Latest Discussions : Electrical & Lighting

11:35AM | 03/06/04

Member Since: 05/29/02
46 lifetime posts

Can lights

I'm thinking about putting in can lights in a house that's about 60 years of age. The walls and ceiling are of stucco and the attic is filled with some kind of insulating material.

Question 1: What kind of bulbs are used in can lights? How much heat would these bulbs put out and would the heat present a potential fire hazard to the insulating material?

Quetion 2: Is it worth the expense of installing such lights in an old house? the lighting situation in the house leaves much to be desired.

ltngbolt

06:16PM | 03/10/04

Member Since: 02/24/04
22 lifetime posts

Hi,

There are cans made to be installed safely in insulated ceilings and rated as such. They are IC cans. They take a maximum wattage that is determined by the trim you choose, usually 75 watt max and could be an R40 or R30 or Par halogen bulbs 50 watt. You have to go by manufaturers recomendation.

As for is it worth the expense that is something you would have to decide. If laid out properly recessed cans can really make a room.

Here is some pictures if you'd like to get some ideas.

http://www.forteelectric.com/photos.html