Choose a Housing

Recessed Lighting Housings are designed for a wide range of ceiling conditions and light sources. Use the following information to select the proper housing and reflector trim for your project.

New Construction or Renovation
Install New construction housings in a new home or addition where the ceiling is open for electrical work, or where the ceiling is being replaced and there is access from above.
For existing ceilings, use the remodel housing that installs easily from below a finished ceiling.

Insulated or Non-Insulated Ceiling
Any housing that is in direct contact with thermal insulation must carry an IC (Insulated Ceiling) rating. This makes IC the choice for the ceiling on the top floor of the home, which is typically blanketed with thermal insulation. Where insulation is used in other areas, IC kits should be used as well. Non-IC rated housings can be used away from insulation, in the first floor, basement, and most commercial applications.

Aperture Size
Lightolier offers three recessed lighting aperture sizes:

3 ¾" - Ideal for accent and task lighting.

5" - Perfect for residential ceilings up to nine feet high.

Halo offers three recessed lighting aperture sizes:

6", 5" and 4"--has a ceiling opening equal in size to the housing with which it is used (e.g., a 6" ceiling opening is for use with a 6" housing).

Housings include sockets, transformers, and ballasts for a wide range of light sources. Use the Housing suitable for light source you want.

Incandescent -These Housings handle "A", "R" and "PAR" lamps in ordinary incandescent and halogen. Incandesescent is the best choice for general lighting, wall washing and accent lighting. Dimming is easy and economical.

Low Voltage - These housings include transformers for low voltage MR16 and PAR36 lamps. They permit precise aiming for accent lighting. Dimming requires low voltage dimmers.

Compact Fluorescent -These housings include ballasts for energy smart compact fluorescent lamps. They are an excellent choice for general lighting and wall washing when energy saving is an important consideration.