Can lights vs Wafers

3 years ago

I’m remodeling. I am taking down walls which expose hallway lighting fixtures. In an effort to make the beginning of the hallways blend I was going to change these to can lights. Then I realized I would have to add more cans to replace the existing fixtures (with multiple lights)…wondering if anyone has replaced cans with wafers to assist in placement (not having to work around framing etc) and been unhappy.
I know I can always go back and patch or replace but I don’t want to pay for it twice.

Featured Answer

3onthetree

3 years ago

I'm not quite sure of your description - if you are taking down walls, where a once enclosed hallway is now part of a larger open space, then the hallway should not be so linearly defined - so the lighting across the whole open space should be re-addressed. The existing hall light locations probably do not fit that reconception of spaces.

As far as wafers, many DIYers are happy with them. It just depends on how far you have a bent towards design or proper lighting goals.

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Comments (7)

wdccruise
3 years ago
Halo SMD downlights can be attached to a ceiling electrical box, eliminating the need to remove the box from the ceiling. Other manufacturers (e.g., Juno "Slimform") make similar products in various sizes and finishes.
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PRO
Beth’s Design
Original Author
3 years ago
3onthetree This redefining of spaces is exactly the issue. How hard is it to take wiring for a wafer to a can is what I’m wondering. I can post a picture of what I’m looking at when I get home.
wdccruise
3 years ago
"How hard is it to take wiring for a wafer to a can...?"

The question is unclear. Do you mean, "How hard is it to add a wafer light to the ceiling and wire it to an existing recessed housing (aka "can")? It's going to depend on the type of housing (new construction vs remodel) and whether you have access to the housing from above (e.g., from an attic).
PRO
Beth’s Design
Original Author
3 years ago
Opposite…how hard is it to replace a wafer with a can instead.
3onthetree
3 years ago
A wafer light just clips to the drywall ceiling. A remodel can (Edison socket) just clips to the drywall ceiling. If a wafer light was used for placement under a floor/ceiling joist or MEP, then a can cannot replace at that exact spot.
wdccruise
3 years ago
"how hard is it to replace a wafer with a can instead."
1. Remove the wafer light from the ceiling by pulling down.
2. Measure the size of the hole in the ceiling and the height of the space above the ceiling, and check for obstructions above and around the hole.
3. Purchase a remodel housing the same size as the hole that's not too tall to fit. The housing will contain the bulb and trim, or integrated LED so be sure to buy the correct housing for he component(s) you'll install in it.
4. Pull the wafer light's electrical box out of the hole in the ceiling and detach the wires.
5. Wire the new housing.
6. Push the housing into the ceiling.
7. Install the lighting component(s) in the housing.