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recessed can lighting questions

3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago

Hello all;

I just bought a house built in 1973 and it came without any lighting fixtures. Apparently previous owner used floor lamps. I had recessed lights installed in my previous house and really loved them. Those recessed lights had a screw receptacle which would accept either E26 or BR30.

Now fast foreward to today, I am having the kitchen remodeled in my newly bought home mut every one of my remodelers want to install recessed lights with integrated (Non replacacle) LEDs. YES I know LEDs are supposed to last 50,000 hours. However I do a lot with home automation and would love to get a housing with easily obtainable and replacable bulbs.

One remodeler said the type with replacable bulbs is "old school" and outdated. Is this true or are they still used?

It seems when I search for recessed lighting housings, I only see the versions with non replacable/integrated bulbs. What is this type of housing called? What do I search for to find recessed housing that will accept a E26 or BR30 bulb? Thanks. Tim

Comments (4)

  • 3 years ago

    An "Edison socket" (the standard socket size in the U.S. for A19/BR/PAR shaped 'bulbs' is called E26) housing is not so much outdated, it's probably moreso that the general public buying from Home Depot is buying more integral LEDs, and electricians find some of them easier to install, and the stores are stocking them. I don't think there are any regulations about not selling Edison socket lumenaires, but some locales (like CA) have codes that require only integral LED (so Wago style clips insteads of screwing in a 'bulb').

    Integral LED lumenaires have not quite gotten to the same amount of offerings in lighting design that decades of Edison socket lighting has achieved, but I'm sure it's just a matter of time.

    If you would like to stick to Edison socket housings to be able to screw in a 'bulb,' just search for a "new construction housing" or "remodel housing" and buy the trim kit separate. At any time in the future, you can still go with a retrofit LED trim instead of screwing in LED 'bulbs.' For a BR30 that you'd like you need a 4" housing.

  • 3 years ago

    While integrated LED recessed lights have become more common in recent years, there are still plenty of options available for recessed lighting with replaceable bulbs. These types of fixtures are often called "retrofit" or "remodel" housings and are designed to be installed into an existing ceiling without the need for major modifications.

    Retrofit/remodel housings typically come with a standard screw base (E26) or a reflector (BR30) that can accept a range of different bulbs, including LED bulbs. These fixtures offer the flexibility to change the color temperature or brightness of the light as desired and make it easier to replace bulbs when they burn out or become outdated.

    If you're having trouble finding retrofit/remodel housings, try searching for "recessed lighting housings with replaceable bulbs" or "E26/BR30 compatible recessed lighting." You can also check with a local lighting supplier or electrician to see what options are available in your area.

    In addition, if you're interested in home automation, consider looking into smart LED bulbs that can be controlled through a smartphone app or voice assistant. These bulbs can often be dimmed and adjusted to different color temperatures, making them a versatile and convenient option for any home.

  • 3 years ago

    @Krista Deng I'm expecting you to return and edit all your posts to add a spam link.

    "Retrofit" has become the term designating an integral LED trim installed in an existing housing.

    "Remodel" housing is the type that can be installed without removal of ceiling finish.

    E26 is the size of screw base.

    BR30 is the size and shape of lamp (lamp is commonly called a "bulb").

    Housings and trim styles vary in the size and shape of lamp that fit properly, and are rated for it's use.

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    "One remodeler said the type with replacable bulbs is "old school" and outdated. Is this true or are they still used?"

    No, they are not "old school" and yes, they are still used.


    Ignore the comment above from @Krista Deng.


    "It seems when I search for recessed lighting housings, I only see the versions with non replacable/integrated bulbs."

    If you want recessed lighting with replaceable bulbs you need three things: housing, trim, and bulb. I recommend the following:


    Don't use BR30 bulbs. Those have the round lenses and look old. Don't use 6" housings; stick to 4". E26 is the bulb base, not the bulb shape or style.