LED Recessed Lighting & Downlights

What's the difference between can and canless recessed lighting?

Can recessed lighting uses a separate housing, trim, and bulb. Canless recessed lighting integrates the LED, driver, and trim into one sealed unit under 1 inch thick that mounts through the ceiling with no housing. Canless installs faster and blocks attic air leaks.

• Can system — separate housing, trim, and bulb — replaceable parts and more above-ceiling depth
• Canless unit — integrated LED, driver, and trim — slim profile, airtight seal, and faster install

What is a recessed retrofit downlight?

A recessed retrofit downlight replaces the bulb and trim inside an existing can. It threads into the old socket with an E26 screw-base adapter and clips into the housing, converting incandescent or CFL cans to LED in under five minutes with no new wiring.

What size recessed light do I need — 4-inch or 6-inch?

Aperture size sets coverage and spacing. 4-inch fixtures suit task, accent, and tight layouts like hallways and counters. 6-inch fixtures cover general ambient light in living rooms and kitchens. 2-inch and 3-inch apertures handle accent and trim-sensitive ceilings.

• 2–3 inch — accent, wall-wash, and minimalist ceilings
• 4 inch — task and accent zones, hallways, and kitchens
• 5–6 inch — general ambient light in living and commercial spaces

What's the difference between new-construction and remodel housings?

Housing type matches ceiling access. New-construction housings mount to joists before drywall, from above the ceiling. Remodel housings install through a cut hole in finished drywall and clip to it with spring tabs — no attic access required. Both accept the same trims.

What is IC-rated recessed lighting?

IC stands for insulation contact. An IC-rated fixture sits in direct contact with thermal insulation without a fire risk, because it limits surface temperature. Non-IC fixtures require a 3-inch clearance from insulation. Insulated ceilings and attics require IC-rated, often airtight (ICAT), housings.

How many recessed lights do I need, and how far apart?

Spacing follows ceiling height. Divide ceiling height by two for the gap between fixtures — an 8-foot ceiling spaces lights about 4 feet apart. Keep fixtures 2 to 3 feet from walls. A 12-by-12-foot room typically uses four to six 4-inch or 6-inch downlights.

Can recessed lights be installed in a shower or wet location?

Location listing controls where a fixture installs. Wet-location-rated downlights with a sealed lens install over showers, tubs, and exterior soffits. Damp-location fixtures suit covered porches and bathrooms outside the spray zone. Dry-location fixtures stay indoors, away from moisture.

Pairing recessed with other ceiling fixtures? Compare flat-panel options in LED Panels, run continuous illumination with Linear Lighting, or aim adjustable heads from Track & Accent Lighting. Housing-and-module systems also need a matched unit from LED Drivers & Power Supplies.