Replacement diffuser for recessed light?

9 years ago

Hi all, I've got a recessed ceiling light in my bathroom that has no cover/diffuser (what is the name for this piece?); when I moved in, it had a red heat bulb screwed in that was too large for a cover. I've since replaced that with a regular lightbulb, but want a diffuser/cover for it. Anybody know if these are sold individually? If not, is there something else I can rig? Trying to just slip something in there, rather than replace the entire unit. Please let me know, thanks in advance!

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kudzu9

9 years ago

There are different designs of cans: some are no-contact insulation, some aren't; some are for wet locations, some aren't; some allow or even require the bulb to be enclosed, some don't; some require high temperature wire near the housing, some don't; most should specify the type of bulb; and all of them should specify the maximum wattage. In addition different manufacturers construct their cans differently, and the purpose of Underwriter Laboratory testing is to insure that each design is safe under specified conditions. When you modify a can by using trim that holds in more heat, you're taking the risk that you're exceeding the original design parameters. Maybe it will be safe, maybe it won't. You're correct that many cans allow different designs of trim, including some with diffusers; but you should check with the manufacturer to see if that's true for a specific can. You can't just take any trim and attach it to any can and be sure that will be OK.

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Comments (7)

rwiegand
9 years ago
Chances are you won't find this as a separate part. Buy a new trim that includes the cover, a shower trim if it's in the shower.
Vith
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Sounds like it is for a shower, get a new trim baffle w/cover that is rated for that. Goal is to keep moisture out of this so it does not corrode the connections.
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kudzu9
9 years ago
It looks to me like that trim is not designed for a diffuser. It probably was intended to have a flood bulb which would be about the diameter of the opening. If you modify the light fixture by substituting a trim piece with a diffuser for the trim piece you have, you could cause heat buildup within the fixture, which could be a hazard.
rwiegand
9 years ago
As far as I know all recess cans are basically the same, and meant to be used with a wide variety of different trims, including those with diffusers. Are you suggesting there is a special kind of can to be used with diffuser trims?
carrienations
Original Author
9 years ago
This has been super educational. Thanks so much for the great info and suggestions, all!
rwiegand
9 years ago
Thanks, I had no idea there was such diversity. My supply house only stocks IC, non-IC and remodeler rough-in kits. I've never had an inspector look at or question what I was using for rough-ins, aside from IC vs not. Perhaps it's a regional thing?