Traditional Can Lights vs. Lotus Cans
Lighting is an item we always address in any project. The most common general lighting fixture style is a recessed can lights, but there have been some developments in what is available now with LED technology.
The earliest recessed lights were developed in the 1940s by Ivan Kirlin. A recessed light, also known as a downlight or pot light, is a light fixture that is installed into a hollow opening in a ceiling. When installed it appears to have light shining from a hole in the ceiling, concentrating the light in a downward direction as a broad floodlight or narrow spotlight. There are three parts to a traditional recessed lighting fixture: housing, trim and bulb. The trim is the visible portion of the light. It is the insert that is seen when looking up into the fixture, and also includes the thin lining around the edge of the light. The housing is the fixture itself that is installed inside the ceiling and contains the lamp holder. There are many different types of bulbs that can be inserted into recessed lighting fixtures, with the amount of heat generated by the bulb being a unique consideration. The main feature of the housing is designed to ensure that no flammable materials come into contact with the hot lighting fixture.
The traditional style recessed can fixture has been the most widely used but it has some drawbacks.
o Must be installed before sheetrock work is done or a large hole will need to be cut to get it into the ceiling.
o Must have adequate height in the ceiling for entire fixture to fit.
o Lighting layout must work around plumbing, ceiling joists and other items in the ceiling.
Another type of light fixture that is pretty new to the market is a Lotus light. They are thin and lightweight. Installations can be done from below, putting an end to crawling around in attics while doing top floor installations. Dropped ceiling installations need only 2 inches clearance, saving valuable ceiling height, compared to a whopping 6 to 12 inches drop ceiling spacing required with traditional recessed lighting cans. Lotus lights are approved for direct contact with insulation and wet locations, are air tight and can be installed in insulated and non-insulated ceilings. Here’s a few reasons why I really like the Lotus lights.
o The lighting layout is not compromised and can be arranged exactly as we want.
o Sheetrock patching is typically less in a remodel situation.
o LED lights last a very long time.
o You can add recessed lights in locations you previously had to have a hanging flush mount fixture.
o They are totally enclosed so no dust, bugs or cobwebs can collect.
If you are remodeling, building a new home or adding lights to your existing space, Lotus lights are a great option! Questions? Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com