight: Allows for direct contact with insulation and prevents air leaks, improving energy efficiency.
- Damp Location Rated: Suitable for use in bathrooms and other damp areas.
- Great Value: Getting eight housings in one pack provides significant cost savings.
- Versatile: Compatible with many different types of 20-watt max LED bulbs.
- Safety Certified: ETL listed for safety and reliability.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Color Options: The housings are only available in white.
- Shallow Depth: While this is an advantage for some installations, it might limit bulb choices for those needing more space.
Overall, the TORCHSTAR 8-pack recessed lighting housings are a solid choice for anyone looking for an affordable and easy way to update their home’s lighting. They offer excellent value and features, making them a great option for DIY projects and professional installations alike. These housings are a worthwhile investment for a brighter and more energy-efficient home.
4. VOLISUN 24 Pack 6 inch Recessed Lighting
Rating: 9.2/10
The VOLISUN 24-pack of 6-inch recessed lights offers a budget-friendly way to upgrade your home’s lighting. These lights are easy to install and boast adjustable color temperatures, ranging from warm white to cool daylight. They’re dimmable, energy-efficient, and come with junction boxes for simpler wiring. Each light provides bright illumination, equivalent to a 120-watt incandescent bulb, but uses only 13 watts.
What We Like:
- Bright light output: These lights produce a strong 1080 lumens, making them ideal for various rooms.
- Adjustable color temperature: You can choose from five different color settings, to match your mood or décor.
- Easy installation: The canless design simplifies installation; you’ll get the job done quickly.
- Energy efficient: They use significantly less energy than traditional bulbs, saving you money on your electricity bill.
- Dimmable: Control the brightness to create the perfect ambiance.
- Value for money: Getting 24 lights in a pack is a great deal.
- ETL certified: This ensures the lights meet safety standards.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation might be tricky for beginners: While generally easy, some prior electrical experience might be helpful.
- Bulky packaging: The large box can be difficult to manage.
- Some users reported minor flickering: Though infrequent, this issue occurred in a few reviews.
Overall, the VOLISUN 24-pack recessed lights offer excellent value and performance for most homeowners. They are a great choice for a whole-house lighting upgrade. The minor drawbacks are outweighed by their affordability and convenience.
These lights are a smart buy for anyone looking for bright, versatile, and energy-saving illumination.
5. ASD 24 Pack New Construction Mounting Plate with Symmetric Round Hole – 3-4-6″ Flat Steel Rough-in Wafer Light Bracket
Rating: 8.8/10
This ASD 24-pack of mounting plates makes installing recessed lighting a breeze! These flat steel brackets are designed for new construction and work with 3″, 4″, and 6″ wafer-style LED lights. The symmetrical round hole ensures easy and accurate placement of your lights. This pack provides plenty of plates for any sized project.
What We Like:
- Easy Installation: The design simplifies the installation process. You’ll save time and effort.
- Versatile Sizing: It works with several common LED light sizes.
- Durable Material: The steel construction provides lasting strength and reliability.
- Value for Money: Getting 24 plates in one pack offers great value, especially for larger jobs.
- Clean Look: The flat design provides a sleek, finished appearance.
What Could Be Improved:
- Packaging: Improved packaging could prevent damage during shipping.
- Instructions: Clearer instructions would benefit less experienced installers.
Overall, this 24-pack of ASD mounting plates is a great option for anyone installing recessed lighting. The convenience and value make it a worthwhile investment. We highly recommend these for your next project!
Recessed Lighting Housings: A Buyer’s Guide
Recessed lighting is a popular choice for homes and businesses. It offers a clean, modern look and can be very energy efficient. But before you buy, understanding the different types of recessed lighting housings is important. This guide will help you choose the right ones for your needs.
Key Features to Consider
- Size and Shape: Recessed lights come in various sizes (measured in inches). Choose a size that fits your ceiling and the light bulb you plan to use. The shape is usually round or square.
- Insulation Contact (IC) Rating: This is super important! An IC-rated housing allows the fixture to be safely installed in contact with insulation. This is a fire safety feature.
- Air-Tight Rating (AT): An AT rating means the housing helps prevent air leaks, improving your home’s energy efficiency.
- Adjustability: Some housings allow you to tilt the light, letting you direct the light where you need it.
- Type of Mounting: Housings can be mounted using clips, screws, or a combination. Consider your ceiling type when choosing.
- Material: The housing material affects durability and cost. We’ll discuss materials below.
Important Materials
Recessed lighting housings are usually made of metal, often steel or aluminum. Steel tends to be more durable, while aluminum is lighter. Some housings use plastic, but these are usually less durable. The material directly impacts the housing’s longevity. The best material depends on your budget and needs.
Factors Affecting Quality
- Gauge of Metal: Thicker metal (lower gauge number) means a stronger, more durable housing. Thinner metal bends easier.
- Construction: Look for housings with sturdy construction and tight seams. Poorly constructed housings may be flimsy.
- Finish: A good quality finish will prevent rust and corrosion, extending the life of the housing. Powder coating is a common, durable finish.
- Brand Reputation: Choose reputable brands known for quality products. Read reviews before you buy.
- Warranty: A good warranty shows the manufacturer is confident in their product’s quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
Recessed lighting improves the look of any room. They’re easy to install, but some electrical knowledge is helpful. They’re great for general lighting, accent lighting, or task lighting. You can create different lighting moods by choosing different bulbs. They are used in kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, and offices. They provide focused light, which is perfect for reading or working.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is an IC-rated housing? A: An IC-rated housing is safe to use in contact with insulation. This is crucial for fire safety.
- Q: What is the difference between steel and aluminum housings? A: Steel is stronger and more durable, but aluminum is lighter.
- Q: How do I choose the right size housing? A: Measure the opening in your ceiling and choose a housing that fits. Also consider the size of the light bulb you’ll use.
- Q: Are adjustable housings worth it? A: Yes, if you want to control the direction of the light. They offer flexibility in lighting design.
- Q: Can I install recessed lighting myself? A: You can, but basic electrical knowledge is necessary. If unsure, hire an electrician.
- Q: How long do recessed lighting housings last? A: With proper installation and quality materials, they can last for many years.
- Q: What are the benefits of air-tight housings? A: They improve energy efficiency by preventing air leaks.
- Q: What type of bulbs work with recessed lighting? A: Many types work, including LED, CFL, and incandescent bulbs. LEDs are generally the most energy-efficient.
- Q: Are recessed lights difficult to maintain? A: No, they are generally easy to maintain. You may need to replace bulbs occasionally.
- Q: How do I know which brand to trust? A: Research brands online, read reviews, and look for warranties. Choose a reputable company.
In conclusion, every product comes with its own unique set of features and benefits, and its value ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. We hope this review has helped you gain a clear understanding of whether this product aligns with your expectations. Remember, making an informed choice ensures you get the best experience possible.
If you have any questions or thoughts about this product, feel free to share them in the comments section. Your feedback not only helps us but also assists fellow readers in making better decisions. Thank you for reading.