Aesthetics and functionality are two crucial factors when choosing lighting for commercial projects or individual houses. Recessed lighting is getting popular in both residential and commercial spaces for its sleek design, energy efficiency, and ease of installation. One of the critical decisions when considering recessed lighting is whether to opt for can or canless fixtures.
In this article, we will delve into the key differences between the two, and the benefits and drawbacks of each option to help you make the ideal solution. Read on.
- Overview of Can Recessed Lighting
1.1 What is Can Recessed Light
Can recessed lighting is a type of lighting fixture installed in a hollow opening in the ceiling, offering focused and versatile illumination.
The term "can" refers to the cylindrical metal housing that holds the light source within the ceiling. This design allows the light to be flush with the ceiling, with only the trim or baffle visible on the ceiling surface, enhancing the space and visual aesthetics.
With a wide range of bulb options and trims, can recessed lighting offers customizable solutions that enhance both functionality and aesthetics. For energy efficiency, LED bulbs are recommended.
1.2 Pros of Can Recessed Lighting
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Replacing or upgrading Can light bulbs is a breeze - swap out the bulbs or trim as needed.
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Allowing choose a variety of bulbs, including incandescent, halogen, or LED. This flexibility offers more customization options in brightness, color temperature, and beam spread.
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Offering better protection for the bulb and wiring due to the metal canister, minimizing the risk of damage from physical impacts or environmental factors.
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The Can-shaped shell is designed to focus better and distribute light.
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Can light bulbs feature improved heat dissipation, which helps prevent overheating and extends the lifespan of the bulbs.
1.3 Cons of Can Recessed Lighting
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Requiring more extensive installation work may lead to high labor costs and longer installation times.
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Taking up more space within the ceiling cavity due to the housing, it needs to consider the location based on the structure of the space.
- Overview of Canless Recessed Lighting
2.1 What is Canless Recessed Lighting
Canless recessed lighting is an efficient alternative to traditional can recessed lighting. It doesn't come with a can or housing to hold the bulb in place, so it can be installed directly into the ceiling, providing a clean, modern look. For homeowners with old homes, it saves more space on the ceiling and for businesses, it can enhance the professional environment with minimal maintenance. Therefore, canless recessed lighting is cutting-edge lighting solutions that combine cost-effectiveness and high performance.
2.2 The Pros of Canless Recessed Lighting
Consumes less power by utilizing advanced LED technology, which helps to reduce operational costs. It is an eco-friendly option for businesses seeking sustainable solutions since it aligns with the green building requirements.
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Designed for direct installation into ceilings, cutting labor costs and project time.
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Long-term saving on energy, and easier maintenance with longer lifespan.
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The design of canless lights provides a modern aesthetic, enhancing the visual appeal of commercial interiors while ensuring even illumination.
2.3 The Cons of Canless Recessed Lighting
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Primarily using LED light sources, restricts the use of other options like fluorescent and incandescent bulbs.
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Requires replacing the entire fixture once the light source stops working, which may cost more than traditional can lighting in terms of replacements.
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Canless recessed lighting cannot adjust the direction of light, limiting its versatility in targeting specific areas or creating desired lighting effects.
- Canless VS. Can Recessed Lighting: Which is the Optimal for Your Need?
If you are still deciding between canless and can recessed lighting, we've compared them in five key aspects. By understanding these key differences, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your operational needs and design goals, a cost-effective and visually appealing lighting solution.
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Installation Time
If you want to save on installation time and labor costs, canless lighting would be the best choice. Canless lighting requires less ceiling space and fewer tools while can lighting requires more extensive wiring and precise cutting for the housing, making installation more complex and time-consuming.
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Energy Efficiency
Canless recessed lights are more energy-efficient as they feature LED technology with longer lifespans and lower power consumption. It makes canless lighting an optimal option for businesses or individuals aiming to reduce their carbon footprint.
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Maintenance
Canless lighting systems are often sealed, reducing dust accumulation and simplifying maintenance. Traditional can lighting involves multiple components like housing, trim, and bulb, which makes it easier to accumulate dust and requires more frequent maintenance.
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Aesthetic and Design Flexibility
Canless lighting provides a clean, modern look, making the space brighter and more spacious visually. Can lighting have a more prominent profile that might not suit minimalist design preferences and may not align with modern design trends?
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Cost
Can Lighting: Initially more affordable but can incur higher long-term costs due to installation, maintenance, and energy inefficiency.
Canless Lighting: Although the upfront cost may be higher, the savings on installation, energy, and maintenance make it a more cost-effective solution in the long run.
FAQ：Things About Can Lights and Canless Recessed Lights
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How to Install Canless Recessed Lighting?
After turning off the power to confirm the installation location, wear safety glasses and use a hole saw to drill a hole in the ceiling, then use a voltage tester on the wiring to verify that the wire you are using is not live. Feed the wire through the new hole and strip a few inches from the wire, taking care to snip the wire's jacket without damaging the wire. Connect electrical wires to the junction box with each fixture, taking the breakaway plug and inserting the connector to protect and secure the cables going into the box. Then use the color-coded quick connectors to make connections: white to white, black to black, and connect the bare ground wire to green. Close the junction box after the previous step and connect it through the hole in the ceiling to the attic space. Finally connect the junction box to the light fixture using small threaded connectors, with spring wings to snap the light into the ceiling.
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Are Canless Recessed Lights a Fire Hazard?
Lighting of any kind, if installed improperly or not to the IC rating, can overheat and cause a fire. Before installing lights, have a professional check your wiring and ensure it's suitable for canless recessed lighting. If you have a non-IC-rated device, make sure it doesn't come into contact with any insulators.
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What Is the Common Size for Can Recessed Lights?
The most common sizes are 4 inches to 7 inches. Recessed lighting is not as bright as standard lighting, so when determining the size you need, you need to consider the area you want to light, the height of your ceiling, and so on. For more detailed advice, please contact the LEDVANCE team for the best-recessed lighting solutions.
