Recessed lighting fixtures – lighting devices, the design of which provides for installation into the fencing or other building elements, behind the surface of which the electrical wires and cables are routed.
Design Features
The use of suspended and stretch ceilings, as well as PVC and fiberboard panels, plasterboard and other modern finishing materials used in finishing and design of facilities of various orientation, has led to greater use of recessed lighting for interior lighting of houses and apartments.
The design of lighting devices of this type consists of three main elements:
- body;
- light source (lamp);
- fixtures.
Fixture Body
The shape of the housing can be different: square, round, rectangular, etc., as well as in the form of a strip. The housing determines the external parameters of the device and its purpose.
The material used can also vary – it is plastic, metal and glass.
The housing is made in different degrees of protection against moisture and dust, which is reflected in the technical characteristics of the lighting fixture (degree of protection -IP20/IP44/IP54, etc.) and allows their use in wet areas (kitchen, bathroom, shower room, etc.).
In the body of the device is mounted socket, which serves to install the electric lamp, and on the outside – the diffuser (plafond). Some products are not equipped with a plafond.
Light Sources
Different models of such fixtures provide for the installation of different light sources, it can be:
- Incandescent light bulbs with a socket of various types.
- Fluorescent lamps, of different technical characteristics.
- Halogen, with different types of contact connection.
- LEDs (led lamps), with different types of socket.
The operating voltage to which the lamp is designed – 12/36/220 volts, determines the presence or absence of the converter in the design, which in turn affects the cost of the product.
Fastening Elements
Mounting elements of the lamps determine the way they are installed and fixed in the interior of the room and in the element of the structure where the installation is carried out.
This can be:
- hook, cross or bar, by which the light source is suspended from the ceiling;
- clips with springs for fixing the point light fixtures;
- elements of the framework of a suspended ceiling or other installation design.
Advantages and disadvantages of recessed luminaires
Each technical device is inherent certain advantages and disadvantages that determine its scope and ease of maintenance. This fully applies to lighting products, and to recessed luminaires.
Design advantages
The main advantages of the lights of this group, in comparison with other installation options, are:
- A wide range of models allows you to choose exactly the one that meets the requirements for it (design, construction, price, personal preferences).
- Simplicity of design elements and the implementation of installation.
- The possibility of using it for primary and supplementary lighting, zoning of space, as well as highlighting design elements.
- Can be installed both on the ceiling and on the surface of the wall or furniture, as well as other building structures (stairs, floor beam, balcony, etc.).
- Easy operation and maintenance.
Disadvantages
The disadvantages include the following indicators:
- After installation, it is impossible to move the device without performing additional construction and installation work (make new mounting holes).
- The use of lamps with incandescent lamps, which have significant geometric dimensions, leads to an increase in the distance between the ceiling and the ceiling (wall and cladding elements), which reduces the useful volume of the room.
- When using point light sources, to create the necessary illumination, requires a significant number of lighting fixtures.
- When installing it is necessary to consider the possibility of damage to the surface in which the installation (stretch ceiling, plastic and wood in the trim elements and furniture) in case of overheating or damage to the light sources during operation.
Types of Lights
By design and installation method, recessed luminaires are divided into several types: spot, pendant, linear and spotlights.
Spot
Spot – is a lighting device of small dimensions, installed inside the ceiling or other structures, and serving to create a narrow beam of light. The advantage of this design is that it combines body, mounting and design elements into a single whole.
Suspended
Pendant – involve mounting on the surface of the ceiling with a rigid mounting (hook, plate, etc.), then at the expense of the suspension their location is adjusted in relation to the surface of the ceiling.
This type of light fixtures are losing popularity among users because of restrictions on the place of use and low functionality.
Linear
Linear – these are, as a rule, lights with fluorescent lamps, installed in administrative and industrial premises. Mounting such devices can be different, it is: hangers, hooks, as well as elements of suspended ceilings and other supporting structures.
Cascading (spot)
Cascading (spot) – serve to illuminate and highlight certain areas of the house or room.
The design of a spot consists of a frame and swivel mechanism (mechanisms) on which are placed lamps with plafonds, which create a directional beam of light.
Spots can be mounted on the surface of the ceiling or wall, as well as other building structures and furniture elements.
What Wattage Do They Have?
If the design involves the installation of incandescent lamps, the power of such a light source will be from 15 to 60 watts – in the presence of a single chuck in the device.
In the case when the lamp is equipped with fluorescent lamps, its power will be from 18 to 160 watts, if one or four lamps are provided, respectively.
The power of spotlights can vary greatly, which is explained by the type of lamp installed – halogen or ice lamp, and in numerical terms range from 2 to 30 W, with one light source (lamp) installed.
Where Can Be Installed?
As already written above, the range of use of recessed luminaires is very extensive – from industrial workshops and administrative buildings to residential premises of various purposes, decorated in an individual style with the help of qualified designers.
The design of such devices of this type allows them to be installed in:
- suspended and stretch ceilings made in one or more levels;
- walls and partitions with sufficient thickness for their placement;
- various construction structures, elements of interior decor, as well as furniture.
Installation is carried out in the inner space of these elements. Cut-in installation method is used if the enclosing structure is made of wood, plasterboard and other board materials. When installed in suspended ceilings, the mounting points of the fixtures are determined at the design stage.
For Which Rooms are Most Suitable?
The design of the luminaire, which provides no visibility of the body, is well suited for small spaces: corridor or hallway, bathroom or bathroom.
Recessed spotlights look good in kitchens and rooms, when it is necessary to perform their zoning or to provide additional illumination, where it is necessary.