Can lights, also known as recessed lights, are a type of light fixture that is installed into a hollow opening, or "can," in the ceiling. The fixture is designed to be mounted into the ceiling so that the light bulb is recessed, or set back, into the ceiling, which can create a clean and streamlined look in a room.
Can lights are typically round or square in shape, and come in a variety of sizes and styles to fit different ceiling openings and room designs. They can be used for both functional and decorative purposes, and are commonly used to provide general lighting, accent lighting, or task lighting in a room.
One of the benefits of can lights is that they can be adjusted and directed to provide focused or wide-angle lighting as needed. They are also typically compatible with a variety of different light bulbs, including incandescent, LED, and fluorescent bulbs, which makes them a versatile choice for many different types of lighting applications.
Can lights are often used in homes, offices, and commercial settings, and are a popular choice for modern and minimalist interior design styles. They can be installed by a licensed electrician and can be used in combination with other types of light fixtures to create a layered and multi-functional lighting design in a space.
Why are they called Can Lights?
Can lights are called so because they are installed into a hollow opening or "can" in the ceiling. The can is typically made of metal or plastic and is designed to hold the light fixture in place and to provide a space for the electrical wiring and other components of the light fixture.
The term "can light" is used interchangeably with "recessed light" because the fixture is recessed or set back into the ceiling, which creates a streamlined and unobtrusive look in a room. This type of light fixture is popular in modern and minimalist interior design styles, where clean lines and a simple aesthetic are often preferred.
What is the History of Can Lights?
The history of can lights, also known as recessed lights, can be traced back to the mid-20th century, when they were first introduced as a new and innovative lighting solution. Prior to this, most lighting fixtures were surface-mounted, which meant that they were attached to the ceiling or wall and protruded out into the room.
The first recessed light fixtures were made of metal and were designed to be installed into a ceiling or wall opening, where they would be flush with the surface. These early fixtures were typically round or square in shape, and were designed to hold a light bulb and provide a space for the electrical wiring and other components.
Over time, recessed lights evolved to become more streamlined and efficient, with improved designs that made them easier to install and maintain. New materials, such as plastic and aluminium, were also introduced, which helped to make the fixtures lighter and more durable.
In the 1970s, the introduction of the halogen bulb led to a surge in the popularity of recessed lights, as the bright, focused light provided by these bulbs was ideal for use in these types of fixtures. The development of LED lighting technology in the 21st century has further expanded the versatility and functionality of recessed lights, as they can now be used with a wide range of LED bulbs that are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and highly customisable.
Today, recessed lights are a popular choice for many different types of lighting applications, from providing general lighting in a room to highlighting artwork or architectural features. They are commonly used in homes, offices, and commercial settings, and are available in a wide range of sizes, styles, and finishes to fit any interior design scheme.
Who Found the Can Lights?
The exact origins of can lights, or recessed lights, are difficult to trace, as the development of this type of lighting fixture was a gradual process that involved the contributions of many different designers, engineers, and manufacturers over the years.
How Can You Wire Can Lights?
Wiring can lights involves several steps that should be carried out with care to ensure safety and proper functioning of the lights. Here are the general steps for wiring can lights:
- Turn off the power supply: Before starting any electrical work, turn off the power supply at the circuit breaker to avoid electrical shock.
- Install the junction box: Install a junction box near the location where the can lights will be installed. The junction box will serve as a connection point for the wiring.
- Run the cable: Run the electrical cable from the power source to the junction box and then to each can light. Be sure to leave enough slack in the cable to make connections.
- Make connections: Strip the ends of the wires and make connections at each fixture. Connect the black wire to the black wire, the white wire to the white wire, and the ground wire to the ground wire.
- Connect the fixtures: Connect the fixture to the junction box using the mounting brackets provided. Then, connect the wires from the fixture to the wires from the cable.
- Test the lights: Turn the power back on and test the lights to make sure they are working properly.
What Does a Can Light Look Like?
The can light itself typically consists of three main parts: the housing, the trim, and the bulb. The housing is the metal or plastic container that holds the electrical components of the fixture and provides a space for the bulb. The trim is the visible part of the fixture that sits flush with the ceiling or wall and can be round, square, or rectangular in shape. The bulb is the light source that sits inside the fixture and provides the illumination.
Can lights come in a variety of sizes and styles to fit different ceiling openings and room designs. They can be used for both functional and decorative purposes, and are commonly used to provide general lighting, accent lighting, or task lighting in a room. They can also be adjusted and directed to provide focused or wide-angle lighting as needed. Overall, can lights have a sleek and modern look that can complement many different interior design styles.
Where are Can Lights used?
The following are some common places where can lights are used:
Homes: Can lights are a popular choice for residential lighting, as they can provide bright, even illumination without taking up valuable space in a room. They are often used in living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms to provide general lighting or to highlight architectural features or artwork.
Offices: Can lights are commonly used in commercial settings such as offices, where they can provide bright, efficient lighting that helps to improve productivity and focus. They are often installed in grid ceilings, where they can be easily adjusted and directed to provide the desired lighting effect.
Retail spaces: Can lights are also popular in retail settings, such as stores and showrooms, where they can be used to highlight merchandise and create a bright and inviting atmosphere. They are often installed in tracks or on adjustable fixtures, which allows them to be easily repositioned as needed.
Outdoor spaces: Can lights can be used to provide outdoor lighting in areas such as patios, decks, and walkways. Outdoor can lights are often designed to be weather-resistant and can provide a warm and inviting glow that enhances the ambiance of outdoor spaces.
Hospitality industry: Can lights are often used in hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality settings to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for guests. They can be used to provide general lighting in lobbies and hallways, or to highlight specific areas such as bars or dining areas.
What is the Difference Between Can Light And Recessed Lights?
Can lights and recessed lights are often used interchangeably to refer to the same type of lighting fixture, but technically there is a slight difference between the two terms.
A can light, as the name suggests, refers specifically to a lighting fixture that is installed in a hollow "can" or housing that is mounted into the ceiling or wall. The can light is set back into the ceiling so that the bulb is recessed and not visible from below, which creates a clean and streamlined look.
A recessed light, on the other hand, refers more broadly to any type of light fixture that is installed into a recessed opening in the ceiling or wall. This can include can lights, as well as other types of fixtures such as LED panels, and more.
In practice, the terms can light and recessed light are often used interchangeably, and both are commonly used to refer to the same type of lighting fixture. However, it's worth noting that not all recessed lights are necessarily can lights, as some fixtures may be mounted directly into the ceiling without a visible housing or can.
Are there different types of Can Lights?
Yes, there are different types of can lights, also known as recessed lights or pot lights. Some of the most common types include:
Traditional can lights: These are the most common type of recessed lights and are typically used for general lighting purposes. They have a simple design that consists of a round or square housing that's installed in the ceiling and a trim piece that covers the opening.
LED can lights: These lights use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) instead of traditional light bulbs. They are more energy-efficient and long-lasting than traditional can lights and are a popular choice for both residential and commercial applications. LED can lights provide energy-efficient and long-lasting illumination for various applications, including residential and commercial settings.
LED can lights come in different sizes and styles to fit different ceiling types, room sizes, and lighting needs. They can provide both task and ambient lighting and are commonly used in kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, hallways, and other areas where a clean and modern look is desired.
Some of the benefits of LED can lights include lower energy consumption, longer lifespan, lower heat output, and more colour options. They also do not contain hazardous materials like mercury, making them more environmentally friendly. LED can lights can be controlled with dimmer switches or smart home systems, allowing users to adjust the light level and colour temperature to suit their preferences and mood.
When selecting LED can lights, it is important to consider factors such as the size of the room, the ceiling height, the desired brightness level, and the colour temperature of the light. It is recommended to consult with a lighting professional or an electrician for advice on selecting and installing LED can lights.
Adjustable can lights: These lights have a movable trim that can be adjusted to direct the light where it's needed. This makes them a good choice for accent lighting or task lighting.
Decorative can lights: These lights come in a range of styles and designs and are often used for decorative purposes. They can add a touch of style to a room or highlight a specific area.
Retrofit can lights: These lights are designed to be installed in existing ceilings without the need for any additional wiring or construction. They are a good choice for homeowners who want to upgrade their lighting without the expense and hassle of a major renovation.
Sloped can lights: These lights are designed for use in sloped or angled ceilings. They have a housing that can be adjusted to accommodate the angle of the ceiling and a trim piece that sits flush with the surface.
What are the Types of Can Lights?
There are different types of can lights, also known as recessed lights or pot lights. Here are some of the most common types:
New Construction Can Lights: These are designed to be installed in new construction projects before the ceiling is installed. They have a housing that is mounted directly to the ceiling joists or framing members.
Remodel Can Lights: These are designed to be installed in existing ceilings without the need for any additional wiring or construction. They have a housing that can be inserted through a hole cut in the ceiling and are secured in place with clips.
Shallow Can Lights: These are designed for use in ceilings with limited space between the ceiling and the floor above. They have a shallower housing than standard can lights to accommodate these types of installations.
Air-Tight Can Lights: These are designed to prevent air leakage from conditioned spaces to unconditioned spaces through the ceiling. They have gaskets or foam seals around the housing to create an air-tight seal.
Baffle Can Lights: These have a ribbed interior design that helps to reduce glare and improve the overall appearance of the lighting. They are often used in residential applications.
Eyeball Can Lights: These have a movable trim that can be adjusted to direct the light where it's needed. They are a good choice for accent lighting or task lighting.
Wall Wash Can Lights: These are designed to direct light onto a vertical surface, such as a wall or artwork. They have a wider beam spread than traditional can lights to provide even illumination across the surface.
What Types of Bulbs Can You Use in Can lights?
Incandescent bulbs: These bulbs are the traditional, older style of light bulb. They work by heating a filament until it glows and emits light. They are not very energy-efficient, and have been largely phased out in favour of more efficient alternatives.
Halogen bulbs: These are a type of incandescent bulb that uses halogen gas to improve efficiency and lifespan. They are brighter and more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, but still not as efficient as newer technologies.
Compact Fluorescent (CFL) bulbs: These bulbs use a different technology than incandescent bulbs, which involves exciting gas molecules with an electrical charge to produce light. They are more efficient than incandescent bulbs and can last longer, but they also contain small amounts of mercury and require special disposal methods.
Light Emitting Diode (LED): These are the most energy-efficient and long-lasting type of bulb. They work by using a semiconductor to convert electrical energy into light. They are more expensive initially than other types of bulbs, but can save money over time due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan.
Are LED Lights Better than Can Lights?
LED lights can be used in can lights. However, LED lights do offer several advantages over traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs that are commonly used in can lights:
Energy efficiency: LED lights are highly energy-efficient, using up to 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs and up to 50% less energy than fluorescent bulbs. This can lead to significant savings on your electricity bill over time.
Long lifespan: LED lights last much longer than traditional bulbs, with some LED bulbs having a lifespan of up to 25,000 hours. This means you won't have to replace them as often, which can save you time and money.
Durability: LED lights are much more durable than traditional bulbs and can withstand more vibration, impact, and temperature changes. They are also less likely to break or shatter, which can be a safety concern in certain applications.
Versatility: LED lights come in a wide range of colours, temperatures, and brightness levels, allowing you to customise your lighting to suit your needs and preferences.
Environmentally friendly: LED lights do not contain harmful materials like mercury, which can be found in fluorescent bulbs. They also produce less heat, which can help reduce the amount of energy needed for air conditioning.
Are All Can Lights the Same Size?
There are different sizes of can lights available to accommodate different ceiling heights and room sizes. The most common sizes of can lights are 4 inches, 5 inches, and 6 inches in diameter, although there are also other sizes available.
When selecting a can light size, it's important to consider the size of the room and the ceiling height. For example, a larger room with a higher ceiling may require larger can lights to provide sufficient illumination. Similarly, a smaller room with a lower ceiling may benefit from smaller can lights to avoid overwhelming the space with too much light.
In addition to size, there are also different shapes and styles of can lights available, such as square or rectangular-shaped lights, as well as lights with different trim options to suit different decor styles. When choosing can lights, it's important to consider the overall design aesthetic of the space and select lights that will complement the existing decor.
