Recessed Lighting: Halogen Pot Lights

[limedragon]

Hello,

My dad is remodeling our basement family/rec room. The ceiling is 7.5 feet high and the room measures about 16 by 16 feet.

We are planning to replace the two old flourescent lights with recessed lighting. We're interested in the 50-watt halogen pot lights. However, we cannot figure out how many we need and how far they should be spaced. There will be two dimmer switches.

With the new lighting plan, the room should be well-lit without being overly bright or spotty.

If you need more information, let me know... otherwise thanks for the help!!

[kactuskid]

You should first decide what your room is going to be used for and where the placement of furniture or cabinets will be. This helps in knowing where you will need certain lighting types. There is General lighting which you are describing. But there should also be some accent or wall washers to accompient it.

I use the regular flood lights instead of the halogen. First off they're much cheaper and they don't get quite as hot. Also be aware that the size of bulb you want to use is limited by the trim pieces you pick out and not by the housing. If I were you I would install the 6" cans for General lighting and then use the 5" cans for accent lighting. Halo makes a wonderful recessed light and has many different trims available. You can buy them at Home Depot, though you may have to special order the 5". Halo has an online catelog, click on the lights your interested in and then go to the buyers guide to see the trims available. http://www.cooperlighting.com/search...ssed+Downlight

Be aware that a 15 amp circuit is rated for 1800 watts and a 20 amp circuit is rated for 2400 watts, so don't exceed these ratings with your bulbs. Also know that dimmer switches are great for all your lighting and should be used. Most dimmers are rated for 600 watts, though the more pricy ones do come in 1000 watts. If more than one device will be in the same electrical box as the dimmer, then the dimmer will be downrated as to the watts it's rated for. So if 2 dimmers are in the box together they'll both only be rated for 500 watts.

Here's a bunch of links that'll give you lots of details in planning your lighting needs.

http://www.cooperlighting.com/customers/homeowners/easy_selection_guide/step5.asp

http://www.sunlighting.net/info/general_recessed.htm

http://www.cooperlighting.com/solutions/residential/recessed/

http://www.elights.com/whiclamisbes.html

Install more lighting than you think you'll need, now's the time.
Ask back with any questions.

[kentlydee]

How about LED? It's economical.

[HayZee518]

posting is more than 6 years old. you really think anybody's gonna answer it?